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.
Parallel translations
- WEB Little children, these are the end times, and as you heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have arisen. By this we know that it is the final hour.
- BSB 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.
- NKJV Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.
- NASB Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour.
- NLT Dear children, the last hour is here. You have heard that the Antichrist is coming, and already many such antichrists have appeared. From this we know that the last hour has come.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
It is the last hour, marked by the coming Antichrist and many present antichrists. The church lives in the final age before Christ's return.
Overview
John says his readers live in 'the last hour,' the era between Christ's first and second comings. The expected Antichrist is anticipated, but already 'many antichrists', false teachers denying Christ, confirm the lateness of the hour. This sobers believers to discern truth and remain faithful as history nears its end.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 21
- 1 Jn 4:3And 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.
- 2 Jn 1:7For 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.
- 1 Jn 2:22Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
- Matt 24:24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
- Matt 24:5For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
- 1 Jn 4:1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
- Mark 13:6For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
- 2 Tim 3:1–6This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
- 2 Th 2:3–12Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
- 2 Tim 4:3–4For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
- Matt 24:11And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
- 1 Tim 4:1–3Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
- Mark 13:21–22And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:
- Jude 1:18How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
- 2 Pet 2:1But 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.
- Acts 20:29–30For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
- 2 Pet 3:3Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
- Heb 1:2Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
- 1 Pet 1:5Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
- 1 Pet 1:20Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
- John 21:5Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.
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Jesus is the Word of life made manifest, the propitiation for our sins, the Son in whom is eternal life — 'that you may know that you have eternal life.'
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Original language
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