New International VersionThe elder, To the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I only, but also all who know the truth—
New Living TranslationThis letter is from John, the elder. I am writing to the chosen lady and to her children, whom I love in the truth—as does everyone else who knows the truth—
English Standard VersionThe elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth,
Berean Standard BibleThe elder, To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I alone, but also all who know the truth—
Berean Literal BibleThe elder, To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those having known the truth--
King James BibleThe elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;
New King James VersionThe Elder, To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth,
New American Standard BibleThe elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not only I, but also all who know the truth,
NASB 1995The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not only I, but also all who know the truth,
NASB 1977The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not only I, but also all who know the truth,
Legacy Standard BibleThe elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth,
Amplified BibleThe elder [of the church addresses this letter] to the elect (chosen) lady and her children, whom I love in truth—and not only I, but also all who know and understand the truth—
Christian Standard Bible
Holman Christian Standard BibleThe Elder: To the elect lady and her children: I love all of you in the truth—and not only I, but also all who have come to know the truth—
American Standard VersionThe elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not I only, but also all they that know the truth;
Contemporary English VersionFrom the church leader. To a very special woman and her children. I truly love all of you, and so does everyone else who knows the truth.
English Revised VersionThe elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not I only, but also all they that know the truth;
GOD'S WORD® TranslationFrom the church leader. To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love because we share the truth. I'm not the only one who loves you. Everyone who knows the truth also loves you.
Good News TranslationFrom the Elder--To the dear Lady and to her children, whom I truly love. And I am not the only one, but all who know the truth love you,
International Standard VersionFrom: The Elder To: The chosen lady and her children, whom I genuinely love, and not only I but also all who know the truth,
NET BibleFrom the elder, to an elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth (and not I alone, but also all those who know the truth),
New Heart English BibleThe elder, to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not I only, but also all those who know the truth;
Webster's Bible TranslationThe elder to the elect lady, and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;
Weymouth New TestamentThe Elder to the elect lady and her children. Truly I love you all, and not I alone, but also all who know the truth, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe elder, To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I alone, but also all who know the truth—
World English BibleThe elder, to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not I only, but also all those who know the truth, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe elder to the chosen lady, and to her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those having known the truth,
Berean Literal BibleThe elder, To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those having known the truth--
Young's Literal Translation The Elder to the choice Kyria, and to her children, whom I love in truth, and not I only, but also all those having known the truth,
Smith's Literal TranslationThe elder to the chosen mistress in truth; (and not I only, but also all and to her children, whom I love they having known the truth;) Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe ancient to the lady Elect, and her children, whom I love in the truth, and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth,
Catholic Public Domain VersionThe Elder to the Elect Lady, and those born of her, whom I love in the truth: and not I alone, but also all those who have known the truth,
New American BibleThe Presbyter to the chosen Lady and to her children whom I love in truth—and not only I but also all who know the truth—
New Revised Standard VersionThe elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth, and not only I but also all who know the truth, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTHE minister, to the mother church, and her children, those whom I love in the truth, and not I only, but also all those who have known the truth,
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishThe Elder to The Elect lady and her children, those whom I love in the truth, but it is not I only, but also all those who know the truth, NT Translations Anderson New TestamentTHE elder to the elect lady, and to her children, whom I love in the truth: and not I only, but also all who know the truth;
Godbey New TestamentThe elder to the elect Cyria, and to her children, whom in truth I love with divine love; and not I, but also those having known the truth;
Haweis New TestamentTHE presbyter to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all who have known the truth:
Mace New TestamentThe PRESBYTER to the lady ECLECTA and her children, whom I sincerely love, and not only I, but all true christians,
Weymouth New TestamentThe Elder to the elect lady and her children. Truly I love you all, and not I alone, but also all who know the truth,
Worrell New TestamentThe elder to an elect lady and her children whom I love in truth?and not I only, but also all who know the truth?
Worsley New TestamentThe elder unto the excellent Lady, and her children, whom I love in truth: and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Greeting from the Elder1Theelder,To the chosenladyandherchildren,whomIloveinthe truth—andnotIalone,butalsoallwhoknowthetruth—2because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:…
Cross References John 13:34-35A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. / By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”
1 John 3:23And this is His commandment: that we should believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and we should love one another just as He commanded us.
1 John 4:7-8Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. / Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1 John 5:1-2Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father also loves those born of Him. / By this we know that we love the children of God: when we love God and keep His commandments.
John 15:12-14This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. / Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. / You are My friends if you do what I command you.
1 Peter 1:22Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.
1 Thessalonians 4:9Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.
Romans 12:10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.
Ephesians 4:2-3with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, / and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Colossians 3:14And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.
Galatians 5:13-14For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. / The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Philippians 1:9And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,
Hebrews 13:1Continue in brotherly love.
1 Corinthians 13:1-13If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. / If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. / If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing. ...
Matthew 22:37-39Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ / This is the first and greatest commandment. / And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Treasury of Scripture The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; A. 1 Peter 5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 3 John 1:1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. the elect lady. 2 John 1:5,13 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another… Luke 1:3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, Ephesians 1:4,5 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: … whom. 2 John 1:2,3 For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever… 1 Peter 1:22,23 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren,see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: … 1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. known. John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Galatians 2:5,14 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you… Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? Jump to Previous AloneChildrenChoiceChosenChurchElderElectGod'sLadyNobleRulerSelectionSisterTrue.TruthWordJump to Next AloneChildrenChoiceChosenChurchElderElectGod'sLadyNobleRulerSelectionSisterTrue.TruthWord2 John 1 1.He exhorts a certain honorable matron, with her children, to persevere in Christian love and belief,8.lest they lose the reward of their former profession;10.and to have nothing to do with those seducers that bring not the true doctrine of Christ Jesus.The elderThe term "elder" refers to a position of authority and respect within the early Christian community. Traditionally, this is understood to be the Apostle John, who was one of the original twelve disciples of Jesus. By the time this letter was written, John was likely advanced in age, which would further justify the use of the term. The role of an elder in the early church was to provide spiritual oversight and guidance, similar to the role of a pastor or bishop today. This title emphasizes John's authority and experience in the faith. To the chosen lady and her children The "chosen lady" is a subject of debate among scholars. Some interpret this as a metaphorical reference to a local church, with "her children" being the members of that congregation. Others believe it refers to an actual woman and her family. The term "chosen" indicates that she is part of the elect, those whom God has called to salvation. This reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereign choice, as seen in passages likeEphesians 1:4-5. The use of familial language underscores the close-knit nature of early Christian communities. whom I love in the truth The phrase "in the truth" signifies a love that is grounded in the shared belief in Jesus Christ and His teachings. This is not merely an emotional affection but a deep, spiritual connection based on the truth of the Gospel. The concept of truth is central to John's writings, as seen inJohn 14:6, where Jesus declares Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life." This love is consistent with the commandment to love one another, as found inJohn 13:34-35. and not I alone, but also all who know the truth This phrase highlights the communal aspect of the Christian faith. The love and fellowship extend beyond personal relationships to include all believers who share in the truth of the Gospel. This reflects the unity of the body of Christ, as emphasized in passages like1 Corinthians 12:12-13. The phrase "all who know the truth" suggests a shared understanding and acceptance of the core doctrines of Christianity, which bind believers together across different communities and cultures. Persons / Places / Events 1. The ElderTraditionally understood to be the Apostle John, who is writing this letter. He is referred to as "the elder," indicating his authority and respected position within the early Christian community. 2. The Chosen LadyThis is a metaphorical reference, likely to a specific church or congregation, rather than an individual woman. The term "chosen" signifies the community's election by God. 3. Her ChildrenRefers to the members of the church or congregation addressed in the letter. They are considered spiritual children of the "chosen lady." 4. TruthA central theme in John's writings, representing the Gospel and the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is the foundation of the love and fellowship among believers. 5. All Who Know the TruthThis phrase includes all believers who have accepted the Gospel and live according to its teachings, emphasizing the universal nature of Christian fellowship. Teaching Points The Role of the ElderThe term "elder" signifies spiritual maturity and leadership. In the church today, we should respect and learn from those who have walked in faith longer and have been entrusted with leadership roles. Understanding the 'Chosen Lady'Recognize the church as a community chosen by God. This should inspire us to value our local congregations and work towards unity and love within them. Living in TruthTruth is not just a concept but a way of life. As believers, we are called to live out the truth of the Gospel in our daily interactions and relationships. Universal Christian FellowshipThe love and truth shared among believers transcend local congregations. We are part of a global family united by our faith in Christ. The Importance of Spiritual ChildrenJust as the "children" of the chosen lady are mentioned, we should focus on nurturing and discipling new believers, helping them grow in their faith. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from 2 John 1
What evidence challenges the identity of the “elect lady” in 2 John 1:1—whether she is a metaphor for the church or a specific individual?
Why do some scholars question whether the “elder” mentioned in 2 John 1:1 is the Apostle John or a different author?
Who is the author of 3 John?
How can we be certain the “elder” in 3 John 1 is truly the Apostle John given the lack of explicit identification?(1) A man so well-known to his correspondent that he only calls himself "the old man," or, "the elder," writes to a mother, whose name is possibly Kyria, and to her children. Her sister's children are in the same place as the writer. The two mothers are both honoured with the religious title "elect." The writer (we assume from the introduction that he is the Apostle John) loves the family with true Christian love. All who are in the way of truth have the same feelings for them, for the truth is a bond of union between all such. He wishes them grace, mercy, and peace from the Father and the Son, in all their thoughts and all their affections ( 2John 1:1-3). (1 a.) (1)The elder.--The word is used with reference to age in1Timothy 5:2;1Peter 5:5; with reference to office,Acts 11:30;Acts 14:23;Acts 15:4;Acts 15:6;Acts 15:23;Acts 16:4;Acts 20:17;1Timothy 5:1;1Timothy 5:17;1Timothy 5:19;Titus 1:5;James 5:14;1Peter 5:1. . . . Verse 1. - The elder. Not an unlikely appellation to have been given to the last surviving apostle. Other apostles had been called elders; their successors also were called elders; but St. John was "the elder." That there was a second John at Ephesus, who was known as "the elder," to distinguish him from the apostle and evangelist, is a theory of Eusebius, based upon a doubtful interpretation of an awkwardly worded passage in Papias. But it is by no means certain that any such person ever existed. Irenaeus, who had read Papias, and been intimate with Polycarp, the disciple of St. John, seems to know nothing of any such person. Even if he existed, there is little reason for attributing this Epistle to him; it is too like the First Epistle to be by a different author. Unto the elect lady. This rendering of ἐκλεκτῇ κυρίᾳ should be retained: ἐκλεκτήcannot be a proper name, on account of verse 13; κυρία need not be one. We commit ourselves to nothing that is disputable if we render κυρία "lady;" whereas if we render it "Kyria" it is open to any one to object that perhaps the lady's name was not Kyria, and that perhaps she is not an individual at all, but a Church. She is elect, as being chosen out of the dominion of the evil one ( 1 John 5:19) into the Christian family. She is thus reminded at the outset of the relationship between them; she is a member of that elect company of believers of which he is the elder. It is futile to ask who this lady is. There have been various conjectures, some of them absurd; but we know no more than the letter itself tells us. Evidently the lady and her children were not among the great ones of the earth; they have made no name in the world. And herein lies one of the chief lessons of the Epistle. Those mentioned in it were ordinary people, such as any Church in any generation might produce. But because they were faithful, and endeavoured to live up to their calling, the apostle loved them, and all true Christians loved them, and he dared to assure them that "grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Son of the Father" should be their portion. Any Christian minister may give the same assurance to faithful Christians, however humble and inconspicuous, still. They may win no place in the history of the world that is passing away; but they have a place in the heart of him who abideth for ever. Note the characteristic repetition of the characteristic word "truth," which occurs five times in the first four verses. All words respecting truth and bearing witness to it are characteristic of St. John. In two of the five cases "truth" has the article; "all they that know the truth; for the truth's sake which abideth in us." It is not impossible that "the truth" here means him who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Christ is the Revelation of Divine truth to man. All who know him love all faithful Christians for his sake. To the apostle truth was not a mere notion, "or a set of notions, however large and accurate; it was no theory about God, but God himself, and God manifest in the flesh in order that we might know him and partake his life."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek TheὉ(Ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.elder,πρεσβύτερος(presbyteros)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 4245:Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian 'presbyter'.To [the] chosenἘκλεκτῇ(Eklektē)Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 1588:From eklegomai; select; by implication, favorite.ladyκυρίᾳ(kyria)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 2959:A lady. Feminine of kurios; Cyria, a Christian woman.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.herαὐτῆς(autēs)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.children,τέκνοις(teknois)Noun - Dative Neuter Plural Strong's 5043:A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.whomοὓς(hous)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.Iἐγὼ(egō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.loveἀγαπῶ(agapō)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 25:To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.inἐν(en)Preposition Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.[the] truth—ἀληθείᾳ(alētheia)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 225:From alethes; truth.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.notοὐκ(ouk)Adverb Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.Iἐγὼ(egō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.alone,μόνος(monos)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3441:Only, solitary, desolate. Probably from meno; remaining, i.e. Sole or single; by implication, mere.butἀλλὰ(alla)Conjunction Strong's 235:But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.alsoκαὶ(kai)Conjunction Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.allπάντες(pantes)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.whoοἱ(hoi)Article - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.knowἐγνωκότες(egnōkotes)Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 1097:A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.theτὴν(tēn)Article - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.truth—ἀλήθειαν(alētheian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 225:From alethes; truth.
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NT Letters: 2 John 1:1 The elder to the chosen lady (2J iiJ 2Jn ii jn 2 jo) |