1 John 2:23 web — Whoever denies the Son, the same doesn't have the Father. He who confesses the Son has the Father also.

World English Bible

"Whoever denies the Son, the same doesn't have the Father. He who confesses the Son has the Father also."

— 1 John 2:23, World English Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

1 John 2:23 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

1 John 2 — Context

20

You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.

21

I have not written to you because you don't know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.

22

Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the Antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.

23

Whoever denies the Son, the same doesn't have the Father. He who confesses the Son has the Father also.

24

Therefore, as for you, let that remain in you which you heard from the beginning. If that which you heard from the beginning remains in you, you also will remain in the Son, and in the Father.

25

This is the promise which he promised us, the eternal life.

26

These things I have written to you concerning those who would lead you astray.

1 John 2:23 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 John 2:23 say?
1 John 2:23 in the World English Bible reads: “Whoever denies the Son, the same doesn't have the Father. He who confesses the Son has the Father also.”
Where is 1 John 2:23 in the Bible?
1 John 2:23 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 John, chapter 2, verse 23.
Who wrote 1 John?
1 John is traditionally attributed to John the Apostle. It was written c. AD 85–95.
What is the book of 1 John about?
John writes to help believers know they have eternal life. Three tests run through the letter: do you walk in the light, love one another, and confess that Jesus is the Christ come in the flesh? Where these are present, assurance follows.
What are the major themes of 1 John?
1 John explores themes including Assurance, Love, Light, Truth vs. Error, Eternal Life. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 John 2:23.
What translation should I read 1 John 2:23 in?
1 John 2:23 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 John 2:23?
1 John 2:23 reads (WEB): “Whoever denies the Son, the same doesn't have the Father. He who confesses the Son has the Father also.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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