1Jo 2:7-8 | RWP | e4.org | Beloved ( αγαπητο ). First instance of this favourite form of address in these Epistles ( , ; , ; , , , ). No new commandment ( ουκ εντολην καινην ). Not novel or new in kind ( καινην as distinct from νεος , new in time, for which distinction see ). But an old commandment ( αλλ' εντολην παλαιαν ). Ancient as opposed both to καινος and νεος . The Mosaic law taught love for one's neighbours and Christ taught love even of enemies. Which ye had ( ην ειχετε ). Imperfect active, reaching back to the beginning of their Christian lives ( απ' αρχης ). They had heard it expressly from Jesus ( ), who, however, calls it "a new commandment."

‏ 1 John 2:7-8

Beloved ( αγαπητο ). First instance of this favourite form of address in these Epistles (3:2, 21; 4:1, 7; 3Jo 1, 2, 5, 11).

No new commandment ( ουκ εντολην καινην ). Not novel or new in kind ( καινην as distinct from νεος, new in time, for which distinction see Lu 5:33-38).

But an old commandment ( αλλ' εντολην παλαιαν ). Ancient as opposed both to καινος and νεος. The Mosaic law taught love for one's neighbours and Christ taught love even of enemies.

Which ye had ( ην ειχετε ). Imperfect active, reaching back to the beginning of their Christian lives ( απ' αρχης ). They had heard it expressly from Jesus (Joh 13:34), who, however, calls it "a new commandment."

Again a new commandment ( παλιν εντολην καινην ). Paradox, but truth. Old in teaching (as old as the story of Cain and Abel, 3:11f.), but new in practice. For this use of παλιν for a new turn see Joh 16:28. To walk as Christ walked is to put in practice the old commandment and so make it new (ever new and fresh), as love is as old as man and fresh in every new experience.

True in him and in you ( αληθες εν αυτω κα εν υμιν ). This newness is shown supremely in Christ and in disciples when they walk as Jesus did (verse 6).

Because ( οτ ). Explanation of the paradox.

Is passing away ( παραγετα ). Present middle indicative of παραγω, old verb, to lead by, to go by (intransitive), as in Mt 20:30. Night does pass by even if slowly. See this verb in verse 17 of the world passing by like a procession.

True ( αληθινον ). Genuine, reliable, no false flicker.

Already shineth ( ηδη φαινε ). Linear present active, "is already shining" and the darkness is already passing by. Dawn is here. Is John thinking of the second coming of Christ or of the victory of truth over error, of light over darkness (cf. Joh 1:5-9), the slow but sure victory of Christ over Satan as shown in the Apocalypse? See 1:5.