Paragraph 2:12–14

Read 2:12–14 in both Berean Standard Bible and Good News Translation. Compare the two versions.

Paragraph Discourse Features: In these verses John breaks off from the main theme of his letter in order to assure his readers that he does not doubt that they are true Christians. To do this he uses a very different style of writing, with much repetition and use of the second person “you.” He also emphasizes his confidence in his readers by repeating in 2:14 much of what he had said in 2:12–13 with some differences. In translation it may be necessary to adjust the style of these verses so that they are clearly understood as an interruption to the main theme and as a reassurance to the readers.

2:12a

little children: (Alternative Interpretations) There are different interpretations of who this refers to:

(1) As in 2:1, little children is probably an affectionate term by which John, an old man, addresses his readers. See the note on 2:1.

(2) Some think the phrase little children refers to children or very recent converts among John’s readers.

2:12b

because: (Logical Relationship) John is not writing to inform his readers that their sins are forgiven. It is because he and they know their sins are forgiven that he is writing to teach them more about being Christians. This applies to each use of “because” in 2:12–14.

have been forgiven: (Passive Construction) If it is necessary to turn this into an active verb, the actor should be stated as “God.” For example, “God has forgiven your sins.”

2:12c

through His name: (Meaning) This is a common biblical phrase meaning “because of his authority and what he has done.”

His name: (Pronoun Reference) This refers to Christ.

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.