5:12a

Whoever: (Meaning) This just means “anyone who…,” or “all those who…”

has the Son: (Meaning) This is another way by which John refers to our close personal relationship and union with Christ. It means the same as the phrase “in Christ.” See the note on 2:5c “in Him.”

life: (Pronoun Reference) The Greek has “the life” here, making it clear that “eternal life” (5:11) is meant. In translation it may be clearer to say “this life.” See Good News Translation.

5:12b

whoever does not: (Emphasis) In this sentence John is emphasizing what he has just said in 5:12a by restating it in the negative. A word like “but” may be needed to link the two sentences.

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.