1 John 2:1
New International Version
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

New Living Translation
My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.

English Standard Version
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

Berean Standard Bible
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

Berean Literal Bible
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you might not sin. And if anyone should sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One.

King James Bible
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:

New King James Version
My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

New American Standard Bible
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;

NASB 1995
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;

NASB 1977
My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;

Legacy Standard Bible
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;

Amplified Bible
My little children (believers, dear ones), I am writing you these things so that you will not sin and violate God’s law. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate [who will intercede for us] with the Father: Jesus Christ the righteous [the upright, the just One, who conforms to the Father’s will in every way—purpose, thought, and action].

Christian Standard Bible
My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous one.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the Righteous One.

American Standard Version
My little children, these things write I unto you that ye may not sin. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

Contemporary English Version
My children, I am writing this so you won't sin. But if you do sin, Jesus Christ always does the right thing, and he will speak to the Father for us.

English Revised Version
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye may not sin. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
My dear children, I'm writing this to you so that you will not sin. Yet, if anyone does sin, we have Jesus Christ, who has God's full approval. He speaks on our behalf when we come into the presence of the Father.

Good News Translation
I am writing this to you, my children, so that you will not sin; but if anyone does sin, we have someone who pleads with the Father on our behalf--Jesus Christ, the righteous one.

International Standard Version
My little children, I'm writing these things to you so that you might not sin. Yet if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus, the Messiah, one who is righteous.

Majority Standard Bible
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father?Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

NET Bible
(My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.) But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous One,

New Heart English Bible
My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous.

Webster's Bible Translation
My little children, these things I write to you, that ye sin not. And if any man sinneth, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

Weymouth New Testament
Dear children, I write thus to you in order that you may not sin. If any one sins, we have an Advocate with the Father--Jesus Christ the righteous;

World English Bible
My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have a Counselor with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
My little children, these things I write to you that you may not sin: and if anyone may sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, [the] Righteous One,

Berean Literal Bible
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you might not sin. And if anyone should sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One.

Young's Literal Translation
My little children, these things I write to you, that ye may not sin: and if any one may sin, an advocate we have with the Father, Jesus Christ, a righteous one,

Smith's Literal Translation
My little children, I write these to you, that ye sin not. And if any sin, we have an intercessor with the Father, Jesus Christ the just:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
My little children, these things I write to you, that you may not sin. But if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the just:

Catholic Public Domain Version
My little sons, this I write to you, so that you may not sin. But if anyone has sinned, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the Just One.

New American Bible
My children, I am writing this to you so that you may not commit sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one.

New Revised Standard Version
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
MY little children, these things I write to you, that you do not sin. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Children, I write these things to you so that you will not sin, and if a person will sin, we have “The Redeemer of the accursed” with The Father - Yeshua The Messiah, The Righteous One.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
My little children, I write these things to you, that you may not sin: and yet, if any one sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

Godbey New Testament
My little children, I write these things to you, in order that you may not sin. And if any one may sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

Haweis New Testament
MY dear children, these things I write to you, that ye should not sin. And if any of us sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

Mace New Testament
My dear children, these things I write unto you, that ye may avoid sin, but if any man has failed, we have an advocate with the father, Jesus Christ the just.

Weymouth New Testament
Dear children, I write thus to you in order that you may not sin. If any one sins, we have an Advocate with the Father--Jesus Christ the righteous;

Worrell New Testament
My little children, these things I write to you, that ye may not sin. And, if any one sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the Righteous.

Worsley New Testament
My little children, I write these things unto you, that ye may not sin. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Our Advocate
1My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father— Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.…

Cross References
Hebrews 7:25
Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.

Romans 8:34
Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us.

John 14:16
And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—

1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

Hebrews 9:24
For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.

Romans 8:26-27
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. / And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

John 16:7
But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.

1 Peter 1:19
but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.

Isaiah 53:12
Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.

Luke 22:32
But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

Zechariah 3:1-2
Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. / And the LORD said to Satan: “The LORD rebukes you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you! Is not this man a firebrand snatched from the fire?”

Job 16:19-21
Even now my witness is in heaven, and my advocate is on high. / My friends are my scoffers as my eyes pour out tears to God. / Oh, that a man might plead with God as he pleads with his neighbor!

Psalm 32:1-2
Of David. A Maskil. Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. / Blessed is the man whose iniquity the LORD does not count against him, in whose spirit there is no deceit.

Psalm 51:1-2
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. When Nathan the prophet came to him after his adultery with Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. / Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

Micah 7:9
Because I have sinned against Him, I must endure the rage of the LORD, until He argues my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me into the light; I will see His righteousness.


Treasury of Scripture

My little children, these things write I to you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

little.

1 John 2:12,13
I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake…

1 John 3:7,18
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous…

1 John 4:4
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

these.

1 John 1:3,4
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ…

1 Timothy 3:14
These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:

that.

Psalm 4:4
Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

Ezekiel 3:21
Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.

John 5:14
Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

And if.

1 John 1:8-10
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us…

we have.

Romans 8:34
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Hebrews 7:24,25
But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood…

Father.

Luke 10:22
All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.

John 5:19-26,36
Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise…

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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.














My little children
This phrase reflects the apostle John's pastoral heart and affectionate relationship with his readers. It indicates a tone of care and authority, similar to a father guiding his children. The term "little children" is often used in the New Testament to denote believers who are part of God's family (Galatians 4:19, 1 John 3:7). It emphasizes the intimate and nurturing relationship between John and the early Christian community.

I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin
John's purpose in writing is to encourage believers to live holy lives. The phrase underscores the importance of striving for righteousness and avoiding sin. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that believers are called to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). The context of 1 John includes warnings against false teachings and moral laxity, urging believers to adhere to the truth and live in obedience to God's commandments.

But if anyone does sin
Acknowledging human fallibility, John provides reassurance for those who fall into sin. This phrase highlights the reality of the Christian life, where believers, though striving for holiness, may still stumble. It reflects the biblical understanding of human nature and the ongoing struggle against sin (Romans 7:15-25). The conditional "if" suggests that sin is not inevitable but possible, and it points to the need for vigilance and reliance on God's grace.

we have an advocate before the Father
The term "advocate" (Greek: parakletos) refers to one who comes alongside to help, similar to a legal representative or counselor. In the context of 1 John, Jesus is portrayed as the intercessor who pleads on behalf of believers before God the Father. This advocacy is rooted in Jesus' sacrificial work and ongoing intercession (Hebrews 7:25). The imagery of a courtroom underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of divine intervention for forgiveness.

Jesus Christ, the Righteous One
This title emphasizes the sinless nature and moral perfection of Jesus. As the "Righteous One," Jesus is uniquely qualified to be the advocate for sinners, having fulfilled all righteousness (Matthew 3:15). His righteousness is imputed to believers, allowing them to stand justified before God (2 Corinthians 5:21). The title also connects to Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah, who would be righteous and bring justice (Jeremiah 23:5-6).

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

2. Jesus Christ
Referred to as "the Righteous One" and our advocate before the Father, highlighting His role in intercession and His sinless nature.

3. The Father
God the Father, to whom Jesus Christ acts as an advocate on behalf of believers.

4. The Recipients ("My little children")
The early Christian community, whom John addresses with affection and pastoral concern, indicating a close and caring relationship.

5. Sin
The moral failing or transgression against God's law, which John acknowledges as a reality but also provides a solution through Jesus Christ.
Teaching Points
The Purpose of John's Writing
John writes to encourage believers to avoid sin, emphasizing the importance of striving for holiness in daily life.

The Reality of Sin and Grace
Acknowledge the reality of sin in the believer's life, but also the provision of grace through Jesus Christ, who advocates on our behalf.

The Role of Jesus as Advocate
Jesus' advocacy is a continuous and active role, providing believers with confidence in their relationship with God despite their imperfections.

The Call to Righteous Living
While grace is available, believers are called to pursue righteousness, reflecting the character of Jesus, the Righteous One.

Assurance in Christ
Believers can have assurance of their standing before God, not based on their own righteousness, but on the righteousness of Christ.II.

(4) The third idea that arises from the great fact that God is Light has already been suggested (1John 1:7), but now takes its distinct place in the series. It is the doctrine of Reconciliation and Redemption. St. John does not wish them to contemplate with complacency the probability of sinning; but to remember gratefully, in spite of falls, that the Author and Restorer of Light has provided a remedy both for the offence before God, and for its effect on themselves. First comes the principle that we must not sin; second, the admission that we do sin; third, the consolation for actual sin when it is in spite of sincere zeal for sanctification.

(1) My little children.--Six times in the letter occurs this diminutive of tender and caressing love: 1John 2:12; 1John 2:28; 1John 3:18; 1John 4:4; 1John 5:21. He was aged, he felt a fatherly care for them, he was their spiritual progenitor. (Comp. Galatians 4:9.) The thought of the shame and misery of sin melted his heart. "My child" was what he called out to the lapsed youth, according to Eusebius (H. E. iii. 23). . . .

Verses 1, 2. - Moreover, walking in the light involves accepting the propitiation wrought through Jesus Christ the Righteous. The connexion with the preceding is close. We have just had

(1) the confession that we do sin; we now have

(2) the principle that we must not sin; and

(3) the consolation that sin is not irremediable. Verse 1. - My little children; or, perhaps, my dear children; or, simply, my children. The diminutive τεκνία, if it retains any force, expresses endearment rather than smallness or youth. The word occurs only once outside this Epistle (John 13:33), and it was, perhaps, from Christ's use of it then that St. John adopted it (verses 12, 28; 1 John 3:7, 18; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:21). In Galatians 4:19 the reading is doubtful Cf. Τί με φεύγεις, τέκνον τὸν σαυτοῦ πατέρα; in the beautiful story of St. John and the young robber (Eusebius, 'Hist. Eccl.,' III. 23:17). As distinct from παιδία (1 John 2:13, 18), the word seems to imply spiritual fatherhood. These things (the section, 1 John 1:5-10) I write to you, that ye may not sin. The aorist forbids the rendering, "continue in sin;" as before, those who are walking in light and yet sin through frailty are addressed. Two apparently contradictory principles have been set forth: you must walk in light; you must confess that you sin. St. John now goes on to reconcile them. I write . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
My
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

little children,
Τεκνία (Teknia)
Noun - Vocative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5040: A little child. Diminutive of teknon; an infant, i.e. darlings.

I am writing
γράφω (graphō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1125: A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.

these things
ταῦτα (tauta)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

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

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

you will not sin.
ἁμάρτητε (hamartēte)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 264: Perhaps from a and the base of meros; properly, to miss the mark, i.e. to err, especially to sin.

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

if
ἐάν (ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

anyone
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

does sin,
ἁμάρτῃ (hamartē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 264: Perhaps from a and the base of meros; properly, to miss the mark, i.e. to err, especially to sin.

we have
ἔχομεν (echomen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

an advocate
Παράκλητον (Paraklēton)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3875: (a) an advocate, intercessor, (b) a consoler, comforter, helper, (c) Paraclete. An intercessor, consoler.

before
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative 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.

Father—
Πατέρα (Patera)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦν (Iēsoun)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

Christ,
Χριστὸν (Christon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

[the] Righteous [One].
δίκαιον (dikaion)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1342: From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy.


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NT Letters: 1 John 2:1 My little children I write these things (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo)
1 John 1:10
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