I John 2:23
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Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father, but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Greek, "Every one who denieth the Son, hath not the Father either" (Jo1 4:2-3): "inasmuch as God hath given Himself to us wholly to be enjoyed in Christ" [CALVIN]. he--that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. These words ought not to be in italics, as though they were not in the original: for the oldest Greek manuscripts have them. hath--namely, in his abiding possession as his "portion"; by living personal "fellowship." acknowledgeth--by open confession of Christ.
Open source ↗Here the apostle encourages against sins of infirmity (Jo1 2:1, Jo1 2:2), shows the true knowledge and love of God (Jo1 2:3-6), renews the precept of fraternal love (Jo1 2:7-11), addresses the several ages of Christians (Jo1 2:12-14), warns against worldly love (Jo1 2:15-17), against seducers (Jo1 2:18, Jo1 2:19), shows the security of true Christians (Jo1 2:20-27), and advises to abide in Christ (Jo1 2:28, Jo1 2:29).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
If anyone confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
“Where is Your Father?” they asked Him. “You do not know Me or My Father,” Jesus answered. “If you knew Me, you would know My Father as well.”
so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.
I and the Father are one.”
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father also loves those born of Him.
All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.
All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.”
Who 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.