Here we do the analysis separately for vv. 1:5-10 and vv. 2:1-11 connected through “I write this” (2:1)
The logical flow of vv. 1:5-10 is reflected in a main statement (1:5) and five conditional clauses (1:6-10) following. The main statement sets a standard. The conditional clauses assert the condition (i.e., to meet the standard or not) in the subordinate clauses and the corresponding consequences in the main clauses. The structure of the first two clauses (1:7,8) is “if A yet / as B, (then) C and D”; the rest three has the structure “if A, (then) C and D”. The key connecting words “yet” and “as” indicate, respectively, the inconsistency and agreement between A and B. The verses 6 and 7 are contrasted through “but”.
The tense and mood for key verbs in vv.1:5-2:11 are shown in Table I. Notice that “have heard” is in perfect tense, indicating a complete action with existing results. The mood of “declare” is indicative, indicating a definite truth. The subjunctive mood for “forgive” is consistent with the conditional clause.
Table I. The tense and mood[1] for key verbs in 1 John 1:5-2:11
Verbs (location) | tense / mood |
have heard (1:5) | perfect / indicative |
declare (1:5) | present / indicative |
claim (1:6) | aorist / subjunctive |
walk (1:6,7) | present / subjunctive |
lie (1:6) | present / indicative |
live (1:7) | present / indicative |
purify (1:7) | present / indicative |
deceive (1:8) | present / indicative |
confess (1:8) | present / subjunctive |
forgive (1:9) | aorist / subjunctive |
write (2:1) | present / indicative |
will not sin (2:1) | aorist / subjunctive |
does sin (2:1) | aorist / subjunctive |
come to know (2:3) | present / indicative |
obey (2:3) | present / subjunctive |
says (2:4) | present / participle |
is made complete (2:5) | perfect / indicative |
am writing (2:7) | present / indicative |
have had (2:7) | imperfect / indicative |
is passing (2:8) | present / indicative |
is shining (2:9) | present / indicative |
hates (2:9) | present / participle |
Has blinded (2:11) | aorist / indicative |
The logical flow of vv. 2:1-11 is carried by two parallel sub-sections with near identical “I + T” structures, where “I” and “T” denote, respectively, introductory part and thematic part (Table II). In the “T” parts of each subsection, conditional clauses and/or assertions form a closed circle structure via repetition. Here we recognize it as circle instead of a spiral because it is in harmony with the theme of complete fulfillment of God’s commandments and God’s love. Such circular structure can also be found in the Gospel of John (e.g., three circles identified in Jn. 1:1-5).
Table II. Markers showing the two parallel parts in vv. 2:1-6 and vv. 2:7-11.
| Subsection I | Subsection II |
I | “My dear children” “I write” “so that you will not sin” “But…” “If … we have one who…” “Jesus Christ” | “Dear friends” “I am writing” “an old commandment” “Yet…” “…a new commandment” “the true light” |
T | Love God | Love each others |
[1] Aland, B. ; Aland, K. ; Black, M.; Martini, C. M. ; Metzger, B. M. ; Wikgren, A.: The Greek New Testament. 4th ed. Federal Republic of Germany : United Bible Societies, 1993, c1979.
