1 John 2:19 (KJV) says: "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us."

This verse from the first epistle of John speaks to the concept of apostasy and the division of believers within the early Christian community. The verse addresses the reality of false prophets and false beliefs infiltrating the church and causing division. It also serves as a warning to believers to discern the truth and to remain steadfast in their faith.

The context of this verse is important in understanding its meaning. In the preceding verses, John addresses the believers to whom he is writing, and warns them of the antichrists who have gone out from their midst. These antichrists are individuals who once associated with the Christian community but have since rejected the faith and departed from the church. John is addressing the confusion and division that arises when false teachers and false beliefs are introduced into the church.

The verse begins with the statement, "They went out from us, but they were not of us." This suggests that those who left the Christian community did not truly belong to it in the first place. They may have appeared to be part of the church, but their departure revealed that they did not hold to the true faith. This is a common theme throughout the New Testament, as it often addresses the presence of false prophets and warns believers to be on guard against deception.

The verse continues, "for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us." This emphasizes the idea that true believers will persevere in their faith. Those who are genuinely part of the Christian community will remain steadfast in their beliefs and will not be easily swayed or led astray. This serves as a reassurance to the believers that those who depart from the faith were never truly one of them.

The verse concludes, "but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us." Here, John explains that their departure serves to make it evident that they were not truly part of the Christian community. Their rejection of the faith reveals their true allegiance and separates them from the genuine believers.

The symbolism in this verse lies in the contrast between true and false believers. It serves as a reminder to believers to discern the truth and remain steadfast in their faith. It also warns against the dangers of false teachings and false prophets, and the division they can cause within the church. The verse emphasizes the importance of perseverance and commitment to the true faith.

Overall, 1 John 2:19 in the King James Version addresses the issue of apostasy and the presence of false prophets within the early Christian community. It serves as a warning to believers to discern the truth and to remain steadfast in their faith, and reassures them that those who depart from the faith were never truly part of the community. The verse carries a message of discernment, perseverance, and the importance of holding to the true faith.