JMNT(i)
7 Beloved ones, I am not writing an implanted goal (impartation of the finished product within; inward directive of purpose)
new in kind or quality to you (or: for you),
but rather an old implanted goal (impartation of the finished product within; inward directive of destiny)
which you folks have continually had (or: were habitually holding)
from [
the]
beginning. The old implanted goal (impartation of the finished product within; inward directed destiny)
is the Word (Thought; Idea; message)
which you folks heard (or: attentively hear [and thus obey])!
8 Again, (or: Once more)
I am writing to you an implanted goal (impartation of the finished product within; inward directive)
new in kind and quality, which is (exists being)
true (actual; real; genuine)
within Him, and within you [other MSS: us],
that the Darkness (the obscure dimness of the realm of the shadows and of lack of the light of the Day; [note: a figure of the ignorance of the prior system and realm])
is progressively being caused to pass by, and the True Light (or: = real knowledge and understanding; = Light of the new Day)
is already (before now)
progressively shining and appearing.
9 The person who keeps on speaking [
thus, as though]
to be within the Light, and yet is constantly hating (or: regarding with ill-will)
his brother (or: = fellow believer; or: fellow member of his society),
is a liar and continues being within the Darkness (the obscure dimness of the realm of the shadows and lack of the light of the Day; = prior night)
until the present moment.
10 The person habitually loving (seeking accepting reunion with)
his brother constantly abides (remains; dwells; = has his home)
within and in union with the Light, and there exists no snare (trap-spring; stick upon which bait is put; = cause for stumbling)
within him.