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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>2 John 1:5 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_john/1-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/63_2Jn_01_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 John 1:5 - Walking in the Truth" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_john/1-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_john/1-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_john/">2 John</a> > <a href="/2_john/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_john/1-4.htm" title="2 John 1:4">◄</a> 2 John 1:5 <a href="/2_john/1-6.htm" title="2 John 1:6">►</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="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_john/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_john/1.htm">New International Version</a> And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. <a href="/nlt/2_john/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning. <a href="/esv/2_john/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. <a href="/bsb/2_john/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/2_john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And now I implore you, lady, not as though I am writing to you a new commandment, but that which we have had from the beginning, that we should love one another. <a href="/kjv/2_john/1.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/2_john/1.htm">New King James Version</a> And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another. <a href="/nasb_/2_john/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. <a href="/nasb/2_john/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. <a href="/nasb77/2_john/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And now I ask you, lady, not as writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. <a href="/lsb/2_john/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. <a href="/amp/2_john/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now I ask you, lady, not as if I were writing to you a new commandment, but [simply reminding you of] the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love and unselfishly seek the best for one another. <a href="/csb/2_john/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So now I ask you, dear lady—not as if I were writing you a new command, but one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. <a href="/hcsb/2_john/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So now I urge you, dear lady—not as if I were writing you a new command, but one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. <a href="/asv/2_john/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote to thee a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. <a href="/cev/2_john/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Dear friend, I am not writing to tell you and your children to do something you have not done before. I am writing to tell you to love each other, which is the first thing you were told to do. <a href="/erv/2_john/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote to thee a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. <a href="/gwt/2_john/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Dear lady, I'm now requesting that we continue to love each other. It's not as though I'm writing to give you a new commandment. Rather, from the beginning we were commanded to love each other. <a href="/gnt/2_john/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> And so I ask you, dear Lady: let us all love one another. This is no new command I am writing you; it is the command which we have had from the beginning. <a href="/isv/2_john/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> Dear lady, I am now requesting of you that we all continue to love one another. It is not as though I am writing to give you a new commandment, but one that we have had from the beginning. <a href="/msb/2_john/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/2_john/1.htm">NET Bible</a> But now I ask you, lady (not as if I were writing a new commandment to you, but the one we have had from the beginning), that we love one another. <a href="/nheb/2_john/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And now I ask you, dear lady, not as though I wrote to you a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. <a href="/wbt/2_john/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. <a href="/wey/2_john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And now, dear lady, I pray you--writing to you, as I do, not a new command, but the one which we have had from the very beginning--let us love one another. <a href="/web/2_john/1.htm">World English Bible</a> Now I beg you, dear lady, not as though I wrote to you a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_john/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and now I implore you, lady, not as writing to you a new command, but which we had from the beginning, that we may love one another, <a href="/blb/2_john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And now I implore you, lady, not as though I am writing to you a new commandment, but that which we have had from the beginning, that we should love one another. <a href="/ylt/2_john/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and now I beseech thee, Kyria, not as writing to thee a new command, but which we had from the beginning, that we may love one another, <a href="/slt/2_john/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And now I entreat thee, mistress, not as writing a new command, but what we had from the beginning, that we should love one another.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_john/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And now I beseech thee, lady, not as writing a new commandment to thee, but that which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. <a href="/cpdv/2_john/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And now I petition you, Lady, not as if writing a new commandment to you, but instead that commandment which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another. <a href="/nabre/2_john/1.htm">New American Bible</a> But now, Lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing a new commandment but the one we have had from the beginning: let us love one another. <a href="/nrsvce/2_john/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But now, dear lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning, let us love one another.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_john/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And now I beseech you, O mother church, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_john/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And now I would persuade you Lady, not according to the new commandment I wrote to you, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_john/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And now I beseech you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. <a href="/godbey/2_john/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And now I entreat thee, O Cyria, not as writing to thee a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another with divine love. <a href="/haweis/2_john/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And now I beseech thee, lady, not as writing to thee a new commandment, but that which we have had from the beginning, that we should love one another. <a href="/mace/2_john/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and now, my lady, I beg our love may be mutual, since what I write, is no new prescription, but what was originally enjoin'd. <a href="/wey/2_john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And now, dear lady, I pray you--writing to you, as I do, not a new command, but the one which we have had from the very beginning--let us love one another. <a href="/worrell/2_john/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And now I beseech you, lady, not as writing a new commandment to you, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. <a href="/worsley/2_john/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And now I beseech thee, Lady, not as writing to thee a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we may love one another. <a href="/parallel/2_john/1-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YJJMjf4VhqI?start=36" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_john/1.htm">Walking in the Truth</a> 4I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father has commanded us. 5<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And</a> <a href="/greek/3568.htm" title="3568: nyn (Adv) -- A primary particle of present time; now; also as noun or adjective present or immediate.">now</a> <a href="/greek/2065.htm" title="2065: erōtō (V-PIA-1S) -- Apparently from ereo; to interrogate; by implication, to request.">I urge</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: se (PPro-A2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you,</a> <a href="/greek/2959.htm" title="2959: kyria (N-VFS) -- A lady. Feminine of kurios; Cyria, a Christian woman.">dear lady—</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouch (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">as</a> <a href="/greek/2537.htm" title="2537: kainēn (Adj-AFS) -- Fresh, new, unused, novel. Of uncertain affinity; new">a new</a> <a href="/greek/1785.htm" title="1785: entolēn (N-AFS) -- An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.">commandment</a> <a href="/greek/1125.htm" title="1125: graphōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- A primary verb; to grave, especially to write; figuratively, to describe."></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: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hēn (RelPro-AFS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">one</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: eichomen (V-IIA-1P) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">we have had</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: ap’ (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">from</a> <a href="/greek/746.htm" title="746: archēs (N-GFS) -- From archomai; a commencement, or chief.">the beginning—</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">that</a> <a href="/greek/25.htm" title="25: agapōmen (V-PSA-1P) -- To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.">we love</a> <a href="/greek/240.htm" title="240: allēlous (RecPro-AMP) -- One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.">one another.</a> 6And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34-35</a> A 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.” <a href="/1_john/3-11.htm">1 John 3:11</a> This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. <a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">1 John 4:7-8</a> Beloved, 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. <a href="/john/15-12.htm">John 15:12-13</a> This 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. <a href="/1_john/2-7.htm">1 John 2:7-8</a> Beloved, I am not writing to you a new commandment, but an old one, which you have had from the beginning. This commandment is the message you have heard. / Then again, I am also writing to you a new commandment, which is true in Him and also in you. For the darkness is fading and the true light is already shining. <a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-40</a> Jesus 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.’ ... <a href="/romans/13-8.htm">Romans 13:8-10</a> Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. / The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” / Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. <a href="/galatians/5-14.htm">Galatians 5:14</a> The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” <a href="/ephesians/5-2.htm">Ephesians 5:2</a> and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God. <a href="/1_peter/1-22.htm">1 Peter 1:22</a> Since 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. <a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a> Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. <a href="/deuteronomy/6-5.htm">Deuteronomy 6:5</a> And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. <a href="/deuteronomy/10-12.htm">Deuteronomy 10:12</a> And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a> He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? <a href="/zechariah/7-9.htm">Zechariah 7:9-10</a> “This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Administer true justice. Show loving devotion and compassion to one another. / Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And now I beseech you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.not.<a href="/1_john/2-7.htm">1 John 2:7,8</a> Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning… <a href="/1_john/3-11.htm">1 John 3:11</a> For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.that we.<a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34,35</a> A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another… <a href="/john/15-12.htm">John 15:12</a> This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22</a> But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">Beg</a> <a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">Beseech</a> <a href="/2_john/1-4.htm">Command</a> <a href="/2_john/1-4.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/1_john/5-21.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/1_john/4-19.htm">First</a> <a href="/2_john/1-1.htm">Lady</a> <a href="/1_john/2-8.htm">New</a> <a href="/1_john/5-16.htm">Request</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-6.htm">Sending</a> <a href="/2_john/1-1.htm">Sister</a> <a href="/1_john/5-13.htm">Writing</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-15.htm">Wrote</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/19-7.htm">Beg</a> <a href="/2_john/1-6.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/exodus/3-18.htm">Beseech</a> <a href="/2_john/1-6.htm">Command</a> <a href="/2_john/1-6.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/3_john/1-1.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/2_john/1-6.htm">First</a> <a href="/genesis/24-14.htm">Lady</a> <a href="/revelation/2-17.htm">New</a> <a href="/genesis/19-3.htm">Request</a> <a href="/revelation/1-1.htm">Sending</a> <a href="/2_john/1-13.htm">Sister</a> <a href="/3_john/1-13.htm">Writing</a> <a href="/3_john/1-9.htm">Wrote</a><div class="vheading2">2 John 1</div>1. <a href="/2_john/1-1.htm">He exhorts a certain honorable matron, with her children, to persevere in Christian love and belief,</a> 8. <a href="/2_john/1-8.htm">lest they lose the reward of their former profession;</a> 10. <a href="/2_john/1-10.htm">and to have nothing to do with those seducers that bring not the true doctrine of Christ Jesus.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_john/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_john/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And now I urge you, dear lady The "dear lady" is often interpreted as a metaphorical reference to a church or congregation, rather than an individual woman. This reflects the early Christian practice of addressing communities with familial terms, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the early church. The term "urge" indicates a strong appeal or exhortation, suggesting the importance of the message that follows.not as a new commandment to you This phrase highlights the continuity of the message with previous teachings. It echoes the words of Jesus in <a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34</a>, where He gives the commandment to love one another. The emphasis here is on the timeless nature of this command, reinforcing that it is not a novel idea but a foundational principle of Christian faith.but one we have had from the beginning The "beginning" refers to the inception of the Christian faith and the teachings of Jesus Christ. This phrase underscores the consistency of the message of love throughout the history of the church. It connects to 1 <a href="/john/2-7.htm">John 2:7</a>, where the same idea is presented, emphasizing the enduring and unchanging nature of this commandment.that we love one another This command to love is central to Christian doctrine and is rooted in the teachings of Jesus, as seen in passages like <a href="/john/15-12.htm">John 15:12</a>. It reflects the agape love, a selfless, sacrificial love that is a hallmark of Christian relationships. This love is not merely an emotion but an active commitment to the well-being of others, reflecting the love of Christ for humanity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_apostle.htm">John the Apostle</a> The author of this letter, John was one of Jesus' closest disciples and is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." He wrote this letter to encourage and instruct early Christians. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_elect_lady.htm">The Elect Lady</a> The recipient of the letter, often interpreted as a metaphor for a local church or a specific Christian community, though some believe it could refer to an individual Christian woman. 3. <a href="/topical/e/early_christian_community.htm">Early Christian Community</a> The broader audience of the letter, representing the early followers of Christ who were navigating the challenges of living out their faith in a diverse and often hostile world.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_timeless_commandment.htm">The Timeless Commandment</a> The command to love one another is not new; it is a timeless truth that has been central to the Christian faith from the beginning. This underscores the continuity and consistency of God's expectations for His people. <a href="/topical/l/love_as_a_defining_mark_of_believers.htm">Love as a Defining Mark of Believers</a> Love is the defining characteristic of a true follower of Christ. It is through love that Christians demonstrate their faith and witness to the world. <a href="/topical/p/practical_expressions_of_love.htm">Practical Expressions of Love</a> Loving one another goes beyond feelings; it involves tangible actions and sacrifices. Christians are called to actively seek the well-being of others. <a href="/topical/l/love_in_truth.htm">Love in Truth</a> True Christian love is grounded in truth. It is not merely sentimental but is rooted in the truth of the Gospel and the teachings of Christ. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a> The command to love one another is best lived out in community, where believers can support, encourage, and hold each other accountable in their walk with Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_john_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 John 1</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_a_covenant.htm">What is the Baptism of Love?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_main_message_of_2_john.htm">What is the main message of 2 John?</a> <a href="/q/does_2_john_contradict_other_nt_letters.htm">Are there historical or textual contradictions between 2 John and other New Testament letters that raise doubts about its authenticity or consistency?</a> <a href="/q/who's_the_elect_lady_in_2_john.htm">Who is the elect lady mentioned in 2 John?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_john/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 5-11. - 2. MAIN DIVISION. Exhortation. Having thus stated what has led to his writing, the apostle passes on to the central portion of the letter (verses 5-11), which consists of three exhortations: to love and obedience (verses 5, 6); against false doctrine (verses 7-9); against false charity (verses 10, 11). The transition to this practical part of the Epistle is indicated by the opening particles, "And now." Verse 5. - I beseech thee, lady. The verb has, perhaps, a tinge of peremptoriness about it ἐρωτῶ: "This is a request which I have a right to make." Respecting the "new commandment" and "from the beginning," see notes on 1 John 2:7. We may reasonably suppose that St. John is here reminding her of the contents of his First Epistle. The parallels between this Epistle and the First are so numerous and so close, that we can scarcely doubt that some of them are consciously made. There are at least eight such in these thirteen verses, as may be seen from the margin of a good reference Bible. <a href="/commentaries/2_john/1-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>And καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. now νῦν (nyn) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3568.htm">Strong's 3568: </a> A primary particle of present time; 'now'; also as noun or adjective present or immediate. I urge ἐρωτῶ (erōtō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2065.htm">Strong's 2065: </a> Apparently from ereo; to interrogate; by implication, to request. you, σε (se) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. [dear] lady— κυρία (kyria) Noun - Vocative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2959.htm">Strong's 2959: </a> A lady. Feminine of kurios; Cyria, a Christian woman. not οὐχ (ouch) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. as ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. a new καινὴν (kainēn) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2537.htm">Strong's 2537: </a> Fresh, new, unused, novel. Of uncertain affinity; new commandment ἐντολὴν (entolēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1785.htm">Strong's 1785: </a> An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription. to you, σοι (soi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. [one] ἣν (hēn) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. we have had εἴχομεν (eichomen) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. from ἀπ’ (ap’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. [the] beginning— ἀρχῆς (archēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_746.htm">Strong's 746: </a> From archomai; a commencement, or chief. that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. we love ἀγαπῶμεν (agapōmen) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_25.htm">Strong's 25: </a> To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love. one another. ἀλλήλους (allēlous) Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_240.htm">Strong's 240: </a> One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_john/1-5.htm">2 John 1:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_john/1-5.htm">2 John 1:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_john/1-5.htm">2 John 1:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_john/1-5.htm">2 John 1:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_john/1-5.htm">2 John 1:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_john/1-5.htm">2 John 1:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_john/1-5.htm">2 John 1:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_john/1-5.htm">2 John 1:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_john/1-5.htm">2 John 1:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_john/1-5.htm">2 John 1:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_john/1-5.htm">NT Letters: 2 John 1:5 Now I beg you dear lady not (2J iiJ 2Jn ii jn 2 jo)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_john/1-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 John 1:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 John 1:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_john/1-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 John 1:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 John 1:6" /></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>