1Jo 2:7 | 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

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."