1 John 2:19

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — John addresses his readers in the "last hour" following the emergence of many antichrists to explain a recent group departure. (1 John 2:18-19)

The words — The verb ἐξῆλθαν (exēlthan) means "they went out," while the preposition ἐξ (ex) appears four times in the verse to track their origin and lack of belonging. (1 John 2:19)

The thread — This pattern of internal departure and division appears in Acts 20:30, 1 Corinthians 11:19, and Jude 1:19. (Cross-references)

Why it lands — The text states that their physical departure proves they never truly belonged to the community. (1 John 2:19)

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

Cross-references

Acts 20:30 Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.
1 Corinthians 11:19 And indeed, there must be differences among you to show which of you are approved.
Jude 1:19 These are the ones who cause divisions, who are worldly and devoid of the Spirit.
Luke 8:13 The seeds on rocky ground are those who hear the word and receive it with joy, but they have no root. They believe for a season, but in the time of testing, they fall away.
2 Peter 2:20 If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first.
Matthew 13:20 The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and at once receives it with joy.
2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”
John 6:37 Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never drive away.
Acts 15:24 It has come to our attention that some went out from us without our authorization and unsettled you, troubling your minds by what they said.
Deuteronomy 13:13 that wicked men have arisen from among you and have led the people of their city astray, saying, “Let us go and serve other gods” (which you have not known),