I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

1 JOHN 2:13KJV
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1 John 2:13 (KJV)

What does 1 John 2:13 mean?

1 John 2:13 describes the apostle John writing to three groups in the Christian community—fathers, young men, and little children—affirming what each group knows or has experienced in their faith. John highlights that the fathers know the one who is from the beginning, the young men have overcome the evil one, and the little children know the Father.

John, as a respected elder, addresses his readers in personal terms, recognizing their different stages of spiritual maturity. He encourages the fathers for their deep, lasting knowledge of God, praises the young men for their spiritual victory over evil, and reassures the children for their relationship with God as their Father.

The Greek behind 1 John 2:13

  • "fathers" (πατέρες, pateres): This word refers to spiritually mature believers, likely those with long experience in the faith. John honors their enduring knowledge of God.
  • "from the beginning" (ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς, ap’ archēs): This phrase points to Jesus as the eternal one, or possibly to the original message of the gospel. It emphasizes the unchanging nature of what the fathers know.
  • "overcome" (νενικήκατε, nenikēkate): This verb means to conquer or be victorious. John uses it to affirm that the young men have already achieved victory over "the wicked one," highlighting a real spiritual triumph.
  • "children" (παιδία, paidia): This term is often used for young children or learners. Here, it likely refers to newer believers or those still growing in faith, whom John encourages by reminding them they know God as Father.

Why 1 John 2:13 matters

  • 1 John 2:13 shows that spiritual growth is recognized and valued, with different encouragements given to believers at various stages of maturity.
  • The verse connects the community’s experience back to core truths: knowing God, overcoming evil, and having a relationship with the Father.
  • By repeating the phrase "I write unto you," John emphasizes personal care and the importance of remembering what each group already possesses in their faith.

Where else these words appear

“men” Greek G3495 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
  • Mark 14:51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:
  • Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

“overcome” Greek G3528 · used in 24 verses

  • Luke 11:22 But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
  • 1 John 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
  • Revelation 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

“children” Greek G3813 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Mark 5:39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.
  • Luke 2:27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

“beginning” Greek G746 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
  • John 16:4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.
  • Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;