2 John 1
The full text of 2 John 1 in the Trinity Bible Version — clear modern English, translated from the original Greek. Free to read.
1 The 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—
2 because of the truth that lives in us and will be with us forever.
3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, in truth and love.
4 It gave me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us.
5 And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new command, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another.
6 And this is love: that we live according to his commands. This is the command, just as you heard it from the beginning, that you walk in it.
7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world—those who do not confess Jesus Christ coming in the flesh. Such a person is the deceiver and the antichrist.
8 Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but may receive a full reward.
9 Anyone who runs ahead and does not remain in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not welcome him into your house or even greet him,
11 for whoever greets him shares in his evil work.
12 I have much to write to you, but I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
13 The children of your chosen sister send you their greetings.
Translation notes (5)
- 2 John 1:1a The Greek phrase eklektē kyria, meaning 'chosen lady,' can refer to either a literal woman (and her children) or a figure for a particular church (and its members).
- 2 John 1:7a The Greek word erchomenon is a present participle, meaning 'coming'; many understand it as 'has come' in the flesh, but the present form may also point to Christ's continuing or future coming.
- 2 John 1:8a Some manuscripts read 'what you have worked for... that you may receive'; however, the earliest text has 'we worked for... you may receive.'
- 2 John 1:9a The Greek phrase tou Christou, meaning 'the teaching of Christ,' may refer to the teaching that comes from Christ or the teaching about Christ.
- 2 John 1:13a As in verse 1, 'your chosen sister' may be a literal relative or a figure for a sister church.
About this translation
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