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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>3 John 1:13 I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with pen and ink.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/3_john/1-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/64_3Jn_01_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="3 John 1:13 - Conclusion" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with pen and ink." /><script type="application/javascript" 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id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/3_john/1-12.htm" title="3 John 1:12">◄</a> 3 John 1:13 <a href="/3_john/1-14.htm" title="3 John 1:14">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/3_john/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/3_john/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/3_john/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to write it with pen and ink.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/3_john/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/3_john/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with pen and ink.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/3_john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />I had many things to write to you, but I do not desire to write to you with ink and pen;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/3_john/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/3_john/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/3_john/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />I had many things to write to you, but I do not want to write to you with pen and ink;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/3_john/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing to write them to you with pen and ink;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/3_john/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing to write <i>them</i> to you with pen and ink;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/3_john/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing to write <i>them</i> to you with pen and ink;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/3_john/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />I had many things [to say when I began] to write to you, but I prefer not to put it down with pen (reed) and black (ink);<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/3_john/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have many things to write you, but I don’t want to write to you with pen and ink.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/3_john/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have many things to write you, but I don&#8217t want to write to you with pen and ink. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/3_john/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I had many things to write unto thee, but I am unwilling to write them to thee with ink and pen:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/3_john/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I have much more to say to you, but I don't want to write it with pen and ink. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/3_john/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I had many things to write unto thee, but I am unwilling to write them to thee with ink and pen:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/3_john/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I have a lot to write to you. However, I would rather not write.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/3_john/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I have so much to tell you, but I do not want to do it with pen and ink. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/3_john/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Although I have a great deal to write to you, I would rather not write with pen and ink. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/3_john/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with pen and ink.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/3_john/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I have many things to write to you, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/3_john/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/3_john/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write to thee:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/3_john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />I have a great deal to say to you, but I do not wish to go on writing it with ink and pen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/3_john/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/3_john/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Many things I had to write, but I do not wish to write to you through ink and pen,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/3_john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />I had many things to write to you, but I do not desire to write to you with ink and pen;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/3_john/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Many things I had to write, but I do not wish through ink and pen to write to thee,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/3_john/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I have many things to write, but I will not by ink and pen write to thee:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/3_john/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I had many things to write unto thee: but I would not by ink and pen write to thee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/3_john/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing, through ink and pen, to write to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/3_john/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I have much to write to you, but I do not wish to write with pen and ink.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/3_john/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I have much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/3_john/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I had many things to write, but I do not want to write them to you with ink and pen:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/3_john/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />I have much to write to you, but have not desired to write to you with ink and pen.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/3_john/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />I had many things to write, but I will not communicate them to you with ink and pen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/3_john/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Having many things to write to you, but I do not wish to write them to you with ink and paper:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/3_john/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />I had many things to write; but I would not write to thee with ink and pen:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/3_john/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />I have many things to write, which I don't think fit to commit to paper and ink:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/3_john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />I have a great deal to say to you, but I do not wish to go on writing it with ink and pen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/3_john/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Many things I had to write to you; but I wish not to write to you with ink and pen;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/3_john/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />I had many <i>things</i> to write: but I would not write to thee with pen and ink;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/3_john/1-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9HTsCnSVEbc?start=116" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/3_john/1.htm">Conclusion</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12</span>Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true. <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: eichon (V-IIA-1S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">I have</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: Polla (Adj-ANP) -- Much, many; often. ">many things</a> <a href="/greek/1125.htm" title="1125: grapsai (V-ANA) -- A primary verb; to grave, especially to write; figuratively, to describe.">to write</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: soi (PPro-D2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">to you,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: all’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: thelō (V-PIA-1S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">I would prefer</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/1125.htm" title="1125: graphein (V-PNA) -- A primary verb; to grave, especially to write; figuratively, to describe.">to do so</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: soi (PPro-D2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou."></a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">with</a> <a href="/greek/2563.htm" title="2563: kalamou (N-GMS) -- A reed; a reed-pen, reed-staff, measuring rod. Or uncertain affinity; a reed; by implication, a pen.">pen</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3188.htm" title="3188: melanos (N-GNS) -- Ink. Neuter of melas as noun; ink.">ink.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">14</span>Instead, I hope to see you soon and speak with you face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send you greetings. Greet each of our friends there by name.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_john/1-12.htm">2 John 1:12</a></span><br />I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come and speak with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/21-25.htm">John 21:25</a></span><br />There are many more things that Jesus did. If all of them were written down, I suppose that not even the world itself would have space for the books that would be written.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-4.htm">1 John 1:4</a></span><br />We write these things so that our joy may be complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/16-7.htm">1 Corinthians 16:7</a></span><br />For I do not want to see you now only in passing; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/1-15.htm">2 Corinthians 1:15-16</a></span><br />Confident of this, I planned to visit you first, so that you might receive a double blessing. / I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and to return to you from Macedonia, and then to have you help me on my way to Judea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-24.htm">Philippians 2:24</a></span><br />And I trust in the Lord that I myself will come soon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-24.htm">Romans 15:24</a></span><br />I hope to see you on my way to Spain. And after I have enjoyed your company for a while, you can equip me for my journey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-1.htm">Acts 20:1-2</a></span><br />When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples. And after encouraging them, he said goodbye to them and left for Macedonia. / After traveling through that area and speaking many words of encouragement, he arrived in Greece,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:17</a></span><br />Brothers, although we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you face to face was even more intense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/4-9.htm">2 Timothy 4:9</a></span><br />Make every effort to come to me quickly,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/3-12.htm">Titus 3:12</a></span><br />As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-25.htm">Proverbs 25:25</a></span><br />Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/133-1.htm">Psalm 133:1</a></span><br />A song of ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/52-7.htm">Isaiah 52:7</a></span><br />How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/29-10.htm">Jeremiah 29:10-11</a></span><br />For this is what the LORD says: “When Babylon’s seventy years are complete, I will attend to you and confirm My promise to restore you to this place. / For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write to you:</p><p class="hdg">see on</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_john/1-12.htm">2 John 1:12</a></b></br> Having many things to write unto you, I would not <i>write</i> with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_john/1-12.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/3_john/1-3.htm">Great</a> <a href="/2_john/1-12.htm">Ink</a> <a href="/john/10-16.htm">Pen</a> <a href="/2_john/1-12.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/2_john/1-12.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-12.htm">Unwilling</a> <a href="/2_john/1-12.htm">Want</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/3_john/1-2.htm">Wish</a> <a href="/3_john/1-9.htm">Write</a> <a href="/2_john/1-5.htm">Writing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/18-25.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/jude/1-6.htm">Great</a> <a href="/jeremiah/36-18.htm">Ink</a> <a href="/judges/5-14.htm">Pen</a> <a href="/jude/1-5.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/genesis/27-12.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/revelation/2-21.htm">Unwilling</a> <a href="/revelation/2-21.htm">Want</a> <a href="/revelation/22-17.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/revelation/3-15.htm">Wish</a> <a href="/jude/1-3.htm">Write</a> <a href="/revelation/1-19.htm">Writing</a><div class="vheading2">3 John 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/3_john/1-1.htm">He commends Gaius for his piety,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/3_john/1-5.htm">and hospitality,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/3_john/1-7.htm">to true preachers;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/3_john/1-9.htm">complaining of the unkind dealing of ambitious Diotrephes on the contrary side;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/3_john/1-11.htm">whose evil example is not to be followed;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/3_john/1-12.htm">and gives special testimony to the good report of Demetrius.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/3_john/1.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>I have many things to write to you</b><br />This phrase reflects the Apostle John's deep pastoral concern and personal connection with the recipient of the letter, likely Gaius. The Greek word for "write" (γράφειν, graphein) indicates a desire to communicate more extensively. Historically, this reflects the early Christian practice of personal correspondence to maintain doctrinal integrity and community ties. The phrase suggests that the written word, while powerful, is limited in conveying the full depth of personal relationship and spiritual instruction.<p><b>but I would prefer not to do so</b><br />The word "prefer" (βουλόμαι, boulomai) in Greek conveys a strong intention or desire. John expresses a preference for personal interaction over written communication. This highlights the value placed on face-to-face fellowship in the early church, emphasizing the importance of personal presence in ministry. It underscores the belief that certain spiritual truths and encouragements are best conveyed through personal interaction, reflecting the incarnational aspect of Christian ministry.<p><b>with pen and ink</b><br />The tools of "pen" (κάλαμος, kalamos) and "ink" (μέλαν, melan) were the standard writing instruments of the time. This phrase emphasizes the physical limitations of written communication. In the historical context, writing was labor-intensive and reserved for matters of significant importance. The mention of these tools serves as a reminder of the tangible efforts made by early Christians to preserve and communicate the teachings of the faith. It also points to the enduring nature of written Scripture, while acknowledging its limitations compared to personal interaction.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/3_john/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) (13) <span class= "bld">I had many things to write</span>.--Rather, <span class= "ital">There were many things which I wished to write.</span><p><span class= "bld">But I will not</span>.--Comp. <a href="/2_john/1-12.htm" title="Having many things to write to you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come to you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.">2John 1:12</a>.<p>(14) <span class= "bld">Peace be to thee</span>.--The best wish which the Apostle can form, instead of the usual Greek ending, "Be strong," or "Farewell!" It was our Lord's resurrection greeting; the internal peace of a good conscience, the external peace of universal friendship, the heavenly peace of future glory begun even in this life. (Comp. <a href="/john/20-19.htm" title="Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the middle, and said to them, Peace be to you.">John 20:19</a>; <a href="/john/20-26.htm" title="And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the middle, and said, Peace be to you.">John 20:26</a>; Rom. 5:33; <a href="/galatians/6-16.htm" title="And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and on the Israel of God.">Galatians 6:16</a>; <a href="/ephesians/6-23.htm" title="Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.">Ephesians 6:23</a>; <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-16.htm" title="Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.">2Thessalonians 3:16</a>; <a href="/1_peter/5-14.htm" title="Greet you one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.">1Peter 5:14</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/3_john/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Vers. 13, 14.</span> - 3. CONCLUSION (see notes on 2 John 12, 13). Here the pen or reed <span class="greek">κάλαμος</span> is mentioned instead of the paper, as a means of writing. The word is found nowhere else in the New Testament in this sense Note the <span class="greek">ἀλλά</span> and the <span class="greek">δέ</span>, each with its right force, the former expressing a strongcr opposition than the latter: "I had many things to write to thee; <span class="accented">nevertheless</span>, I do not care <span class="greek">ἀλλ οὐ θέλω</span> with ink and pen to write to thee: <span class="accented">but</span> I hope <span class="greek">ἐλπίζω δέ</span> straightway to see thee, and we shall speak mouth to mouth." "The friends" are perhaps so called in contrast to the hostility of Diotrephes and his party. Instead of warfare, "peace be to thee;" instead of the wicked prating of enemies, the salutations of friends. The elder concludes with his own personal salutation to all the members of his flock who reside near to Gaius (comp. <a href="/john/10-3.htm">John 10:3</a>). <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/3_john/1-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">I have</span><br /><span class="grk">εἶχον</span> <span class="translit">(eichon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">many things</span><br /><span class="grk">Πολλὰ</span> <span class="translit">(Polla)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> </span><span class="str2">Much, many; often. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">to write</span><br /><span class="grk">γράψαι</span> <span class="translit">(grapsai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1125.htm">Strong's 1125: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you,</span><br /><span class="grk">σοι</span> <span class="translit">(soi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλ’</span> <span class="translit">(all’)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I would prefer</span><br /><span class="grk">θέλω</span> <span class="translit">(thelō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> </span><span class="str2">To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐ</span> <span class="translit">(ou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[to do so]</span><br /><span class="grk">γράφειν</span> <span class="translit">(graphein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1125.htm">Strong's 1125: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="grk">διὰ</span> <span class="translit">(dia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">pen</span><br /><span class="grk">καλάμου</span> <span class="translit">(kalamou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2563.htm">Strong's 2563: </a> </span><span class="str2">A reed; a reed-pen, reed-staff, measuring rod. Or uncertain affinity; a reed; by implication, a pen.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">ink.</span><br /><span class="grk">μέλανος</span> <span class="translit">(melanos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3188.htm">Strong's 3188: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ink. Neuter of melas as noun; ink.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/3_john/1-13.htm">3 John 1:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/3_john/1-13.htm">3 John 1:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/3_john/1-13.htm">3 John 1:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/3_john/1-13.htm">3 John 1:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/3_john/1-13.htm">3 John 1:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/3_john/1-13.htm">3 John 1:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/3_john/1-13.htm">3 John 1:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/3_john/1-13.htm">3 John 1:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/3_john/1-13.htm">3 John 1:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/3_john/1-13.htm">3 John 1:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/3_john/1-13.htm">NT Letters: 3 John 1:13 I had many things to write (3J iiiJ 3Jn iii jn 3 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/3_john/1-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="3 John 1:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="3 John 1:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/3_john/1-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="3 John 1:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="3 John 1:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>