For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

2 JOHN 1:7KJV
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2 John 1:7 (KJV)

What does 2 John 1:7 mean?

2 John 1:7 warns that many deceivers have gone out into the world, specifically those who do not admit that Jesus Christ came in a real human body. According to this verse, anyone who denies this truth is both a deceiver and an antichrist.

The author, traditionally understood to be the apostle John, is writing to a group of believers to caution them about false teachers. In the context of the early church, some people were spreading the idea that Jesus was not truly human, but only appeared to be. John is making it clear that denying Jesus’s real humanity is a serious error and marks someone as opposed to Christ.

The Greek behind 2 John 1:7

  • "Deceivers" (πλάνοι, planoi): This word refers to people who lead others astray, not just by mistake but with intent to mislead. John is emphasizing the danger these people pose to the community.
  • "Confess" (ὁμολογέω, homologeō): In Greek, this word means to openly acknowledge or agree. The verse is not just about private belief but about a public stance on who Jesus is.
  • "Come in the flesh" (ἐληλυθότα ἐν σαρκί, elēlythota en sarki): This phrase stresses that Jesus truly became human. The Greek wording points to a real, physical coming, not just a spiritual or symbolic one.
  • "Antichrist" (ἀντίχριστος, antichristos): This term means someone who stands against or in place of Christ. Here, it is used for anyone who denies Jesus’s real incarnation, not just a single future figure.

Why 2 John 1:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that denying Jesus’s real humanity is not a minor disagreement but a core issue that separates true teaching from deception.
  • John’s warning helps readers understand that the early church faced real challenges from people who tried to reshape the message about Jesus.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of 2 John, which is about holding fast to the truth and being careful about who is welcomed as a teacher or leader in the community.

Where else these words appear

“deceivers” Greek G4108 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 27:63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
  • 1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

“antichrist” Greek G500 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 John 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
  • 1 John 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
  • 1 John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

“confess” 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.

“flesh” Greek G4561 · used in 130 verses

  • Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
  • Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
  • Ephesians 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.