New International VersionAnd now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.
New Living TranslationAnd now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame.
English Standard VersionAnd now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.
Berean Standard BibleAnd now, little children, remain in Christ, so that when He appears, we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.
Berean Literal BibleAnd now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears we might have boldness and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.
King James BibleAnd now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
New King James VersionAnd now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
New American Standard BibleNow, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not draw back from Him in shame at His coming.
NASB 1995Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.
NASB 1977And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He is manifested, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.
Amplified BibleNow, little children (believers, dear ones), remain in Him [with unwavering faith], so that when He appears [at His return], we may have [perfect] confidence and not be ashamed and shrink away from Him at His coming.
Christian Standard BibleSo now, little children, remain in him so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
Holman Christian Standard BibleSo now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears we may have boldness and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
American Standard VersionAnd now, my little children, abide in him; that, if he shall be manifested, we may have boldness, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
Contemporary English VersionChildren, stay one in your hearts with Christ. Then when he returns, we will have confidence and won't have to hide in shame.
English Revised VersionAnd now, my little children, abide in him; that, if he shall be manifested, we may have boldness, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationNow, dear children, live in Christ. Then, when he appears we will have confidence, and when he comes we won't turn from him in shame.
Good News TranslationYes, my children, remain in union with him, so that when he appears we may be full of courage and need not hide in shame from him on the Day he comes.
International Standard VersionEven now, little children, abide in him. Then, when he appears, we will have confidence and will not turn away from him in shame when he comes.
NET BibleAnd now, little children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink away from him in shame when he comes back.
New Heart English BibleNow, little children, remain in him, that when he appears, we may have boldness, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd now, little children, abide in him; that when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
Weymouth New TestamentAnd now, dear children, continue in union with Him; so that, if He re-appears, we may have perfect confidence, and may not shrink away in shame from His presence at His Coming. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd now, little children, remain in Christ, so that when He appears, we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.
World English BibleNow, little children, remain in him, that when he appears, we may have boldness and not be ashamed before him at his coming. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He may have appeared, we may have boldness, and may not be ashamed before Him, at His coming;
Berean Literal BibleAnd now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears we might have boldness and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.
Young's Literal Translation And now, little children, remain in him, that when he may be manifested, we may have boldness, and may not be ashamed before him, in his presence;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd now, little children, remain in him; that, when he be manifested, we might have freedom of speech, that we be not shamed from him in his presence. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd now, little children, abide in him, that when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be confounded by him at his coming.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd now, little sons, abide in him, so that when he appears, we may have faith, and we may not be confounded by him at his advent.
New American BibleAnd now, children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be put to shame by him at his coming.
New Revised Standard VersionAnd now, little children, abide in him, so that when he is revealed we may have confidence and not be put to shame before him at his coming. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd now, my children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may not be ashamed before him, but have pride at his coming.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd now my children, abide in him, that when he is revealed, we shall not be ashamed before him, but we shall have boldness at his arrival. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd now, little children, abide in him, that when he appears, we may have confidence, and may not be made ashamed by him at his coming.
Godbey New TestamentAnd now, little children, abide in him; in order that, if he may appear, we may have boldness, and not shrink with embarrassment from him in his presence.
Haweis New TestamentAnd now, my dear children, abide in him; that when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be put to shame by him at his coming.
Mace New Testamentadhere to that, my dear children, that when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
Weymouth New TestamentAnd now, dear children, continue in union with Him; so that, if He re-appears, we may have perfect confidence, and may not shrink away in shame from His presence at His Coming.
Worrell New TestamentAnd now, little children, abide in Him; that, if He shall be manifested, we may have confidence, and not be put away from Him with shame at His coming.
Worsley New TestamentAnd now, little children, abide, I say, in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and may not be ashamed before Him at his coming.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Continue in Him27And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught. 28Andnow,little children,remaininChrist,so thatwhenHe appears,we may beconfidentandunashamedbeforeHimatHiscoming.29If you know that He is righteous, you also know that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him.…
Cross References John 15:4-5Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. / I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.
1 John 3:2-3Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. / And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure.
1 John 4:17In this way, love has been perfected among us, so that we may have confidence on the day of judgment; for in this world we are just like Him.
1 Peter 1:13Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 3:14Therefore, beloved, as you anticipate these things, make every effort to be found at peace—spotless and blameless in His sight.
Colossians 1:22-23But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy, unblemished, and blameless in His presence— / if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Hebrews 10:35-36So do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward. / You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.
1 Corinthians 1:7-8Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly await the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. / He will sustain you to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 4:8From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.
Matthew 24:42-44Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. / But understand this: If the homeowner had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. / For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.
Luke 12:35-37Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning. / Then you will be like servants waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once. / Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and wait on them.
Romans 8:29-30For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. / And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.
Revelation 3:11I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
Revelation 22:12“Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done.
Treasury of Scripture And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. little. 1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: when. 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. Colossians 3:4 When Christ,who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. have. 1 John 3:21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not,then have we confidence toward God. 1 John 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. Isaiah 25:9 And it shall be said in that day, Lo, thisis our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: thisis the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. at his. Malachi 3:2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for heis like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: Malachi 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: 1 Corinthians 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Jump to Previous AbideAppearAppearsAshamedBoldnessChildrenConfidenceConfidentContinueDearFearHeartsLittleManifestedPerfectPresenceRevelationShameShrinkUnionJump to Next AbideAppearAppearsAshamedBoldnessChildrenConfidenceConfidentContinueDearFearHeartsLittleManifestedPerfectPresenceRevelationShameShrinkUnion1 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.And now, little childrenThis phrase reflects John's pastoral and affectionate tone, addressing believers with a term of endearment. "Little children" indicates a close relationship, similar to a spiritual father guiding his children. It emphasizes the need for spiritual growth and maturity. The term is used throughout John's letters to convey care and instruction, highlighting the intimate community of early Christians. remain in Christ
Remaining in Christ is a central theme in John's writings, emphasizing the importance of abiding in a close, personal relationship with Jesus. This concept is rooted in Jesus' teaching inJohn 15:4-7, where He describes Himself as the vine and believers as the branches. Abiding in Christ involves continual faith, obedience, and reliance on Him, ensuring spiritual vitality and fruitfulness. so that when He appears
This phrase refers to the anticipated second coming of Jesus Christ. The early church lived with the expectation of Christ's imminent return, a hope that provided motivation for holy living. The appearance of Christ is a future event prophesied in various scriptures, such asMatthew 24:30 andRevelation 1:7, where Jesus' return is described as visible and glorious. we may be confident and unashamed before Him
Confidence and lack of shame at Christ's coming are outcomes of a life lived in faithful obedience and relationship with Him. This assurance is contrasted with the fear and shame that would accompany those who have not remained faithful. The idea of standing confidently before Christ is echoed in passages like 1John 4:17, where love perfected in believers casts out fear. at His coming
The coming of Christ, or Parousia, is a foundational doctrine in Christian eschatology. It signifies the culmination of history and the fulfillment of God's promises. This event is characterized by judgment and reward, as seen in2 Timothy 4:8 andRevelation 22:12. Believers are encouraged to live in readiness, maintaining purity and devotion in anticipation of this momentous event. Persons / Places / Events 1. John the ApostleThe author of the epistle, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Jesus and his emphasis on love and truth. 2. Little ChildrenA term of endearment used by John to address believers, indicating a familial relationship and his pastoral care for them. 3. Christ's AppearingRefers to the second coming of Jesus Christ, a future event when He will return to judge the living and the dead. 4. Confidence and UnashamednessThe desired state of believers at Christ's return, indicating a life lived in alignment with His teachings. 5. Remaining in HimA call to abide in Christ, maintaining a close, ongoing relationship with Him through faith and obedience. Teaching Points Abiding in ChristTo "remain in Him" is to cultivate a daily, intimate relationship with Jesus through prayer, reading Scripture, and obedience. The Greek word (meno) implies a continuous, active choice to dwell in Christ's presence. Living with ExpectationBelievers are called to live with the expectation of Christ's return, which should influence their daily decisions and priorities. This expectation fosters a lifestyle of holiness and readiness. Confidence at His ComingConfidence before Christ at His coming is rooted in a life lived in obedience and faithfulness to His commands. The Greek word for confidence suggests boldness and assurance, free from fear or shame. Avoiding ShameA life not aligned with Christ's teachings may lead to shame at His return. Regular self-examination and repentance are crucial to maintaining a clear conscience. Encouragement in CommunityThe term "little children" highlights the importance of community and mutual encouragement among believers. Engaging in fellowship and accountability helps believers remain steadfast in their faith. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 1 John 2:28?
2.How can we "remain in Him" as instructed in 1 John 2:28?
3.What does "confidence at His coming" mean for our daily lives?
4.How does 1 John 2:28 connect with John 15:4 about abiding in Christ?
5.Why is it important to avoid "shrink back in shame" at His return?
6.What practical steps help us prepare for Christ's return as described here?
7.What does "abide in Him" mean in 1 John 2:28?
8.How does 1 John 2:28 relate to the concept of eternal security?
9.What is the significance of "confidence" at Christ's coming in 1 John 2:28?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 John 2?
11.Is the pope considered the antichrist?
12.Is Barack Obama considered the antichrist?
13.How will encountering the Antichrist feel?
14.Who is the author of 1 John?What Does 1 John 2:28 Mean And now, little childrenJohn’s warm address reminds every believer of family ties in Christ: • The phrase echoes1 John 2:1—“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin.” Love and expectation travel together. • It signals immediacy: “And now.” The instruction that follows is not optional for a future day; it matters today (cf.James 1:22). • Like Jesus’ own wording, “Little children, I am with you a little longer” (John 13:33), it blends tenderness with urgency: pay attention because time is short.
remain in ChristThe command is simple but weighty. • “Remain” (or “abide”) points to ongoing, relational trust, not a one-time decision (John 15:4-5). • Remaining keeps us anchored in truth already taught (1 John 2:24-27). • It shapes daily choices—obedience, love, rejection of sin (1 John 3:6). Practical helps for remaining: – Keep Scripture central (Psalm 119:11). – Maintain fellowship with believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Rely on the Spirit’s anointing (1 John 2:27).
so that when He appearsJohn turns hearts toward the promised revelation of Christ. • Jesus’ return is certain: “This same Jesus…will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). • His appearing is personal and visible (Matthew 24:30). • Hope in that moment purifies life now (1 John 3:2-3;Titus 2:13-14). Remaining in Christ is therefore forward-looking, not merely defensive.
we may be confidentThe goal is holy boldness, not fear. • Confidence means freedom of speech—being able to stand before Christ without shrinking back (Hebrews 4:16;1 John 4:17). • Such boldness grows from intimacy with Him today. • Like the righteous inProverbs 28:1, we can be “bold as a lion” because our conscience is clean.
and unashamed before HimShame comes when life and confession do not match. Remaining prevents that disconnect. • Paul urged Timothy to “present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed” (2 Timothy 2:15). • Whoever believes in Him “will never be put to shame” (Romans 10:11), yet practical shame can still arise if we walk in darkness (1 John 1:6). • Living openly in the light now spares us embarrassment then.
at His comingJohn ties everything to the climactic return of Jesus. • “Coming” (parousia) speaks of the King’s royal arrival (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17). • For believers, it signals reward and reunion (Colossians 3:4). • For the world, it initiates judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9). Our daily abiding prepares us for that defining event.
summaryJohn packs pastoral warmth and serious warning into one verse. Because the Savior will soon appear, believers must continually remain in Him. Abiding fosters confidence, silences shame, and readies us for His glorious coming. Live close to Christ today, and you will stand fearless and joyful when He steps onto the stage of history tomorrow. Verse 28. - And now, summing up the whole section (verses 18-28). "If he shall be manifested" expresses no uncertainty as to the fact of Christ's appearing; the uncertainty is in the time (comp. 1 John 3:2; John 6:62; John 12:32; John 14:3). In all these cases the point is the result of the act, not the time of it. The graphic αἰσχυνθῶμεν ἀπ αὐτοῦ expresses the shrinking away in shame from his presence. The παρουσία (see on 2 Thessalonians 2:8) is introduced without explanation as a well-known belief.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek AndΚαὶ(Kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.now,νῦν(nyn)Adverb
Strong's 3568:A primary particle of present time; 'now'; also as noun or adjective present or immediate.little children,τεκνία(teknia)Noun - Vocative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5040:A little child. Diminutive of teknon; an infant, i.e. darlings.remainμένετε(menete)Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3306:To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. A primary verb; to stay.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.[Him],αὐτῷ(autō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 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.so thatἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.whenἐὰν(ean)Conjunction
Strong's 1437:If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.He appears,φανερωθῇ(phanerōthē)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5319:To make clear (visible, manifest), make known. From phaneros; to render apparent.we may beσχῶμεν(schōmen)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.confidentπαρρησίαν(parrēsian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3954:From pas and a derivative of rheo; all out-spokenness, i.e. Frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.unashamedαἰσχυνθῶμεν(aischynthōmen)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 153:To be ashamed, be put to shame. From aischos; to feel shame.beforeἀπ’(ap’)Preposition
Strong's 575:From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.Himαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 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.atἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.Hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 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.coming.παρουσίᾳ(parousia)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3952:From the present participle of pareimi; a being near, i.e. Advent; physically, aspect.
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NT Letters: 1 John 2:28 Now little children remain in him that (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) |
