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2 John 1

BSB·13 verses ·New Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1TheHo — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → elderπρεσβύτεροςpresbyteros — An elder; one who is older or senior in authorityG4245 — Full Word Study →, To the chosen ladyκυρίᾳkyria — A woman of dignity or authority; ladyG2959 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → herαὐτῆςautēs — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → childrenτέκνοιςteknois — child; offspring; son or daughterG5043 — Full Word Study →, whomοὓςhous — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → Iἐγὼegō — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → loveἀγαπῶagapō — to love deeply; to cherish with affectionG25 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the truth—andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → notοὐκouk — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → Iἐγὼegō — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → aloneμόνοςmonos — alone, only, solitaryG3441 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → alsoκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → allπάντεςpantes — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → whoοἱhoi — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → knowἐγνωκότεςegnōkotes — To know, understand, or perceiveG1097 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → truthἀλήθειανalētheian — Truth; reality; authenticityG225 — Full Word Study → 2because ofδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → truthἀλήθειανalētheian — Truth; reality; authenticityG225 — Full Word Study → thatτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → abidesμένουσανmenousan — to remain, stay, abide, endureG3306 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → usἡμῖνhēmin — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → will beἔσταιestai — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → withμεθ’meth’ — with, after, among, followingG3326 — Full Word Study → usἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → foreverαἰῶναaiōna — An age, era, or eternal period of timeG165 — Full Word Study →: 3Graceχάριςcharis — God's unmerited favor and kindnessG5485 — Full Word Study →, mercyἔλεοςeleos — Compassion, mercy, or tender compassionG1656 — Full Word Study →, and peace fromπαρὰpara — from, beside, with, nearG3844 — Full Word Study → GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → the Father andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → fromπαρὰpara — from, beside, with, nearG3844 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦIēsou — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →, theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → SonΥἱοῦHuiou — Son; male child or descendantG5207 — Full Word Study → of theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → FatherΠατρόςPatros — father; male parent; ancestorG3962 — Full Word Study →, will beἜσταιEstai — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → withμεθ’meth’ — with, after, among, followingG3326 — Full Word Study → usἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → truthἀληθείᾳalētheia — Truth; reality; authenticityG225 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → loveἀγάπῃagapē — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study →. 4I was overjoyedἘχάρηνEcharēn — To rejoice, be glad, or greet with joyG5463 — Full Word Study → toὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → findεὕρηκαheurēka — to find, discover, or obtainG2147 — Full Word Study → some of yourσουsou — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → childrenτέκνωνteknōn — child; offspring; son or daughterG5043 — Full Word Study → walkingπεριπατοῦνταςperipatountas — to walk, to conduct oneself, to liveG4043 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the truth, just asκαθὼςkathōs — just as; in the manner that; according toG2531 — Full Word Study → theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → FatherΠατρόςPatros — father; male parent; ancestorG3962 — Full Word Study → has commandedἐντολὴνentolēn — A command or authoritative instructionG1785 — Full Word Study → us. 5Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → nowνῦνnyn — now, at the present timeG3568 — Full Word Study → I urgeἐρωτῶerōtō — to ask, request, or beseech earnestlyG2065 — Full Word Study → youσεse — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, dear lady—notοὐχouch — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → asὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → a newκαινὴνkainēn — New in quality or kind; fresh, unprecedentedG2537 — Full Word Study → commandmentἐντολὴνentolēn — A command or authoritative instructionG1785 — Full Word Study → to youσοι»soi — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → one we have hadεἴχομεν*eichomen — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → fromἀπ’ap’ — from, away from, out ofG575 — Full Word Study → the beginning—thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → we loveἀγαπῶμενagapōmen — to love deeply; to cherish with affectionG25 — Full Word Study → one anotherἀλλήλουςallēlous — one another; mutual relationshipG240 — Full Word Study →. 6Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → thisαὕτηhautē — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → isἐστὶνestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → loveἀγάπηagapē — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study →, thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → we walkπεριπατῶμενperipatōmen — to walk, to conduct oneself, to liveG4043 — Full Word Study → according toκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → Hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → commandmentsἐντολὰςentolas — A command or authoritative instructionG1785 — Full Word Study →. Thisαὕτηhautē — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → thehē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → veryκαθὼςkathōs — just as; in the manner that; according toG2531 — Full Word Study → commandmentἐντολήentolē — A command or authoritative instructionG1785 — Full Word Study → you have heardἠκούσατεēkousate — to hear, listen, or understand by earG191 — Full Word Study → fromἀπ’ap’ — from, away from, out ofG575 — Full Word Study → the beginning, thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → you must walkπεριπατῆτεperipatēte — to walk, to conduct oneself, to liveG4043 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → love. 7ForὍτιHoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → manyπολλοὶpolloi — much, many, great in quantity or degreeG4183 — Full Word Study → deceiversπλάνοιplanoi — deceiving, seducing, wandering astrayG4108 — Full Word Study → have gone outἐξῆλθονexēlthon — to go out, exit, or departG1831 — Full Word Study → intoεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → theτὸνton — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → worldκόσμονkosmon — The world; the cosmos; the system of humanity opposed to GodG2889 — Full Word Study →, refusingμὴmē — Not; negation; lestG3361 — Full Word Study → to confessὁμολογοῦντεςhomologountes — To confess, profess, or openly acknowledgeG3670 — Full Word Study → the coming ofἐρχόμενονerchomenon — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦνIēsoun — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστὸνChriston — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the flesh. Any such person isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → deceiverπλάνοςplanos — deceiving, seducing, wandering astrayG4108 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → antichristἀντίχριστοςantichristos — one who opposes or denies ChristG500 — Full Word Study →. 8Watchβλέπετεblepete — to see, look at, perceive, bewareG991 — Full Word Study → yourselvesἑαυτούςheautous — himself, herself, itself, themselves; oneselfG1438 — Full Word Study →, so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → you do not loseἀπολέσητεapolesēte — to destroy, ruin, or cause to perishG622 — Full Word Study → whatha — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → we have worked forεἰργασάμεθα*eirgasametha — to work, labor, or perform actionG2038 — Full Word Study →, but that you may be fully rewardedἀπολάβητεapolabēte — To receive back, recover, or get in returnG618 — Full Word Study →. 9Anyoneπᾶςpas — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → whoho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → runs aheadπροάγωνproagōn — to go before, lead the way, precedeG4254 — Full Word Study → withoutμὴmē — Not; negation; lestG3361 — Full Word Study → remainingμένωνmenōn — to remain, stay, abide, endureG3306 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → teachingδιδαχῇdidachē — Teaching, doctrine, instructionG1322 — Full Word Study → of ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → does not haveἔχειechei — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → GodΘεὸνTheon — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →. Whoeverho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → remainsμένωνmenōn — to remain, stay, abide, endureG3306 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → His teachingδιδαχῇdidachē — Teaching, doctrine, instructionG1322 — Full Word Study → hasἔχειechei — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → bothκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → theτὸνton — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → FatherΠατέραPatera — father; male parent; ancestorG3962 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → theτὸνton — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → SonΥἱὸνHuion — Son; male child or descendantG5207 — Full Word Study →. 10IfΕἴEi — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → anyoneτιςtis — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → comesἔρχεταιerchetai — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → toπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → but does not bringφέρειpherei — to bear, carry, bring forthG5342 — Full Word Study → thisταύτηνtautēn — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → teachingδιδαχὴνdidachēn — Teaching, doctrine, instructionG1322 — Full Word Study →, do not receiveλαμβάνετεlambanete — to take, receive, or obtainG2983 — Full Word Study → himαὐτὸνauton — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → intoεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → your home or evenκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → greetλέγετεlegete — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study → himαὐτῷautō — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →. 11Whoeverho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → greetsλέγωνlegōn — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study → such a person sharesκοινωνεῖkoinōnei — to share in, participate in, or communicateG2841 — Full Word Study → inτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → evilπονηροῖςponērois — Evil, wicked, morally badG4190 — Full Word Study → deedsἔργοιςergois — Work, deed, or action; labor or taskG2041 — Full Word Study →. 12I haveἔχωνechōn — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → many thingsΠολλὰPolla — much, many, great in quantity or degreeG4183 — Full Word Study → to writeγράφεινgraphein — to write or compose in written formG1125 — Full Word Study → to youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, but I would prefer not to do so withδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → paperχάρτουchartou — paper or papyrusG5489 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → inkμέλανοςmelanos — ink; writing fluidG3188 — Full Word Study →. Insteadἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study →, I hopeἐλπίζωelpizō — To hope for, expect, or trust inG1679 — Full Word Study → to comeγενέσθαιgenesthai — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → speakλαλῆσαιlalēsai — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → withπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → face toπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → face, so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → joyχαρὰchara — Joy, gladness, delightG5479 — Full Word Study → may beē — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → completeπεπληρωμένηpeplērōmenē — to fill up, complete, or bring to fulfillmentG4137 — Full Word Study →. 13Theτὰta — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → childrenτέκναtekna — child; offspring; son or daughterG5043 — Full Word Study → of yourσουsou — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → electἐκλεκτῆςeklektēs — chosen, elect, selected by GodG1588 — Full Word Study → sisterἀδελφῆςadelphēs — female sibling; woman in spiritual kinshipG79 — Full Word Study → send you greetingsἈσπάζεταίAspazetai — to greet, embrace, or pay respects to someoneG782 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — 2 John 1
Chapter Overview

Overview

Second John is a brief but weighty epistle written by John the apostle to an elect lady and her children, emphasizing the centrality of truth and love in the Christian faith. The letter warns against false teachers who deny the incarnation of Christ while exhorting believers to walk in obedience to God's commandments. Though short, this letter addresses one of the early church's most serious challenges: protecting the gospel message while maintaining the love of Christ.

Verses 1–3: Greeting and Foundation in Truth

John identifies himself as "the elder," reflecting his apostolic authority and mature spiritual leadership. He writes to "the elect lady and her children," which likely refers to a local church and its members (the "children" representing believers). The phrase "whom I love in the truth" is significant—John's love is not sentimental but grounded in God's truth. This truth is not private opinion but the gospel of Jesus Christ, which all faithful believers share and cherish.

In verse 2, John explains that truth is not merely intellectual agreement but something that "dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever." This speaks to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the eternal nature of God's word. Verses 1–2 establish that Christian love and Christian truth are inseparable.

Verse 3 pronounces a benediction of grace, mercy, and peace—notice the trinitarian emphasis: these gifts flow from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, called "the Son of the Father." John emphasizes these blessings come "in truth and love," reminding us that authentic Christianity integrates doctrinal truth with genuine affection.

Verses 4–6: Rejoicing in Obedience and the Call to Love

John's heart overflows with joy (v. 4) because some of the lady's children are "walking in truth." Walking in truth means living out the gospel in daily conduct. This obedience reflects what "we have received a commandment from the Father"—a reference to Christ's central teaching.

In verses 5–6, John appeals to an ancient commandment—not something new, but the command Jesus gave from the beginning: love one another. True love, however, is not mere sentiment; it is active obedience to God's commandments. Loving God means keeping His word. This is a vital corrective to the idea that love and doctrine are opposed. Real Christian love demonstrates itself through faithful obedience to Scripture.

Verses 7–11: Warning Against False Teachers

John now addresses the serious threat of "deceivers" who "confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh" (v. 7). This denial of the incarnation was a hallmark of early Gnostic heresies. To deny that the eternal Son of God became truly human is to attack the heart of the gospel and redemption itself. John calls such deceivers "antichrist"—not necessarily identifying one individual, but describing the spirit of opposition to Christ.

Verses 8–9 urge vigilance so the church does not lose its reward. Abiding in "the doctrine of Christ"—sound teaching about Jesus—means possessing both Father and Son. Abandoning true doctrine means losing communion with God entirely.

In verses 10–11, John gives practical instruction: believers should not extend hospitality or greeting to false teachers. To do so would make one complicit in their deception. This is not unkindness but faithful love—protecting the flock from spiritual harm. Extending fellowship to those who corrupt the gospel would be participation in their evil.

Verses 12–13: Closing Remarks

John concludes by expressing his desire for face-to-face fellowship rather than written communication, longing for complete joy together. The greeting from "thy elect sister" suggests communication between churches, reflecting apostolic networks of mutual care and accountability.

Application for Today

Second John challenges modern believers to hold truth and love together inseparably. We must never compromise the gospel for the sake of false unity, nor use doctrine as an excuse for lovelessness. In our pluralistic age, John's warning against false teachers remains vital: we must know what we believe, why we believe it, and be willing to separate from teachings that deny Christ's incarnation or resurrection. Yet we do this always with the goal of protecting precious souls and preserving the joy of authentic Christian community.

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