1 John 2:13 kjv

I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

1 John 2:13 nkjv

I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father.

1 John 2:13 niv

I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.

1 John 2:13 esv

I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father.

1 John 2:13 nlt

I am writing to you who are mature in the faith
because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I am writing to you who are young in the faith
because you have won your battle with the evil one.

1 John 2 verses

1 John 2 13 Meaning

First John 2:13 reveals the Apostle John’s compassionate and intentional address to believers categorized by their spiritual maturity, not solely their chronological age. He writes to "little children," affirming their established forgiveness through Christ's name. He writes to "fathers," acknowledging their deep, experiential knowledge of the eternal Christ. And he writes to "young men," commending their victory over the spiritual adversary, the evil one. This tri-fold address assures believers of foundational truths in their walk with God, providing both comfort and an affirmation of their spiritual reality.

1 John 2 13 Context

First John is an epistle penned by the Apostle John, likely addressing Christian communities in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) towards the end of the first century. The letter aims to confirm the truth of the Gospel, foster fellowship with God and with one another, combat emerging heresies (often proto-Gnostic in nature, denying Christ's full humanity or promoting special, elitist knowledge), and provide assurance of salvation to true believers.

Within Chapter 2, John transitions from affirming the availability of forgiveness (1 Jn 1:9-2:2) to defining true Christian living. He explains that knowing God means keeping His commandments (1 Jn 2:3-6) and loving one's brother (1 Jn 2:7-11). Verse 13, and its continuation in verse 14, then uses a specific literary device: addressing three groups—"little children," "fathers," and "young men." This section provides distinct encouragements and affirmations tailored to perceived stages of spiritual growth or maturity within the Christian community. John contrasts the temporary nature of "the world" (v. 15-17) with the enduring spiritual realities presented to these groups, reinforcing the call to follow Christ and not fall prey to false teachings. The context underscores John's pastoral heart and his desire for believers to live with assurance, maturity, and spiritual victory.

1 John 2 13 Word analysis

• I am writing (Greek: γράφω - graphō): The present tense indicates an ongoing activity, not a past action. It implies John is continually engaged in providing instruction and reassurance through this letter, emphasizing his enduring concern and active role as an apostle. This reinforces the living, relevant nature of his message.
• to you, little children (Greek: τεκνία - teknia): This is an endearing and affectionate term, reflecting John's pastoral heart. It signifies a tender, familial relationship. Spiritually, it typically refers to new converts or those at an early stage of faith, characterized by dependence on God's grace and an initial experience of salvation. It differs slightly from παιδία (paidia), which sometimes denotes actual young children.
• because your sins are forgiven (Greek: ἀφέωνται - apheōntai from ἀφίημι - aphiēmi, to send away, dismiss, pardon): The verb is in the perfect passive indicative. This tense signifies a completed action with lasting, ongoing results. Their forgiveness is a past, definitive work that continues to hold true; it is not a state they need to continually achieve but a secure, accomplished reality for them.
• for his name’s sake (Greek: διὰ τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ - dia to onoma autou): "Name" here represents the entire person, authority, character, and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Forgiveness is granted not based on human merit or works, but solely on the basis of who Christ is and what He accomplished through His life, death, and resurrection. This highlights divine grace as the sole foundation of pardon.
• I am writing to you, fathers (Greek: πατέρες - pateres): This refers to spiritually mature believers who have deep experience in their faith. They represent the stability, wisdom, and seasoned understanding within the community.
• because you know him who is from the beginning (Greek: ἐγνώκατε τὸν ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς - egnōkate ton ap’ archēs):
  • know (Greek: ἐγνώκατε - egnōkate from γινώσκω - ginōskō): Perfect active indicative. It implies an intimate, experiential knowledge that has been acquired and continues to deepen. It’s not merely intellectual apprehension (οἶδα - oida) but a relational, transformative knowing.
  • him who is from the beginning (Greek: τὸν ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς - ton ap’ archēs): This clearly refers to Jesus Christ. It emphasizes His eternal pre-existence, His divine nature, and His role as the eternal Word (cf. Jn 1:1, 1 Jn 1:1). Mature believers grasp the profound truth of Christ's eternality and deity, which anchors their faith.
• I am writing to you, young men (Greek: νεανίσκοι - neaniskoi): This refers to believers who are spiritually strong, active, and energetic. They are past the initial stages of conversion and are engaged in the dynamic work of faith, particularly spiritual battle.
• because you have overcome (Greek: νενικήκατε - nenikēkate from νικάω - nikaō, to conquer, be victorious): Perfect active indicative. Similar to "forgiven," this perfect tense indicates a completed, decisive victory with ongoing effects. The battle has been waged and won, resulting in an abiding state of triumph.
• the evil one (Greek: τὸν πονηρόν - ton ponēron): The definite article specifies Satan, the adversary of God and humanity. The victory of the "young men" is specifically over the forces of evil led by Satan, not just over general sinfulness or worldly temptations. This underscores the reality of spiritual warfare.

1 John 2 13 Bonus section

This verse subtly showcases the holistic nature of Christian life. It acknowledges the past (forgiveness of sins), the present reality (knowing the eternal Christ experientially), and the ongoing battle (overcoming the evil one). Each segment reflects an aspect of salvation and discipleship that spans a believer's journey. John uses these affirmations to foster confidence and assurance among his readers, counteracting any doubt sown by false teachers regarding their standing with God or their spiritual strength. The consistent use of the perfect tense ("forgiven," "know," "overcome") strongly conveys a secure and permanent status in Christ for each group. It speaks of what God has done for them and what they have in Him, providing solid ground for their faith regardless of their developmental stage. The underlying message is one of divine provision and completed work through Christ for every believer.

1 John 2 13 Commentary

First John 2:13 is a pivotal verse, revealing John's tender pastoral care and profound theological insights by addressing three spiritual categories: little children, fathers, and young men. This division is likely not based on physical age, but on the level of spiritual maturity and experience. To the "little children," typically new converts, John provides foundational assurance: their sins are already perfectly forgiven. This forgiveness, a settled fact in the past with continuous effect, is solely "for his name’s sake"—a powerful emphasis on God's grace and Christ's finished work, entirely independent of human merit.

The "fathers," representing the most spiritually mature, are affirmed for their deep, experiential knowledge of "him who is from the beginning"—the eternal, pre-existent Christ. Their prolonged walk with God has granted them profound insight into Christ's divine nature and central place in salvation history, fostering stability and wisdom in their faith.

The "young men," who possess spiritual vigor and strength, are commended because "you have overcome the evil one." This victory, again expressed in the perfect tense, is a decisive conquest over Satan, the prime adversary. This reflects their active engagement in spiritual warfare and the power of Christ working through them. It is not their own strength, but Christ's power within them (1 Jn 4:4) that secures this victory, enabling them to stand firm against temptation and false teaching.

This verse simultaneously validates each stage of Christian experience and subtly urges progress towards spiritual maturity. It speaks of security for the novice, depth for the mature, and power for the engaged believer, creating a picture of a unified body with diverse strengths, all founded on the reality of Christ. For instance, new believers can rest in their forgiveness, confident that their past is settled in Christ. Mature believers can find their purpose in sharing the profound wisdom of Christ they've accumulated. Those in active ministry can be encouraged that their struggles against spiritual darkness lead to real, Christ-granted victories.