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◄ 1 John 2:21►

New International Version
I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth.

New Living Translation
So I am writing to you not because you don’t know the truth but because you know the difference between truth and lies.

English Standard Version
I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.

Berean Standard Bible
I have not written to you because you lack knowledge of the truth, but because you have it, and because no lie comes from the truth.

Berean Literal Bible
I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because any lie is not of the truth.

King James Bible
I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

New King James Version
I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

New American Standard Bible
I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth.

NASB 1995
I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth.

NASB 1977
I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth.

Legacy Standard Bible
I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth.

Amplified Bible
I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie [nothing false, no deception] is of the truth.

Christian Standard Bible
I have not written to you because you don’t know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie comes from the truth.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I have not written to you because you don’t know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie comes from the truth.

American Standard Version
I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and because no lie is of the truth.

Contemporary English Version
I did not need to write you about the truth, since you already know it. You also know that liars do not belong to the truth.

English Revised Version
I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and because no lie is of the truth.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I'm writing to you because you know the truth, not because you don't know the truth. You know that no lie ever comes from the truth.

Good News Translation
I write you, then, not because you do not know the truth; instead, it is because you do know it, and you also know that no lie ever comes from the truth.

International Standard Version
I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because lies don't come from truth.

NET Bible
I have not written to you that you do not know the truth, but that you do know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

New Heart English Bible
I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.

Webster's Bible Translation
I have not written to you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

Weymouth New Testament
I have written to you, not because you are ignorant of the truth, but because you know it, and you know that nothing false comes from the truth.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
I have not written to you because you lack knowledge of the truth, but because you have it, and because no lie comes from the truth.

World English Bible
I have not written to you because you don’t know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
I did not write to you because you have not known the truth, but because you have known it, and because no lie is of the truth.

Berean Literal Bible
I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because any lie is not of the truth.

Young's Literal Translation
I did not write to you because ye have not known the truth, but because ye have known it, and because no lie is of the truth.

Smith's Literal Translation
I have not written to you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
I have not written to you as to them that know not the truth, but as to them that know it: and that no lie is of the truth.

Catholic Public Domain Version
I have not written to you as to ones who are ignorant of the truth, but as to ones who know the truth. For no lie is of the truth.

New American Bible
I write to you not because you do not know the truth but because you do, and because every lie is alien to the truth.

New Revised Standard Version
I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and you know that no lie comes from the truth.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
I have written to you not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie comes out of the truth.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and that no lie is from the truth.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.

Godbey New Testament
I have not written unto you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

Haweis New Testament
I have not written to you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

Mace New Testament
I have not written to you, as to people unacquainted with the truth of the gospel: but as to such who know it, and know that it cannot give rise to any imposture.

Weymouth New Testament
I have written to you, not because you are ignorant of the truth, but because you know it, and you know that nothing false comes from the truth.

Worrell New Testament
I did not write to you because ye know not the truth; but because ye know it, and because no falsehood is of the truth.

Worsley New Testament
I have nottherefore written to you, because ye know not the truth; but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Beware of Antichrists
…20You, however, have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.21 I have not written to you because you lack knowledge of the truth,but because you have it,and because no lie comes from the truth.22Who is the liar, if it is not the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, who denies the Father and the Son.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

John 8:44
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.

John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. / For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, / in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness.

Romans 1:25
They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is forever worthy of praise! Amen.

2 Corinthians 11:3
I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.

2 Timothy 3:7-8
who are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. / Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth. They are depraved in mind and disqualified from the faith.

1 John 4:6
We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. That is how we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deception.

1 John 5:20
And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true—in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

John 18:37
“Then You are a king!” Pilate said. “You say that I am a king,” Jesus answered. “For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.”

Ephesians 4:21
Surely you heard of Him and were taught in Him—in keeping with the truth that is in Jesus—

2 Peter 2:1
Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.

Jeremiah 9:3-6
“They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD. / “Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. / Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity. ...

Isaiah 59:4
No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case honestly. They rely on empty pleas; they tell lies; they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity.

Psalm 119:142
Your righteousness is everlasting and Your law is true.

Zechariah 8:16
These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another, render true and sound judgments in your gates,

Treasury of Scripture

I have not written to you because you know not the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

because ye know not.

Proverbs 1:5
A wiseman will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

Proverbs 9:8,9
Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee…

Romans 15:14,15
And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another…

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1 John 2

1.He comforts them against the sins of infirmity.
3.Rightly to know God is to keep his commandments;
9.to love our brothers;
15.and not to love the world.
18.We must beware of antichrists;
20.from whose deceits the godly are safe, preserved by perseverance in faith, and holiness of life.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

I have not written to you because you lack knowledge of the truth
John addresses his audience, affirming their understanding of the truth. This suggests a community well-versed in Christian doctrine, likely familiar with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The early church faced challenges from false teachings, such as Gnosticism, which claimed secret knowledge. John's reassurance indicates that his readers are grounded in the truth of the Gospel, contrasting with those who might be swayed by heretical ideas. This echoes Jesus' words inJohn 8:32, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free," emphasizing the liberating power of genuine knowledge of Christ.

but because you have it
John's affirmation that his readers possess the truth highlights the importance of spiritual discernment. This possession of truth is not merely intellectual but experiential, rooted in a relationship with Christ. The truth here is synonymous with the message of Jesus, who declared Himself "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). The early church's emphasis on apostolic teaching ensured that believers were equipped to recognize and reject falsehoods. This phrase underscores the confidence John has in their spiritual maturity and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who guides believers into all truth (John 16:13).

and because no lie comes from the truth
This statement underscores the absolute nature of truth in Christian theology. Truth and falsehood are mutually exclusive; one cannot originate from the other. This dichotomy is central to the biblical worldview, where God is the source of all truth, and Satan is described as the "father of lies" (John 8:44). The early church was vigilant against false teachings that distorted the Gospel. John's assertion serves as a reminder that any teaching contrary to the apostolic message is inherently false. This principle is foundational for maintaining doctrinal purity and is echoed in Paul's exhortation to the Galatians to reject any gospel contrary to what they received (Galatians 1:8-9).

Persons / Places / Events

1.John the Apostle
The author of the letter, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Christ and his emphasis on love and truth.

2.The Recipients
Believers in the early Christian community, likely facing challenges from false teachings and needing reassurance in their faith.

3.False Teachers
Individuals spreading deceptive doctrines, possibly Gnosticism, which denied fundamental truths about Jesus Christ.

4.The Early Church
The broader context in which these letters were circulated, a time of growth and doctrinal formation for Christianity.

5.The Truth
Central to John's message, representing the authentic teachings of Jesus Christ and the Gospel.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Knowing the Truth
As believers, we are called to be grounded in the truth of the Gospel. This knowledge protects us from deception and strengthens our faith.

The Incompatibility of Truth and Lies
Truth and falsehood cannot coexist. We must be vigilant in discerning and rejecting any teachings or beliefs that contradict the truth of Scripture.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. We should rely on His leading to understand and apply God's Word in our lives.

Guarding Against False Teachings
In a world filled with conflicting messages, we must be diligent in studying Scripture and testing all teachings against the truth of God's Word.

Living Out the Truth
Our lives should reflect the truth we profess. This means living with integrity, honesty, and love, as a testimony to the truth of the Gospel.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of 1 John 2:21?

2.How does 1 John 2:21 define truth in a Christian's life?

3.What role does truth play in discerning lies according to 1 John 2:21?

4.How can we apply 1 John 2:21 to resist false teachings today?

5.Connect 1 John 2:21 with John 14:6 about Jesus being the truth.

6.How can knowing truth from 1 John 2:21 strengthen your faith daily?

7.What does 1 John 2:21 reveal about the nature of truth and lies in Christianity?

8.How does 1 John 2:21 challenge the concept of absolute truth in modern society?

9.Why is the distinction between truth and lies significant in 1 John 2:21?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 John 2?

11.What is the Brotherhood of Light?

12.If the Holy Spirit guides believers into truth, why are there so many theological disagreements?

13.Is every statement either true or false?

14.What do we speak that we know?

What Does 1 John 2:21 Mean

I have not written to you because you lack knowledge of the truth

John reminds believers that his letter is not a remedial lesson but a reinforcement of what they already know. Much like Peter’s reminder in2 Peter 1:12, “I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them,” John understands that truth, once received, must be continually affirmed.

• He is affirming their present standing, similar to1 John 2:13, where he says, “I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning.”

• The truth here is not abstract knowledge but the person and work of Jesus Christ (John 1:14).

• By stating they already possess truth, John underscores their genuine conversion and the Spirit’s witness within them (1 John 5:6).

but because you have it

John’s purpose is encouragement and protection, not correction of ignorance.

• Knowing truth means living in it: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

• Truth received produces discernment—believers can recognize error because the Word abides in them (1 John 2:14).

• Paul echoes this confidence in1 Thessalonians 2:13, praising those who “accepted it not as the word of men but as it truly is, the word of God.”

• John’s pastoral tone says, “You’re already anchored; I’m writing to fortify that anchor against the storms of false teaching.”

and because no lie comes from the truth

Truth and falsehood are mutually exclusive; the light can have no fellowship with darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14).

• Jesus defines truth in Himself: “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Anything contradicting Christ is a lie.

•Titus 1:2 affirms that God “cannot lie,” grounding the believer’s confidence that what God has revealed is wholly trustworthy.

• Lies originate from the devil, “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). By contrast, “every good and perfect gift is from above… with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17).

• Because truth is inherently pure, it exposes and rejects error; this equips the church to spot antichrists (1 John 2:18–19).

summary

John writes not to fill a knowledge gap but to strengthen believers already walking in God’s truth. Their possession of that truth equips them to discern and reject every falsehood, for truth and lies cannot mingle. What the Spirit has implanted, Scripture affirms: God’s Word is entirely trustworthy, Jesus is its embodiment, and no deception can arise from Him.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 21. - The firstοὐκ belongs toὅτι, not toἔγραψα: I wrote to you, not because ye know not, etc. It does not mean "I omitted to write to you because ye know not." Whatever meaning we give to the aorists in verses 13, 14 need not be retained here. There is here no abrupt change from present to aorist. Moreover, verse 26 limits thisἔγραψα to the present section. What in verse 20 is spoken of as "all things" (assumingπάντα to be right) is here spoken of as "the truth." St. John writes to well-instructed Christians, to adults in the faith. It is precisely because they "know the truth" that he addresses them, especially to warn them against antichrists. We are in doubt whetherκαὶ ὅτι, depends uponἔγραψα ("and because")or uponοἴδατε ("and that"). The former is better; it introduces a second reason for his writing. Some takeὅτι, in all three places as "that" afterἔγραψα: "I did not write to you and say that ye know not the truth, but that ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth." Every lie is fundamentally andab origineἐκ separate from the truth; and hence his readers will easily recognize lies and liars, for they know the truth.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

I have not written
ἔγραψα(egrapsa)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1125:A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.

you
ὑμῖν(hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

because
ὅτι(hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

you lack knowledge
οἴδατε(oidate)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1492:To know, remember, appreciate.

of the
τὴν(tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

truth,
ἀλήθειαν(alētheian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 225:From alethes; truth.

but
ἀλλ’(all’)
Conjunction
Strong's 235:But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

because
ὅτι(hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

you have
οἴδατε(oidate)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1492:To know, remember, appreciate.

it,
αὐτήν(autēn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

and
καὶ(kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.

because
ὅτι(hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

no
οὐκ(ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

lie
ψεῦδος(pseudos)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5579:A lie, falsehood, untruth; false religion. From pseudomai; a falsehood.

comes
ἔστιν(estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

from
ἐκ(ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537:From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

the
τῆς(tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

truth.
ἀληθείας(alētheias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 225:From alethes; truth.

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NT Letters: 1 John 2:21 I have not written to you because (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo)