1 John 2:27 kjv

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

1 John 2:27 nkjv

But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

1 John 2:27 niv

As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit?just as it has taught you, remain in him.

1 John 2:27 esv

But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie ? just as it has taught you, abide in him.

1 John 2:27 nlt

But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don't need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true ? it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.

1 John 2 verses

1 John 2 27 Meaning

This verse assures believers that they possess a divine anointing, which is the Holy Spirit, received from God. This internal anointing permanently resides within them, enabling them to understand spiritual truth, discerning it from deception, so that they do not depend on any human teacher for essential spiritual knowledge. The anointing itself, being truth and without falsehood, continually instructs them, empowering them to remain steadfastly united with Christ.

1 John 2 27 Context

First John chapter 2 is a multifaceted address to believers concerning their walk in Christ. The immediate context of verse 27 begins with John's warning against "antichrists" in verses 18-26. These were false teachers, likely Gnostic precursors, who denied the true incarnation of Jesus (that He came in the flesh), attempting to lead believers astray. John reminds his readers of the original message and commands them to remain steadfast in the truth. Verse 27, therefore, stands as a strong assurance and antidote against such deceptive influences. It asserts that believers are not dependent on external human teachings or "secret knowledge" to truly know God, as the indwelling Holy Spirit sufficiently instructs them. Historically, this countered emergent heresies that claimed special insights only available through their human mediation, asserting that true, saving knowledge comes only from Christ and the Anointing He provides.

1 John 2 27 Word analysis

• But: Greek kai (or de depending on specific textual variation). Introduces a contrast or a transition from the preceding warning against false teachers and their deceptions (vv. 18-26) to an emphasis on the believer's inner spiritual resource. It provides comfort and assurance against the threat.
• the anointing: Greek chrisma (χρίσμα). Refers to the sacred oil or act of anointing, which in this spiritual context is a direct metaphor for the Holy Spirit given by God. It signifies a divine empowering, sanctification, and impartation of spiritual truth and understanding. This word is related to Christos (Christ), meaning "the Anointed One," highlighting that the Anointing believers receive is intrinsically linked to Christ Himself.
• which ye have received: Emphasizes that the Anointing is a gift from God, freely given to all believers at conversion. It is not earned or achieved through human effort or special rituals.
• of him: The ultimate source of this anointing is God, particularly through Christ.
• abideth in you: Greek menei en hymin (μένει ἐν ὑμῖν). Signifies a continuous, permanent dwelling. The Holy Spirit is not a temporary guest but indwells believers consistently, providing constant access to His presence and teaching. This ensures stability amidst false teachings.
• and ye need not that any man teach you: This is a key polemic. It does not mean believers need no external biblical instruction (Eph 4:11-13 teaches gifts of teachers), but rather they do not need human teachers in a way that implies reliance on them for fundamental spiritual truth or a claim of superior, secret knowledge. It counters the Gnostic assertion that esoteric human wisdom is required for spiritual enlightenment, stressing the sufficiency of the Holy Spirit.
• but as the same anointing teacheth you: Reaffirms the Holy Spirit's role as the divine instructor. This contrasts with any human "gnosis" or false revelation. The Anointing is consistently referred to as the teacher.
• you of all things: Refers to all things pertaining to salvation, truth about Christ, Christian living, and discernment from error. It signifies comprehensive and sufficient spiritual guidance for these core matters, not encyclopedic knowledge. The Spirit teaches what is vital for a faithful walk.
• and is truth: The Holy Spirit is fundamentally characterized by truth, known as "the Spirit of truth" (Jn 14:17; 15:26; 16:13). He is pure truth, emanating from God who is truth, serving as the ultimate standard for discernment.
• and is no lie: A direct and emphatic negation of falsehood. This further distinguishes the Anointing's teaching from the deceptive "lies" spread by the antichrists. It confirms the complete trustworthiness and reliability of the Spirit's instruction.
• and even as it hath taught you: Points to the historical and ongoing action of the Spirit's teaching in their lives. The Anointing's past guidance is the basis for continued reliance on it.
• ye shall abide in him: Greek meneite en auto. The ultimate purpose and outcome of the Anointing's work is to ensure believers remain in steadfast fellowship and communion with Christ. Abiding signifies continuous union, fellowship, and obedience.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you": This phrase establishes the source (God/Christ), the nature (divine gift), and the permanence (abiding) of the Holy Spirit within every believer, providing immediate comfort and stability against external threats.
• "and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things": This forms a strong anti-polemic against false human authorities or any alleged necessity for additional, external sources of saving knowledge beyond what the Spirit imparts. It highlights the direct, comprehensive, and sufficient instruction provided by the Holy Spirit.
• "and is truth, and is no lie": These declarations emphasize the inherent nature of the Holy Spirit as utterly trustworthy and the absolute standard against deception, providing the definitive spiritual compass.
• "and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him": This clause confirms the effectual nature of the Spirit's past teaching and sets the goal: consistent union and fellowship with Christ. The Anointing’s role is to ensure enduring faithfulness.

1 John 2 27 Bonus section

• The "anointing" (chrisma) received by believers is a universal experience of those regenerated by God, not a special charism for an elite few. It testifies to the democratic nature of God's direct access to His people under the New Covenant.
• This verse doesn't negate the importance of the written Word of God. Rather, the Holy Spirit works in tandem with Scripture, illuminating its truth and enabling believers to understand it accurately. The Spirit reveals what is in the Word.
• The emphasis on "abiding in Him" underscores a key theme throughout John's writings (e.g., John 15, 1 John). The Spirit's role is not just to teach intellectually but to enable an enduring, life-giving union with Christ. This active, consistent communion protects from drifting.

1 John 2 27 Commentary

1 John 2:27 is a foundational assertion of the sufficiency of the indwelling Holy Spirit for every believer's spiritual understanding and preservation. Facing the deceptive doctrines of antichrists, John provides reassurance: God has equipped believers internally with His Spirit, the "anointing," which permanently resides within them. This Anointing acts as an unfailing divine teacher, revealing spiritual truths about Christ, protecting against false doctrines, and guaranteeing authenticity. It means believers are not left vulnerable to those claiming exclusive access to truth or specialized "secret knowledge." While valid, God-ordained human teachers are beneficial (Eph 4:11-13) and lead us to rightly interpret the scriptures which is the Spirit's Sword, this verse means that ultimate, foundational truth, particularly concerning Christ's identity and saving work, is conveyed directly by the Spirit, enabling discernment of all things necessary for salvation and righteous living. The Holy Spirit is Truth, providing a perfect counterpoint to any lie, enabling believers to stand firm and continuously "abide in Him"—maintaining vital union and fellowship with Jesus Christ despite the world's deceptions. For instance, in facing conflicting theological claims today, believers can rely on the Holy Spirit's inner witness aligning with God's written Word to discern true teaching from false.