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◄ 2 John 1:7 ►

New International Version
I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.

New Living Translation
I say this because many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist.

English Standard Version
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.

Berean Standard Bible
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.

Berean Literal Bible
For many deceivers have entered into the world, those not confessing Jesus Christ coming in flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

New American Standard Bible
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.

NASB 1995
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.

NASB 1977
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.

Legacy Standard Bible
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.

Amplified Bible
For many deceivers [heretics, posing as Christians] have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge and confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh (bodily form). This [person, the kind who does this] is the deceiver and the antichrist [that is, the antagonist of Christ].

Christian Standard Bible
Many deceivers have gone out into the world; they do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Many deceivers have gone out into the world; they do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.

American Standard Version
For many deceivers are gone forth into the world, even they that confess not that Jesus Christ cometh in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.

Contemporary English Version
Many liars have gone out into the world. These deceitful liars are saying Jesus Christ did not have a truly human body. But they are liars and the enemies of Christ.

English Revised Version
For many deceivers are gone forth into the world, even they that confess not that Jesus Christ cometh in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Many people who deceive others have gone into the world. They refuse to declare that Jesus Christ came in flesh and blood. This is the mark of a deceiver and an antichrist.

Good News Translation
Many deceivers have gone out over the world, people who do not acknowledge that Jesus Christ came as a human being. Such a person is a deceiver and the Enemy of Christ.

International Standard Version
For many deceivers have gone out into the world. They refuse to acknowledge Jesus the Messiah as having become human. Any such person is a deceiver and an antichrist.

NET Bible
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, people who do not confess Jesus as Christ coming in the flesh. This person is the deceiver and the antichrist!

New Heart English Bible
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.

Webster's Bible Translation
For many deceivers have entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver, and an antichrist.

Weymouth New Testament
For many deceivers have gone out into the world--men who do not acknowledge Jesus as Christ who has come in human nature. Such a one is 'the deceiver' and 'the anti-Christ.'

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
For many deceivers have entered into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.

World English Bible
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who don’t confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the Antichrist.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
because many deceivers entered into the world, who are not confessing Jesus Christ coming in flesh; this one is he who is leading astray, and the antichrist.

Berean Literal Bible
For many deceivers have entered into the world, those not confessing Jesus Christ coming in flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.

Young's Literal Translation
because many leading astray did enter into the world, who are not confessing Jesus Christ coming in flesh; this one is he who is leading astray, and the antichrist.

Smith's Literal Translation
For many cheats come into the world, they not acknowledging Jesus Christ coming in the flesh. This is the cheat and antichrist.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For many seducers are gone out into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh: this is a seducer and an antichrist.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has arrived in the flesh. Such a one as this is a deceiver and an antichrist.

New American Bible
Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh; such is the deceitful one and the antichrist.

New Revised Standard Version
Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh; any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist!

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For many deceivers have appeared in the world, who do not acknowledge that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Yeshua The Messiah has come in the flesh; such a person is a deceiver and antichrist.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
For many deceivers have entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ came in the flesh: this is the deceiver and the antichrist.

Godbey New Testament
Because many deceivers have gone out into the world, who do not confess that Jesus Christ is coming in the flesh; the same is the deceiver and the antichrist.

Haweis New Testament
For many deceivers are gone out into the world, who do not confess Jesus the Messiah as come in the flesh. Such a one is a deceiver and an antichrist.

Audio Bible

Context

Beware of Deceivers
6And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love. 7For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 John 4:1-3
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. / By this you will know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, / and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and which is already in the world at this time.

1 John 2:18-22
Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour. / They went out from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us. / You, however, have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. ...

Matthew 24:24
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4
Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness—the son of destruction—is revealed. / He will oppose and exalt himself above every so-called god or object of worship. So he will seat himself in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.

2 Peter 2:1
Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.

Mark 13:22
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.

1 Timothy 4:1-2
Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, / influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.

Jude 1:4
For certain men have crept in among you unnoticed—ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Revelation 13:11-14
Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. This beast had two horns like a lamb, but spoke like a dragon. / And this beast exercised all the authority of the first beast and caused the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose mortal wound had been healed. / And the second beast performed great signs, even causing fire from heaven to come down to earth in the presence of the people. ...

John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Philippians 2:5-7
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: / Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, / but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Colossians 2:8-9
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ. / For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form.

Galatians 1:6-9
I am amazed how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— / which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ. / But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse! ...

Acts 20:29-30
I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. / Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.

2 Peter 2:1-3
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction…

1 John 2:18-22
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 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

who.

John 1:14
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

1 Timothy 3:16
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

1 John 4:2
Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

This is.

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.

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2 John 1

1. He exhorts a certain honorable matron, with her children, to persevere in Christian love and belief,
8. lest they lose the reward of their former profession;
10. and to have nothing to do with those seducers that bring not the true doctrine of Christ Jesus.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

For many deceivers have gone out into the world
This phrase highlights the early church's struggle with false teachings and heresies. The term "deceivers" refers to those who spread false doctrines, particularly Gnosticism, which denied the true humanity of Christ. The phrase "gone out into the world" suggests that these false teachers were actively spreading their beliefs beyond the local church, indicating a widespread issue. This echoes Jesus' warnings in Matthew 24:11 about false prophets arising and leading many astray.

refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh
This phrase addresses a specific heresy that denied the incarnation of Christ. The denial of Jesus coming "in the flesh" was a direct challenge to the doctrine of the Incarnation, which is central to Christian faith. This aligns with the apostle John's emphasis on the reality of Jesus' humanity, as seen in John 1:14, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." The refusal to confess this truth was a significant theological error that threatened the foundation of Christian belief.

Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist
Here, the text identifies those who deny Christ's incarnation as both "the deceiver" and "the antichrist." The term "antichrist" is used to describe anyone who opposes or seeks to replace Christ, not just a singular end-times figure. This is consistent with 1 John 2:18, which speaks of many antichrists already present in the world. The use of "deceiver" and "antichrist" underscores the seriousness of this false teaching and its potential to lead believers astray. Theologically, this serves as a warning to remain vigilant against teachings that undermine the core truths of the Gospel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. John the Apostle
The author of this epistle, John was one of Jesus' closest disciples and a key figure in the early church. He wrote to warn believers about false teachings.

2. Deceivers
Individuals who spread false teachings, particularly those denying the incarnation of Jesus Christ. They are described as having gone out into the world, indicating their active role in spreading deception.

3. Antichrist
A term used to describe those who oppose Christ and His teachings. In this context, it refers to anyone who denies the incarnation of Jesus.

4. The Early Church
The community of believers during the time of John's writing, facing challenges from false teachings and needing guidance to maintain doctrinal purity.

5. The World
Refers to the broader society outside the Christian community, where false teachings and deceivers are prevalent.

Teaching Points

Discernment is Essential
Believers must be vigilant and discerning, testing teachings against the truth of Scripture to avoid being led astray by deceivers.

The Importance of Christ's Incarnation
Affirming Jesus Christ's coming in the flesh is central to Christian faith. Denying this truth undermines the foundation of salvation and the gospel.

Recognizing the Spirit of Antichrist
Understanding that the spirit of antichrist is already at work in the world helps believers remain alert and steadfast in their faith.

Guarding the Community of Faith
The church must protect its members from false teachings by promoting sound doctrine and encouraging accountability.

Living in Truth and Love
While standing firm against deception, believers are called to live out the truth in love, reflecting Christ's character in their interactions.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. What is the meaning of 2 John 1:7?

2. How can we identify "many deceivers" mentioned in 2 John 1:7 today?

3. Why is acknowledging Christ's incarnation crucial for true Christian faith?

4. How does 2 John 1:7 connect with warnings in Matthew 24:24?

5. What steps can we take to guard against deception in our community?

6. How can we strengthen our faith to resist false teachings about Christ?

7. What does 2 John 1:7 reveal about the nature of false teachers in early Christianity?

8. How does 2 John 1:7 define the term "deceiver" in a theological context?

9. Why is the denial of Christ's incarnation significant in 2 John 1:7?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 John 1?

11. Why does 2 John 1:7’s emphasis on Jesus “coming in the flesh” face skepticism in light of modern science and historical inquiry?

12. Who is the Antichrist according to the Bible?

13. What is the identity of the antichrist?

14. Are there historical or textual contradictions between 2 John and other New Testament letters that raise doubts about its authenticity or consistency?

What Does 2 John 1:7 Mean

For many deceivers have gone out into the world

John alerts believers that false teachers are already active, not a future possibility. Jesus had forewarned, “For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many” (Matthew 24:5). Paul echoed the same concern in Acts 20:29–30, noting that wolves would arise both outside and inside the church. This phrase underscores:

•Deception is widespread, not isolated.

•The threat comes from those who present themselves as spiritual leaders.

•Believers must stay watchful, just as 1 Peter 5:8 urges vigilance against the adversary.

refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh

The core test of orthodoxy centers on affirming the incarnation. “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us” (John 1:14). To deny this truth is to reject the heart of the gospel:

•Jesus’ full humanity—He truly entered time, space, and history (Philippians 2:6–8).

•Jesus’ full deity—only God in the flesh can atone for sin (Hebrews 2:14–17).

•Salvation’s reliability—if Christ did not literally come in the flesh, the cross and resurrection lose their meaning (1 Corinthians 15:14).

John had previously written, “Every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God” (1 John 4:3), tying a right Christology to genuine faith.

Any such person is the deceiver

John does not soften his language. Those who distort Christ’s person and work are not merely mistaken; they lead others astray. In Galatians 1:8, Paul likewise warns that even an angel who preaches a different gospel is “under a curse.” Key implications:

•Truth and error cannot be blended; compromise with falsehood corrupts the church (2 Corinthians 6:14).

•Discernment is an essential Christian discipline (Hebrews 5:14).

•Love for people includes refusing to enable their deception (Ephesians 4:15).

and the antichrist

John expands the label from deceiver to antichrist, identifying a spirit that actively opposes Christ. Earlier he wrote, “Even now many antichrists have arisen” (1 John 2:18). While Scripture speaks of a future, singular Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4), anyone denying Christ’s incarnation shares that same hostile spirit. Practical takeaways:

•Error about Christ is not neutral; it is anti-Christ.

•Standing against antichrist teaching means holding fast to “the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3).

•The ultimate victory is certain, for “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

summary

2 John 1:7 warns believers that numerous false teachers already spread doctrines denying the literal incarnation of Jesus Christ. Such individuals are called deceivers and bear the antichrist spirit. The verse urges unwavering allegiance to the biblical truth that God the Son truly became flesh, anchoring salvation and safeguarding the church from destructive error.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 7. - For. These are no mere generalities, and it is not without reason that these facts are insisted upon. The dangers which they suggest are not imaginary. Mischief has already been done by neglecting them. "Deceiver" πλάνος here means "seducer," one who causes others to go astray. The cognate verb πλανᾷν is frequent in St. John, especially in the Revelation (Revelation 2:20; Revelation 12:9; Revelation 13:14; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:3, 8, 10), and commonly indicates seduction into grave error (comp. 1 John 1:8; 1 John 2:26; 1 John 3:7). The true reading ἐξῆλθον gives "are gone forth," not "are entered" εἰσῆλθον. We cannot be sure that "are gone forth" refers to their leaving the true Church; although 1 John 2:18 inclines us to think so: it may mean no more than that they have gone abroad spreading their erroneous tenets. Just as "love not" in 1 John 3:10, 14, 15 and 1 John 4:20 is equivalent to "hate," so "confess not" here is equivalent to "deny." These seducers deny "Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh," or (as the Greek may possibly mean) they deny "Jesus as Christ coming in the flesh." The present participle ἐρχόμενον seems to indicate exactly the position of some of the Gnostic teachers. The Jew denied that the Incarnation had taken place - the Messiah had not yet come. The Gnostic denied that the Incarnation could take place: no such Person as the Christ coming in the flesh was possible; that the Infinite should become finite, that the Divine Word should become flesh, was inconceivable. The teacher who brings such doctrine as this "is the deceiver and the antichrist" about whom the elder's children had been so frequently warned. In the strong language which St. John here and elsewhere (1 John 2:22, 26; 1 John 4:1) uses respecting those who deny or pervert the truth, we hear the voice of the "son of thunder," ever jealous about whatever touched the honour of his Lord. Such hatred of error was the outcome of a firm grasp, and profound love, of the truth. It is easy to imitate and to exceed such strength of language; but let us beware of doing so without having first attained to an equal comprehension of the truth, and an equal affection for it. The strong words of the apostle are the expression of a glowing conviction. Our strong words are too often the expression of a heated temper; and a man who loses his temper in argument cares more about himself than about the truth. Let us remember the noble words of St. Augustine to the heretics of his own day: "Let those rage against you who know not with what toil truth is found, and how difficult it is to avoid errors; who know not with how much difficulty the eye of the inner man is made whole; who know not with what sighs and groans it is made possible, in however small a degree, to comprehend God."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

For
Ὅτι (Hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

many
πολλοὶ (polloi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

deceivers
πλάνοι (planoi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4108: Roving, i.e. an impostor or misleader.

have gone out
ἐξῆλθον (exēlthon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1831: To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.

into
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

world,
κόσμον (kosmon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889: Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).

refusing
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

to confess
ὁμολογοῦντες (homologountes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3670: From a compound of the base of homou and logos; to assent, i.e. Covenant, acknowledge.

the coming of
ἐρχόμενον (erchomenon)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦν (Iēsoun)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

Christ
Χριστὸν (Christon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[the] flesh.
σαρκί (sarki)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4561: Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred.

Any such [ person ]
οὗτός (houtos)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

the
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

deceiver
πλάνος (planos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4108: Roving, i.e. an impostor or misleader.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

antichrist.
ἀντίχριστος (antichristos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 500: From anti and Christos; an opponent of the Messiah.

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NT Letters: 2 John 1:7 For many deceivers have gone out into (2J iiJ 2Jn ii jn 2 jo)

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⇱ 2 John 1:7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.