Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

1 JOHN 5:21KJV
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1 John 5:21 (KJV)

What does 1 John 5:21 mean?

1 John 5:21 ends the letter with a warning to its readers to guard themselves against idols. An idol could be an image of a god worshiped in the world where the first readers lived. The warning also fits the letter’s concern with knowing the true God.

The writer addresses his readers as “little children,” a warm term he uses throughout the letter. After speaking of “the true God” in verse 20, he closes with a brief command rather than a farewell.

The Greek behind 1 John 5:21

  • “children” — τεκνία (teknia): This word means “little children.” In the letter, the writer uses the term affectionately for his readers, not simply to describe their age.
  • “keep” — φυλάσσω (phylassō): The Greek here carries the sense of guarding or protecting. Joined with “yourselves,” the word presents staying away from idols as something the readers must watch over.
  • “idols” — εἴδωλον (eidōlon): This word can refer to an image associated with a god. The word would have brought to mind the objects of worship found in the first readers’ surroundings.

Why 1 John 5:21 matters

  • The closing warning stands beside the letter’s claim about the true God. The move from “the true God” in verse 20 to “idols” in verse 21 gives the final command its place in the passage.
  • The command is addressed to the readers as a group. “Yourselves” makes the warning a shared charge to those receiving the letter.
  • The KJV closes with “Amen,” a word expressing affirmation. It gives the letter a final note after the warning.

Where else these words appear

“children” Greek G5040 · used in 9 verses

  • John 13:33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.
  • 1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
  • 1 John 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

“idols” Greek G1497 · used in 11 verses

  • Acts 7:41 And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

“keep” Greek G5442 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
  • John 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
  • Galatians 6:13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

“Amen” Greek G281 · used in 126 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Mark 13:30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
  • Romans 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.