2:20a
You, however: (Emphasis) This is contrasting the readers with the people who had left the church.
have an anointing from the Holy One: (Alternative Interpretations) This is a metaphor comparing something to the Jewish practice of anointing men with oil when they became priests. There are different views about what topic is being compared:
(1) John is probably referring to Christ giving the Holy Spirit to those who truly become Christians. (Good News Translation, Living Bible)
(2) Some think it refers to God giving his word. (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
(3) Others think it refers to God making Christians special people, like priests. (New English Bible)
the Holy One: (Alternative Interpretations) There are different views as to who the phrase the Holy One refers to here:
(1) It probably refers to Christ, as it does elsewhere in the New Testament. (Good News Translation)
(2) Some think it refers to God, as it does in the Old Testament. (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
2:20b
and all of you know: (Text) The King James Version reading “ye know all things” is from an inferior Greek text.
know the truth: (Expression) The Greek here is literally, “you know.” No object is expressed, so the meaning is “you have knowledge,” “you are no longer ignorant.” However in many languages, including English, this leaves it unclear what sort of knowledge is meant. Many translations therefore specify, know the truth (Berean Standard Bible, New International Version (2011 Revision), Good News Translation, Living Bible) since that is the sort of knowledge John talks about in the next verse.
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