1 John 2:12 kjv

I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

1 John 2:12 nkjv

I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake.

1 John 2:12 niv

I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.

1 John 2:12 esv

I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake.

1 John 2:12 nlt

I am writing to you who are God's children
because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus.

1 John 2 verses

1 John 2 12 Meaning

The Apostle John declares to all believers that their sins have been fully and definitively forgiven. This profound forgiveness is a present reality, grounded entirely and exclusively in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It serves as a fundamental assurance of their standing with God, forming the very basis of their spiritual life.

1 John 2 12 Context

This verse initiates a significant section of 1 John (2:12-14) where the Apostle John articulates the core reasons for writing his epistle. Following general exhortations regarding sin, obedience, and love (1 Jn 1:5-2:11), John now explicitly states what he intends his readers to understand. He categorizes his audience into "little children," "fathers," and "young men," addressing each group with a specific declaration. Verse 12 uses the general term "little children" (τεκνία, teknia), which is frequently employed by John as a term of endearment for all believers in his letter, encompassing every spiritual stage. The foundational truth in this verse—that sins are forgiven through Christ—is a prerequisite for understanding the subsequent statements to "fathers" and "young men." This initial assurance directly counters any false teaching that might deny the reality of sin or the necessity of atonement, a common Gnostic-like sentiment present among the adversaries.

1 John 2 12 Word analysis

• I am writing: John’s direct declaration of authorship and purpose. This underscores the intentionality and authority behind his message, serving to provide his readers with assurance and a firm foundation in their faith, aligning with his stated aim in 1 Jn 1:4 and 1 Jn 5:13.

• to you: A comprehensive address to his entire readership, setting the stage before he further categorizes them in the subsequent verses.

• little children (Greek: τεκνία, teknia): A tender and affectionate term used frequently by John throughout this epistle (e.g., 1 Jn 2:1, 2:18, 3:7). It is a diminutive of teknon (child) and conveys spiritual intimacy and the dependent relationship believers have with God as their Father. In this immediate context (v. 12-14), while "little children" is also used to distinguish the spiritually newest believers, here in v. 12, it encompasses all Christians, from the least mature to the most, as this truth of forgiveness applies universally.

• because (Greek: ὅτι, hoti): Introduces the reason or basis for John’s declaration. It indicates a causal link between the writing and the truth stated.

• your sins (Greek: αἱ ἁμαρτίαι ὑμῶν, hai hamartiai hymōn): The plural noun hamartiai signifies specific acts of transgression and wrongdoing, as opposed to a general state of sin. This directly confronts the false teaching that asserted Christians could have no sin (1 Jn 1:8, 1 Jn 1:10), firmly reminding them of the reality and multiplicity of human failure.

• are forgiven (Greek: ἀφίενται, aphietai): This is a passive verb, implying that the action is done by an external agent (God). The present tense emphasizes a continuing reality or a completed act with enduring results. The Greek verb aphiemi means "to send away, let go, dismiss, pardon, release." Thus, "are forgiven" signifies a complete remission, removal, and pardon of sins, indicating a settled and absolute state of absolution for believers.

• for His name’s sake (Greek: διὰ τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, dia to onoma autou): The preposition dia with the accusative here means "by means of" or "on account of." "Name" (ὄνομα, onoma) in biblical theology often encapsulates the full person, character, authority, and saving work of God or Christ. Therefore, "for His name’s sake" means that the forgiveness is solely based on Jesus Christ’s person and accomplished work, specifically His atoning death and resurrection, not on human merit, works, or rituals. It highlights divine grace and Christ’s supreme sufficiency as the only ground for salvation and forgiveness.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "I am writing to you, little children": This phrase establishes a direct, intimate, and pastoral tone. John, as a spiritual father figure, addresses his flock with affection and authority, signifying that the foundational truth about to be stated is for the benefit and assurance of all within the spiritual family.
  • "because your sins are forgiven you": This forms the core declarative statement of the verse. It asserts a spiritual reality that has already occurred for the readers. The passive voice ("are forgiven") emphasizes that this is God’s action on their behalf, underscoring grace. The definitive nature of "are forgiven" combats any uncertainty or legalistic burden related to past or ongoing sin.
  • "for His name’s sake": This crucial phrase reveals the sole and divine ground for the forgiveness just declared. It clarifies that this radical absolution is not earned but is a result of the infinite value and efficacy of Jesus Christ's identity, His atoning sacrifice, and His finished work. It channels all glory and basis for forgiveness to Christ alone.

1 John 2 12 Bonus section

The immediate placement of this verse, even before distinguishing between fathers and young men, is highly significant. By declaring the universal truth of forgiveness through Christ’s name to "little children" first (a general designation here), John lays the bedrock of Christian experience for everyone. No matter their spiritual maturity, all believers share this fundamental reality. This declaration serves as an foundational statement of their secure standing in Christ. This forgiveness provides the freedom and confidence necessary to mature in faith, engaging in the battles (as "young men" do against the evil one) and abiding in deep knowledge (as "fathers" do). The passage assures them that their relationship with God is not predicated on their own fluctuating spiritual performance, but on the unchangeable and complete work of Jesus Christ. It functions as an answer to both spiritual immaturity (worry over forgiveness) and deceptive pride (claiming no sin).

1 John 2 12 Commentary

First John 2:12 encapsulates a fundamental truth essential for the believer's assurance: the objective reality of divine forgiveness. John reassures his entire readership, addressing them collectively as "little children" due to his paternal affection and their spiritual dependence. He states clearly that the very reason for his letter's contents is this established fact: their sins have been completely remitted. This forgiveness is not conditional on their perfection, nor is it based on any human effort or achievement. Instead, it rests solely on "His name"—meaning the Person, character, and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, particularly His atoning sacrifice on the cross. This verse counters prevailing Gnostic heresies that denied the severity of sin or the necessity of Christ's physical suffering, grounding the Christian experience in Christ’s completed work and God's active, gracious pardon. It grants an unshakeable sense of security, emphasizing that once sins are forgiven through Christ, they are truly put away.

• Example for practical usage: For someone wrestling with overwhelming guilt from past failures, this verse offers the powerful assurance that if they are in Christ, those sins are genuinely, utterly, and perpetually forgiven by God because of what Jesus did, not anything they did or could do. It's a truth for rest, not striving.