Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father:(but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

1 JOHN 2:23KJV
Know the Bible

1 John 2:23 (KJV)

What does 1 John 2:23 mean?

1 John 2:23 teaches that anyone who rejects or denies the Son (Jesus) does not have a relationship with the Father (God), but anyone who openly acknowledges the Son has a relationship with the Father as well. The verse draws a clear connection between knowing Jesus and knowing God.

The apostle John is writing to early Christians who were facing confusion and false teachings about Jesus’ identity. He emphasizes that belief in Jesus as the Son is essential for a genuine relationship with God the Father. This statement is meant to guard the community against teachings that separate Jesus from God or claim you can know God without accepting Jesus.

The Greek behind 1 John 2:23

  • "denieth" (ἀρνέομαι, arneomai): This word means to refuse, reject, or disown. In this verse, it highlights an active rejection of Jesus, not just a lack of knowledge.
  • "acknowledgeth" (ὁμολογέω, homologeō): This word means to confess, declare, or openly agree. It suggests a public and genuine acceptance of Jesus, not just private belief.
  • "hath" (ἔχω, echō): This word means to have, hold, or possess. Here, it points to having a real, ongoing relationship or connection, not just a distant association.

Why 1 John 2:23 matters

  • 1 John 2:23 clarifies that belief in Jesus is not optional for knowing God; the two are inseparable according to John’s teaching.
  • The verse addresses misunderstandings in the early church, where some claimed to know God while denying Jesus’ role or identity.
  • This verse ties into the larger theme of 1 John, which is about holding to the truth about Jesus and guarding against teachings that would separate faith in Christ from a relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“acknowledgeth” Greek G3670 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
  • John 12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
  • Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

“denieth” Greek G720 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
  • John 18:25 And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.
  • 2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

“not” Greek G3761 · used in 125 verses

  • Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
  • Luke 11:33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.
  • Romans 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.