II John 1
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Commentaries
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The elder - John the apostle, who was now a very old man, generally supposed to be about ninety, and therefore he uses the term ὁ πρεσβυτερος, presbyter or elder, not as the name of an office, but as designating his advanced age. He is allowed to have been the oldest of all the apostles, and to have been the only one who died a natural death. This title led some of the ancients to attribute this epistle to a person called John the Presbyter, a member of the Church at Ephesus; and not to John the apostle. But this is a groundless supposition. The elect lady - Εκλεκτῃ Κυρια· As Κυρια, kuria, may be the feminine of Κυριος, kurios, lord, therefore it may signify lady; and so several, both ancients and moderns, have understood it. But others have considered it the proper name of a woman, Kyria; and that this is a very ancient opinion is evident from the Peshito Syriac, the oldest version we have, which uses it as a proper name koureea, as does also the Arabic kooreea. Some have thought that Eclecta was the name of this matron, from the word εκλεκτη, which we translate elect, and which here signifies the same as excellent, eminent, honorable, or the like. Others think that a particular Church is intended, which some suppose to be the Church at Jerusalem, and that the elect sister, Jo2 1:13, means the Church at Ephesus; but these are conjectures which appear to me to have no good ground. I am satisfied that no metaphor is here intended; that the epistle was sent to some eminent Christian matron, not far from Ephesus, who was probably deaconess of the Church, who, it is likely, had a Church at her house, or at whose house the apostles and traveling evangelists frequently preached, and were entertained. This will appear more probable in the course of the notes. Whom I love in…
Open source ↗The elder--In a familiar letter John gives himself a less authoritative designation than "apostle"; so Pe1 5:1. lady--BENGEL takes the Greek as a proper name Kyria, answering to the Hebrew "Martha." Being a person of influence, "deceivers" (Jo2 1:7) were insinuating themselves into her family to seduce her and her children from the faith [TIRINUS], whence John felt it necessary to write a warning to her. (But see my Introduction and Pe1 5:13). A particular Church, probably that at Babylon, was intended. "Church" is derived from Greek "Kuriake," akin to Kuria, or Kyria here; the latter word among the Romans and Athenians means the same as ecclesia, the term appropriated to designate the Church assembly. love in the truth--Christian love rests on the Christian truth (Jo2 1:3, end). Not merely "I love in truth," but "I love in THE truth." all--All Christians form one fellowship, rejoicing in the spiritual prosperity of one another. "The communion of love is as wide as the communion of faith" [ALFORD].
Open source ↗The elder unto the elect lady and her children,.... By the "elder" is meant the writer of this epistle, the Apostle John, who so calls himself either on account of his age, he being now near an hundred years of age, having outlived all the apostles: or on account of his office, being a bishop or overseer, not only of the church at Ephesus, but of all the Asiatic churches, which is the same with an elder; nor is this incompatible with his being an apostle; see Pe1 5:1, the elect lady is the person he writes unto; by whom is designed not the church of Christ, since such a way of speaking is unusual; and besides, he speaks of coming to see her face to face, and of the children of her elect sister: but some particular person, some rich, as well as gracious woman of John's acquaintance; and these words, "elect lady", are neither of them proper names of the person: some think that the word "Kyria", rendered "lady", was the name of the person, as "Domina" with the Romans, and answers to the Hebrew word "Martha"; for as "Mar", signifies lord, so "Martha, lady"; and then the inscription runs, "to the choice" or "excellent Martha"; and the Syriac and Arabic versions read, "to the elect Kyria": and others think that the word rendered elect is a proper name, and that this person's name was "Electa", as "Electus" (d) is a man's name; and then it must read thus, "to the lady Electa"; but her sister also is so called, and it can hardly be thought that two sisters should be both of a name; neither of them are proper names, but characters and titles of respect and honour: she is called a "lady", because she was a person of distinction and substance, which shows that God sometimes calls by his grace some that are rich and noble; and also that titles of respect and honour, where flattery…
Open source ↗Ancient epistles began, as here, with salutation and good wishes: religion consecrates, as far as may be, old forms, and turns compliments into real expressions of life and love. Here we have, as usually, I. The saluter, not expressed by name, but by a chosen character: The elder. The expression, and style, and love, intimate that the penman was the same with that of the foregoing epistle; he is now the elder, emphatically and eminently so; possibly the oldest apostle now living, the chief elder in the church of God. An elder in the ancient house of Israel was reverend, or to be reverenced, much more he who is so In the gospel Israel of God. An old disciple is honourable; and old apostle and leader of disciples is more so. He was now old in holy service and experience, had seen and tasted much of heaven, and was much nearer than when at first he believed. II. The saluted - a noble Christian matron, and her children: To the elect lady and her children. A lady, a person of eminent quality for birth, education, and estate. It is well that the gospel ha got among such. It is a pity but lords and ladies should be acquainted with the Lord Christ and his religion. They owe more to him than others do; though usually not many noble are called. Here is a pattern for persons of quality of the same sex. The elect lady; not only a choice one, but one chosen of God. It is lovely and beautiful to see ladies, by holy walking, demonstrate their election of God. And her children; probably the lady was a widow; she and her children then are the principal part of the family, and so this may be styled an economical epistle. Families may well be written to and encouraged, and further directed in their domestic love, and order, and duties. We see that children may well be taken notice of in C…
Open source ↗1:1-3 John begins with a standard introduction for a personal letter. • John mentions truth four times in this brief introduction and once in 1:4. John wanted his readers to know and live out the truths about Jesus Christ and their relationship with him and not to be led astray by false teachers. 1:1 This letter is from John, the elder: The translators have added John for clarification; John refers to himself as the elder to affirm his authority in the church. • to the chosen lady (Greek kuria) and to her children: The Greek word kuria could be the name of a specific individual; more likely, it refers to a particular local church and its believers (cp. 1:13). • whom I love in the truth: This either means “truly love” (see 1:5-6) or, more likely, it refers to love between those who profess the same truth about Christ in contrast to the lies of the false teachers (1:7; see 1 Jn 2:21-23). John emphasizes the pronoun I to contrast sharply with the lovelessness of the false teachers, who rejected the true church.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
πρεσβύτερος (presbýteros, G4245) — older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member… ἐκλεκτός (eklektós, G1588) — select; by implication, favorite Κυρία (Kyría, G2959) — Cyria, a Christian woman καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… τέκνον (téknon, G5043) — a child (as produced) ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἐγώ (egṓ, G1473) ἀγαπάω (agapáō, G25) — to love (in a social or moral sense) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἀλήθεια (alḗtheia, G225) — truth οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not μόνος (mónos, G3441) — remaining, i.e. sole or single; by implication, mere ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Open source ↗διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) ἀλήθεια (alḗtheia, G225) — truth ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) μένω (ménō, G3306) — to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἡμῖν (hēmîn, G2254) — to (or for, with, by) us καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἔσομαι (ésomai, G2071) — will be μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… αἰών (aiṓn, G165) — properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world;…
Open source ↗χάρις (cháris, G5485) — graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative… ἔσομαι (ésomai, G2071) — will be μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you ἔλεος (éleos, G1656) — compassion (human or divine, especially active) εἰρήνη (eirḗnē, G1515) — peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity παρά (pará, G3844) — properly, near; i.e. (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very πατήρ (patḗr, G3962) — a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus υἱός (huiós, G5207) — a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively,…
Open source ↗χαίρω (chaírō, G5463) — to be "cheer"ful, i.e. calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation… λίαν (lían, G3029) — much (adverbially) ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because εὑρίσκω (heurískō, G2147) — to find (literally or figuratively) ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy τέκνον (téknon, G5043) — a child (as produced) περιπατέω (peripatéō, G4043) — to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively,… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἀλήθεια (alḗtheia, G225) — truth καθώς (kathṓs, G2531) — just (or inasmuch) as, that λαμβάνω (lambánō, G2983) — while G138 (αἱρέομαι) is more violent, to seize or remove)) ἐντολή (entolḗ, G1785) — injunction, i.e. an authoritative prescription παρά (pará, G3844) — properly, near; i.e. (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… νῦν (nŷn, G3568) — "now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or… ἐρωτάω (erōtáō, G2065) — to interrogate; by implication, to request σέ (sé, G4571) — thee Κυρία (Kyría, G2959) — Cyria, a Christian woman οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe καινός (kainós, G2537) ἐντολή (entolḗ, G1785) — injunction, i.e. an authoritative prescription σοί (soí, G4671) — to thee ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are ἀγάπη (agápē, G26) — love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) περιπατέω (peripatéō, G4043) — to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively,… κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἐντολή (entolḗ, G1785) — injunction, i.e. an authoritative prescription καθώς (kathṓs, G2531) — just (or inasmuch) as, that ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… ἀρχή (archḗ, G746) — (properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
Open source ↗ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… πλάνος (plános, G4108) — roving (as a tramp), i.e. (by implication) an impostor or misleader; εἰσέρχομαι (eisérchomai, G1525) — to enter (literally or figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… κόσμος (kósmos, G2889) — orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow… ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ὁμολογέω (homologéō, G3670) — to assent, i.e. covenant, acknowledge μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. σάρξ (sárx, G4561) — flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by…
Open source ↗βλέπω (blépō, G991) — to look at (literally or figuratively) ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… ἵνα μή (hína mḗ, G3363) — in order (or so) that not ἀπόλλυμι (apóllymi, G622) — to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἐργάζομαι (ergázomai, G2038) — to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with,… ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) ἀπολαμβάνω (apolambánō, G618) — to receive (specially, in full, or as a host); also to take aside πλήρης (plḗrēs, G4134) — replete, or covered over; by analogy, complete μισθός (misthós, G3408) — pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad
Open source ↗πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole παραβαίνω (parabaínō, G3845) — to go contrary to, i.e. violate a command καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… μένω (ménō, G3306) — to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy) μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. διδαχή (didachḗ, G1322) — instruction (the act or the matter) Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) πατήρ (patḗr, G3962) — a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote) υἱός (huiós, G5207) — a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively,…
Open source ↗εἴ τις (eí tis, G1536) — if any ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… φέρω (phérō, G5342) — to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows) οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ταύτῃ (taútēi, G5026) — (towards or of) this διδαχή (didachḗ, G1322) — instruction (the act or the matter) λαμβάνω (lambánō, G2983) — while G138 (αἱρέομαι) is more violent, to seize or remove)) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… χαίρω (chaírō, G5463) — to be "cheer"ful, i.e. calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation… κοινωνέω (koinōnéō, G2841) — to share with others (objectively or subjectively) πονηρός (ponērós, G4190) — hurtful, i.e. evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from G2556… ἔργον (érgon, G2041) — toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
Open source ↗ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you βούλομαι (boúlomai, G1014) — to "will," i.e. (reflexively) be willing οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) χάρτης (chártēs, G5489) — a sheet ("chart") of writing-material (as to be scribbled over) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… μέλαν (mélan, G3188) — ink ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) ἐλπίζω (elpízō, G1679) — to expect or confide ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,…
Open source ↗τέκνον (téknon, G5043) — a child (as produced) σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy ἐκλεκτός (eklektós, G1588) — select; by implication, favorite ἀδελφή (adelphḗ, G79) — a sister (naturally or ecclesiastically) ἀσπάζομαι (aspázomai, G782) — to enfold in the arms, i.e. (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome σέ (sé, G4571) — thee ἀμήν (amḗn, G281) — properly, firm, i.e. (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as…
Open source ↗Cross-references
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who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
And now I urge you, dear lady—not as a new commandment to you, but one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another.
As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you:
If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains,
I have not written to you because you lack knowledge of the truth, but because you have it, and because no lie comes from the truth.
according to the foreknowledge of God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.
We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.