You, however, have an anointing from the Holy OneThe term "anointing" refers to the spiritual empowerment and consecration believers receive from God. In the Old Testament, anointing with oil was a symbolic act for priests, prophets, and kings, signifying their divine appointment and empowerment (
Exodus 30:30,
1 Samuel 16:13). In the New Testament, this anointing is understood as the work of the Holy Spirit, who indwells and empowers believers (
2 Corinthians 1:21-22). The "Holy One" is a title often used for God, emphasizing His purity and separateness from sin (
Isaiah 6:3). In the context of 1 John, it likely refers to Jesus Christ, who imparts the Holy Spirit to His followers (
John 14:26). This anointing enables believers to discern truth from falsehood, a critical theme in John's epistle as he addresses the presence of false teachers and antichrists (1
John 2:18-19).
and all of you know the truth
The phrase underscores the idea that true believers possess an inherent understanding of divine truth through the Holy Spirit's guidance (John 16:13). This knowledge is not merely intellectual but relational, rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of truth (John 14:6). The early church faced challenges from Gnostic teachings, which claimed secret knowledge and denied fundamental truths about Christ's incarnation and deity. John's assurance that "all of you know the truth" serves as a counter to these heresies, affirming that the gospel message is accessible and understandable to all believers, not just a select few. This truth is consistent with the teachings of the apostles and the broader narrative of Scripture, which emphasizes the clarity and sufficiency of God's revelation (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
John the ApostleThe author of the epistle, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Christ and his emphasis on love and truth.
2.
The Holy OneRefers to Jesus Christ, who is the source of the anointing mentioned in the verse. This title emphasizes His divine nature and purity.
3.
The AnointingSymbolizes the Holy Spirit, who empowers and enlightens believers, enabling them to discern truth from falsehood.
4.
The RecipientsEarly Christians, likely in Asia Minor, who were facing false teachings and needed reassurance of their faith and understanding of the truth.
5.
False TeachersIndividuals spreading heretical teachings, possibly Gnosticism, which denied the true nature of Christ and confused believers.
Teaching Points
The Source of TruthBelievers have access to the truth through the anointing of the Holy Spirit. This divine empowerment ensures that Christians can discern and adhere to the truth amidst false teachings.
The Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is essential in guiding believers into all truth. This anointing is not just for knowledge but for living out the truth in daily life.
Confidence in FaithChristians can have confidence in their understanding of the truth because of the Holy Spirit's work in their lives. This assurance helps them stand firm against deception.
Guarding Against False TeachingsThe presence of the Holy Spirit equips believers to recognize and reject false doctrines. It is crucial to remain rooted in Scripture and rely on the Spirit's guidance.
Unity in TruthThe anointing from the Holy One unites believers in the truth, fostering a community that supports and encourages one another in faith.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 John 2:20?
2.How does the "anointing from the Holy One" guide our daily decisions?
3.What does "you all have knowledge" mean for understanding God's truth?
4.How can 1 John 2:20 deepen our relationship with the Holy Spirit?
5.In what ways does this verse connect to John 14:26 about the Helper?
6.How can we apply the knowledge from 1 John 2:20 in evangelism?
7.What does "anointing from the Holy One" mean in 1 John 2:20?
8.How does 1 John 2:20 relate to the concept of spiritual discernment?
9.Why is the "knowledge of the truth" significant in 1 John 2:20?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 John 2?
11.What is the anointing mentioned in 1 John 2:20, 27?
12.What is the purpose of Chrismation in Christianity?
13.What did Jesus mean by 'I Am with You Always'?
14.What does "You anoint my head with oil" mean?What Does 1 John 2:20 Mean
You, however• John has just warned about “many antichrists” who “went out from us” (1 John 2:18-19). The words “You, however” draw a bright line between deceptive teachers and genuine believers.
• He is speaking to a real, identifiable family of faith—people who have confessed Christ (1 John 2:23) and walk in His light (1 John 1:7).
• The contrast reassures readers that error does not define them; belonging to Christ does. See alsoJohn 10:4-5, where Jesus’ sheep recognize His voice and not the stranger’s.
have an anointing• “Anointing” is John’s way of describing the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence (1 John 2:27).
• Just as priests and kings were anointed with oil as a visible sign of divine appointment (Exodus 30:30;1 Samuel 16:13), every believer is spiritually anointed by God Himself.
• This is a present-tense reality: “you have,” not “you might receive.” It grounds assurance of salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14).
from the Holy One• The source of the anointing is “the Holy One,” a title John’s Gospel uses for Jesus (John 6:69) and that Scripture applies to the Father (Isaiah 43:15).
• Whether John has the Father or the Son specifically in view, the point is clear: the anointing comes straight from God, not from human authority or secret knowledge (James 1:17;2 Corinthians 1:21-22).
• Because its origin is divine, the anointing is unchanging and fully reliable (Malachi 3:6).
and all of you know the truth• The Spirit’s ministry includes guiding believers “into all truth” (John 16:13).
• “All of you” underscores that this knowledge is not for an elite few; every child of God has access to it (Jeremiah 31:34;1 Corinthians 2:12-13).
• Knowing the truth isn’t merely intellectual. It involves:
– Discernment that exposes lies (1 John 4:1-3).
– Confidence that Jesus is “the Way and the Truth and the Life” (John 14:6).
– Obedience that proves knowledge is genuine (John 8:31-32).
summaryBelievers are set apart from false teachers because God Himself has anointed them with His Spirit. That anointing, given by the Holy One, guarantees that every Christian can recognize, possess, and live out the truth.
Verse 20. - The thought of many antichrists suggests that of many Christs;
i.e., many who have been anointed
χριστοί by the Christ himself. "The false teachers have the spirit of antichrist; ye have a chrism from the Christ." The Johannine
καί places the two antithetical groups side by side, while the emphatic
ὑμεῖς (comp.
1 John 4:4) accentuates the contrast. And ye have an anointing from the Holy One. The unction or chrism is the Holy Spirit (
John 1:33;
1 John 3:24;
1 John 2:27). As Christ was anointed with the Spirit in all fullness, so each Christian is anointed with him in his measure (
2 Corinthians 1:21, 22). The twenty-first 'Catechetical Lecture' of St. Cyril, "On the Holy Chrism," should be read in illustration of this verse. "In apostolic language, each Christian is in due measure himself a Christ, empowered by the gift of the Holy Spirit to announce the truth which he has learnt, to apply the atonement which he has received, to establish the kingdom which he believes to be universal" (Westcott). The
ἀπό depends on
ἔχετε, not on
χρίσμα. The Holy One is Jesus Christ (
John 6:69;
Acts 3:14;
Revelation 3:7; comp.
John 14:26;
John 16:7, 13). It is hard to decide between three readings:
(1)καὶ οἴδατε πάντα, "and ye know all things" necessary to salvation,i.e., "the truth" (verse 21;John 16:13);
(2)καὶ οἴδατε πάντες, "and ye all know" that ye have this anointing;
(3)οἴδατε πάντες," ye all know - I did not write to you because ye know not the truth." There is evidence of a fourth variation,πάντας "ye know all" the antichrists. If . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
You,ὑμεῖς(hymeis)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.however,Καὶ(Kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.haveἔχετε(echete)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.[an] anointingχρῖσμα(chrisma)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5545:An anointing. From chrio; an unguent or smearing, i.e. the special endowment of the Holy Spirit.fromἀπὸ(apo)Preposition
Strong's 575:From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Holy [One],Ἁγίου(Hagiou)Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 40:Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.all of you know the truth.οἴδατε(oidate)Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1492:To know, remember, appreciate.
Links
1 John 2:20 NIV1 John 2:20 NLT1 John 2:20 ESV1 John 2:20 NASB1 John 2:20 KJV
1 John 2:20 BibleApps.com1 John 2:20 Biblia Paralela1 John 2:20 Chinese Bible1 John 2:20 French Bible1 John 2:20 Catholic Bible
NT Letters: 1 John 2:20 You have an anointing from the Holy (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) 
