Chapter
1 2 3 4 5
Verse

1 John 2:20

ESV But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.
NIV But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.
NASB But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know.
CSB But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.
NLT But you are not like that, for the Holy One has given you his Spirit, and all of you know the truth.
KJV But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
NKJV But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.

What does 1 John 2:20 mean?

In contrast with the false teachers John described in 2:18–19, he reassures true believers reading this letter that they have been anointed and possess knowledge of the truth. This anointing referred to the Spirit of God being poured out by Jesus "the Holy One" on those who have come to faith in Christ. This anointing "you received from him abides in you" (1 John 2:27), meaning it was lasting. The New Testament described Jesus as the Anointed One (Acts 4:26–27) who also anointed those who believe in Him.

Jesus was also often called the Holy One (Revelation 3:7). This title was used by Simon Peter (John 6:69; Acts 2:27), Paul (Acts 13:35), angels (Revelation 16:5), and even evil spirits (Mark 1:24; Luke 4:34). The idea that "you all have knowledge" refers to a Christian believer's true knowledge of Jesus as the Christ. The Bible elsewhere parallels knowledge with salvation (Luke 1:77; 1 Corinthians 1:5).
Expand
Expand
Expand
What is the Gospel?
Download the app: