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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 1:1 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--</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_john/1-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/63_2Jn_01_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 John 1:1 - Greeting from the Elder" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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--" /><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/1-1.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/1-1.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 1</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="/ad1.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="/1_john/5-21.htm" title="1 John 5:21">◄</a> 2 John 1:1 <a href="/2_john/1-2.htm" title="2 John 1:2">►</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> The elder, To the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I only, but also all who know the truth— <a href="/nlt/2_john/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> This letter is from John, the elder. I am writing to the chosen lady and to her children, whom I love in the truth—as does everyone else who knows the truth— <a href="/esv/2_john/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth, <a href="/bsb/2_john/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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— <a href="/blb/2_john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> The elder, To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those having known the truth-- <a href="/kjv/2_john/1.htm">King James Bible</a> The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; <a href="/nkjv/2_john/1.htm">New King James Version</a> The Elder, To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth, <a href="/nasb_/2_john/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not only I, but also all who know the truth, <a href="/nasb/2_john/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not only I, but also all who know the truth, <a href="/nasb77/2_john/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not only I, but also all who know the truth, <a href="/lsb/2_john/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth, <a href="/amp/2_john/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The elder [of the church addresses this letter] to the elect (chosen) lady and her children, whom I love in truth—and not only I, but also all who know and understand the truth— <a href="/csb/2_john/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> <a href="/hcsb/2_john/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The Elder: To the elect lady and her children: I love all of you in the truth—and not only I, but also all who have come to know the truth— <a href="/asv/2_john/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not I only, but also all they that know the truth; <a href="/cev/2_john/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> From the church leader. To a very special woman and her children. I truly love all of you, and so does everyone else who knows the truth. <a href="/erv/2_john/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not I only, but also all they that know the truth; <a href="/gwt/2_john/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> From the church leader. To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love because we share the truth. I'm not the only one who loves you. Everyone who knows the truth also loves you. <a href="/gnt/2_john/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> From the Elder--To the dear Lady and to her children, whom I truly love. And I am not the only one, but all who know the truth love you, <a href="/isv/2_john/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> From: The Elder To: The chosen lady and her children, whom I genuinely love, and not only I but also all who know the truth, <a href="/msb/2_john/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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? <a href="/net/2_john/1.htm">NET Bible</a> From the elder, to an elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth (and not I alone, but also all those who know the truth), <a href="/nheb/2_john/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The elder, to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not I only, but also all those who know the truth; <a href="/wbt/2_john/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> The elder to the elect lady, and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; <a href="/wey/2_john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> The Elder to the elect lady and her children. Truly I love you all, and not I alone, but also all who know the truth, <a href="/web/2_john/1.htm">World English Bible</a> The elder, to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not I only, but also all those who know the truth, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_john/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> The elder to the chosen lady, and to her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those having known the truth, <a href="/blb/2_john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> The elder, To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those having known the truth-- <a href="/ylt/2_john/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> The Elder to the choice Kyria, and to her children, whom I love in truth, and not I only, but also all those having known the truth, <a href="/slt/2_john/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> The elder to the chosen mistress in truth; (and not I only, but also all and to her children, whom I love they having known the truth;)<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_john/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> The ancient to the lady Elect, and her children, whom I love in the truth, and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth, <a href="/cpdv/2_john/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> The Elder to the Elect Lady, and those born of her, whom I love in the truth: and not I alone, but also all those who have known the truth, <a href="/nabre/2_john/1.htm">New American Bible</a> The Presbyter to the chosen Lady and to her children whom I love in truth—and not only I but also all who know the truth— <a href="/nrsvce/2_john/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth, and not only I but also all who know the truth,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_john/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> THE minister, to the mother church, and her children, those whom I love in the truth, and not I only, but also all those who have known the truth, <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_john/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> The Elder to The Elect lady and her children, those whom I love in the truth, but it is not I only, but also all those who know the truth,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_john/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> THE elder to the elect lady, and to her children, whom I love in the truth: and not I only, but also all who know the truth; <a href="/godbey/2_john/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> The elder to the elect Cyria, and to her children, whom in truth I love with divine love; and not I, but also those having known the truth; <a href="/haweis/2_john/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> THE presbyter to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all who have known the truth: <a href="/mace/2_john/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> The PRESBYTER to the lady ECLECTA and her children, whom I sincerely love, and not only I, but all true christians, <a href="/wey/2_john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> The Elder to the elect lady and her children. Truly I love you all, and not I alone, but also all who know the truth, <a href="/worrell/2_john/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> The elder to an elect lady and her children whom I love in truth?and not I only, but also all who know the truth? <a href="/worsley/2_john/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <bld>The</bld> elder unto the excellent Lady, and her children, whom I love in truth: and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; <a href="/parallel/2_john/1-1.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=0" 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">Greeting from the Elder</a> 1<a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">The</a> <a href="/greek/4245.htm" title="4245: presbyteros (Adj-NMS) -- Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian presbyter.">elder,</a> <a href="/greek/1588.htm" title="1588: Eklektē (Adj-DFS) -- From eklegomai; select; by implication, favorite.">To the chosen</a> <a href="/greek/2959.htm" title="2959: kyria (N-DFS) -- A lady. Feminine of kurios; Cyria, a Christian woman.">lady</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autēs (PPro-GF3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">her</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5043.htm" title="5043: teknois (N-DNP) -- A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.">children,</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hous (RelPro-AMP) -- Who, which, what, that. ">whom</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</a> <a href="/greek/25.htm" title="25: agapō (V-PIA-1S) -- To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.">love</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/225.htm" title="225: alētheia (N-DFS) -- From alethes; truth.">the truth—</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</a> <a href="/greek/3441.htm" title="3441: monos (Adj-NMS) -- Only, solitary, desolate. Probably from meno; remaining, i.e. Sole or single; by implication, mere.">alone,</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/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">also</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pantes (Adj-NMP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">all</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">who</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: egnōkotes (V-RPA-NMP) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">know</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/225.htm" title="225: alētheian (N-AFS) -- From alethes; truth.">truth—</a> 2because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:…<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/3-23.htm">1 John 3:23</a> And this is His commandment: that we should believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and we should love one another just as He commanded us. <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="/1_john/5-1.htm">1 John 5:1-2</a> Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father also loves those born of Him. / By this we know that we love the children of God: when we love God and keep His commandments. <a href="/john/15-12.htm">John 15:12-14</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. / You are My friends if you do what I command you. <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="/1_thessalonians/4-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:9</a> Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another. <a href="/romans/12-10.htm">Romans 12:10</a> Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another. <a href="/ephesians/4-2.htm">Ephesians 4:2-3</a> with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, / and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. <a href="/colossians/3-14.htm">Colossians 3:14</a> And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity. <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Galatians 5:13-14</a> For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. / The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” <a href="/philippians/1-9.htm">Philippians 1:9</a> And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, <a href="/hebrews/13-1.htm">Hebrews 13:1</a> Continue in brotherly love. <a href="/1_corinthians/13-1.htm">1 Corinthians 13:1-13</a> If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. / If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. / If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing. ... <a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-39</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.’</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;A.<a href="/1_peter/5-1.htm">1 Peter 5:1</a> The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:<a href="/3_john/1-1.htm">3 John 1:1</a> The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.the elect lady.<a href="/2_john/1-5.htm">2 John 1:5,13</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="/luke/1-3.htm">Luke 1:3</a> It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,<a href="/ephesians/1-4.htm">Ephesians 1:4,5</a> According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: … whom.<a href="/2_john/1-2.htm">2 John 1:2,3</a> For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever… <a href="/1_peter/1-22.htm">1 Peter 1:22,23</a> Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: … <a href="/1_john/3-18.htm">1 John 3:18</a> My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.known.<a href="/john/8-32.htm">John 8:32</a> And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.<a href="/galatians/2-5.htm">Galatians 2:5,14</a> To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you… <a href="/galatians/3-1.htm">Galatians 3:1</a> O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_john/2-2.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/1_john/5-21.htm">Children</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">Choice</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-10.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-13.htm">Church</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">Elder</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-13.htm">Elect</a> <a href="/1_john/5-18.htm">God's</a> <a href="/mark/6-28.htm">Lady</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-5.htm">Noble</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-10.htm">Selection</a> <a href="/james/2-15.htm">Sister</a> <a href="/1_john/5-20.htm">True.</a> <a href="/1_john/5-7.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/1_john/5-7.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jude/1-25.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/2_john/1-4.htm">Children</a> <a href="/2_john/1-13.htm">Choice</a> <a href="/2_john/1-13.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/3_john/1-1.htm">Church</a> <a href="/3_john/1-1.htm">Elder</a> <a href="/2_john/1-13.htm">Elect</a> <a href="/2_john/1-6.htm">God's</a> <a href="/2_john/1-5.htm">Lady</a> <a href="/2_john/1-13.htm">Noble</a> <a href="/3_john/1-1.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/2_john/1-13.htm">Selection</a> <a href="/2_john/1-5.htm">Sister</a> <a href="/2_john/1-2.htm">True.</a> <a href="/2_john/1-2.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/3_john/1-1.htm">Word</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>The elder The term "elder" refers to a position of authority and respect within the early Christian community. Traditionally, this is understood to be the Apostle John, who was one of the original twelve disciples of Jesus. By the time this letter was written, John was likely advanced in age, which would further justify the use of the term. The role of an elder in the early church was to provide spiritual oversight and guidance, similar to the role of a pastor or bishop today. This title emphasizes John's authority and experience in the faith.To the chosen lady and her children The "chosen lady" is a subject of debate among scholars. Some interpret this as a metaphorical reference to a local church, with "her children" being the members of that congregation. Others believe it refers to an actual woman and her family. The term "chosen" indicates that she is part of the elect, those whom God has called to salvation. This reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereign choice, as seen in passages like <a href="/ephesians/1-4.htm">Ephesians 1:4-5</a>. The use of familial language underscores the close-knit nature of early Christian communities.whom I love in the truth The phrase "in the truth" signifies a love that is grounded in the shared belief in Jesus Christ and His teachings. This is not merely an emotional affection but a deep, spiritual connection based on the truth of the Gospel. The concept of truth is central to John's writings, as seen in <a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>, where Jesus declares Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life." This love is consistent with the commandment to love one another, as found in <a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34-35</a>.and not I alone, but also all who know the truth This phrase highlights the communal aspect of the Christian faith. The love and fellowship extend beyond personal relationships to include all believers who share in the truth of the Gospel. This reflects the unity of the body of Christ, as emphasized in passages like <a href="/1_corinthians/12-12.htm">1 Corinthians 12:12-13</a>. The phrase "all who know the truth" suggests a shared understanding and acceptance of the core doctrines of Christianity, which bind believers together across different communities and cultures.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_elder.htm">The Elder</a> Traditionally understood to be the Apostle John, who is writing this letter. He is referred to as "the elder," indicating his authority and respected position within the early Christian community. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_chosen_lady.htm">The Chosen Lady</a> This is a metaphorical reference, likely to a specific church or congregation, rather than an individual woman. The term "chosen" signifies the community's election by God. 3. <a href="/topical/h/her_children.htm">Her Children</a> Refers to the members of the church or congregation addressed in the letter. They are considered spiritual children of the "chosen lady." 4. <a href="/topical/t/truth.htm">Truth</a> A central theme in John's writings, representing the Gospel and the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is the foundation of the love and fellowship among believers. 5. <a href="/topical/a/all_who_know_the_truth.htm">All Who Know the Truth</a> This phrase includes all believers who have accepted the Gospel and live according to its teachings, emphasizing the universal nature of Christian fellowship.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_elder.htm">The Role of the Elder</a> The term "elder" signifies spiritual maturity and leadership. In the church today, we should respect and learn from those who have walked in faith longer and have been entrusted with leadership roles. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_'chosen_lady'.htm">Understanding the 'Chosen Lady'</a> Recognize the church as a community chosen by God. This should inspire us to value our local congregations and work towards unity and love within them. <a href="/topical/l/living_in_truth.htm">Living in Truth</a> Truth is not just a concept but a way of life. As believers, we are called to live out the truth of the Gospel in our daily interactions and relationships. <a href="/topical/u/universal_christian_fellowship.htm">Universal Christian Fellowship</a> The love and truth shared among believers transcend local congregations. We are part of a global family united by our faith in Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_children.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Children</a> Just as the "children" of the chosen lady are mentioned, we should focus on nurturing and discipling new believers, helping them grow in their faith.<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_challenges_the_'elect_lady'_identity.htm">What evidence challenges the identity of the “elect lady” in 2 John 1:1—whether she is a metaphor for the church or a specific individual? </a> <a href="/q/why_doubt_2_john_1_1's_'elder'_identity.htm">Why do some scholars question whether the “elder” mentioned in 2 John 1:1 is the Apostle John or a different author? </a> <a href="/q/who_is_the_author_of_3_john.htm">Who is the author of 3 John?</a> <a href="/q/is_the_'elder'_in_3_john_1_apostle_john.htm">How can we be certain the “elder” in 3 John 1 is truly the Apostle John given the lack of explicit identification? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_john/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) A man so well-known to his correspondent that he only calls himself "the old man," or, "the elder," writes to a mother, whose name is possibly Kyria, and to her children. Her sister's children are in the same place as the writer. The two mothers are both honoured with the religious title "elect." The writer (we assume from the introduction that he is the Apostle John) loves the family with true Christian love. All who are in the way of truth have the same feelings for them, for the truth is a bond of union between all such. He wishes them grace, mercy, and peace from the Father and the Son, in all their thoughts and all their affections (<a href="/context/2_john/1-1.htm" title="The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;">2John 1:1-3</a>).(1 a.) (1) The elder.--The word is used with reference to age in <a href="/1_timothy/5-2.htm" title="The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.">1Timothy 5:2</a>; <a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm" title="Likewise, you younger, submit yourselves to the elder. Yes, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.">1Peter 5:5</a>; with reference to office, <a href="/acts/11-30.htm" title="Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.">Acts 11:30</a>; <a href="/acts/14-23.htm" title="And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.">Acts 14:23</a>; <a href="/acts/15-4.htm" title="And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.">Acts 15:4</a>; <a href="/acts/15-6.htm" title="And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.">Acts 15:6</a>; <a href="/acts/15-23.htm" title="And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brothers send greeting to the brothers which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia.">Acts 15:23</a>; <a href="/acts/16-4.htm" title="And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.">Acts 16:4</a>; <a href="/acts/20-17.htm" title="And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.">Acts 20:17</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/5-1.htm" title="Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brothers;">1Timothy 5:1</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/5-17.htm" title="Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.">1Timothy 5:17</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/5-19.htm" title="Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.">1Timothy 5:19</a>; <a href="/titus/1-5.htm" title="For this cause left I you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed you:">Titus 1:5</a>; <a href="/james/5-14.htm" title="Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:">James 5:14</a>; <a href="/1_peter/5-1.htm" title="The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:">1Peter 5:1</a>. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_john/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - The elder. Not an unlikely appellation to have been given to the last surviving apostle. Other apostles had been called elders; their successors also were called elders; but St. John was "the elder." That there was a second John at Ephesus, who was known as "the elder," to distinguish him from the apostle and evangelist, is a theory of Eusebius, based upon a doubtful interpretation of an awkwardly worded passage in Papias. But it is by no means certain that any such person ever existed. Irenaeus, who had read Papias, and been intimate with Polycarp, the disciple of St. John, seems to know nothing of any such person. Even if he existed, there is little reason for attributing this Epistle to him; it is too like the First Epistle to be by a different author. Unto the elect lady. This rendering of ἐκλεκτῇ κυρίᾳ should be retained: ἐκλεκτή cannot be a proper name, on account of verse 13; κυρία need not be one. We commit ourselves to nothing that is disputable if we render κυρία "lady;" whereas if we render it "Kyria" it is open to any one to object that perhaps the lady's name was not Kyria, and that perhaps she is not an individual at all, but a Church. She is elect, as being chosen out of the dominion of the evil one (<a href="/1_john/5-19.htm">1 John 5:19</a>) into the Christian family. She is thus reminded at the outset of the relationship between them; she is a member of that elect company of believers of which he is the elder. It is futile to ask who this lady is. There have been various conjectures, some of them absurd; but we know no more than the letter itself tells us. Evidently the lady and her children were not among the great ones of the earth; they have made no name in the world. And herein lies one of the chief lessons of the Epistle. Those mentioned in it were ordinary people, such as any Church in any generation might produce. But because they were faithful, and endeavoured to live up to their calling, the apostle loved them, and all true Christians loved them, and he dared to assure them that "grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Son of the Father" should be their portion. Any Christian minister may give the same assurance to faithful Christians, however humble and inconspicuous, still. They may win no place in the history of the world that is passing away; but they have a place in the heart of him who abideth for ever. Note the characteristic repetition of the characteristic word "truth," which occurs five times in the first four verses. All words respecting truth and bearing witness to it are characteristic of St. John. In two of the five cases "truth" has the article; "all they that know the truth; for the truth's sake which abideth in us." It is not impossible that "the truth" here means him who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Christ is the Revelation of Divine truth to man. All who know him love all faithful Christians for his sake. To the apostle truth was not a mere notion, "or a set of notions, however large and accurate; it was no theory about God, but God himself, and God manifest in the flesh in order that we might know him and partake his life." <a href="/commentaries/2_john/1-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>The Ὁ (Ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. elder, πρεσβύτερος (presbyteros) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4245.htm">Strong's 4245: </a> Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian 'presbyter'. To [the] chosen Ἐκλεκτῇ (Eklektē) Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1588.htm">Strong's 1588: </a> From eklegomai; select; by implication, favorite. lady κυρίᾳ (kyria) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2959.htm">Strong's 2959: </a> A lady. Feminine of kurios; Cyria, a Christian woman. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. her αὐτῆς (autēs) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. children, τέκνοις (teknois) Noun - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5043.htm">Strong's 5043: </a> A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child. whom οὓς (hous) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. I ἐγὼ (egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. love ἀγαπῶ (agapō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <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. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the] truth— ἀληθείᾳ (alētheia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_225.htm">Strong's 225: </a> From alethes; truth. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. not οὐκ (ouk) 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. I ἐγὼ (egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. alone, μόνος (monos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3441.htm">Strong's 3441: </a> Only, solitary, desolate. Probably from meno; remaining, i.e. Sole or single; by implication, mere. 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. also καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. all πάντες (pantes) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. who οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. know ἐγνωκότες (egnōkotes) Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. truth— ἀλήθειαν (alētheian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_225.htm">Strong's 225: </a> From alethes; truth. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_john/1-1.htm">2 John 1:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_john/1-1.htm">2 John 1:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_john/1-1.htm">2 John 1:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_john/1-1.htm">2 John 1:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_john/1-1.htm">2 John 1:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_john/1-1.htm">2 John 1:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_john/1-1.htm">2 John 1:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_john/1-1.htm">2 John 1:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_john/1-1.htm">2 John 1:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_john/1-1.htm">2 John 1:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_john/1-1.htm">NT Letters: 2 John 1:1 The elder to the chosen lady (2J iiJ 2Jn ii jn 2 jo)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_john/5-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 John 5:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 John 5:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_john/1-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 John 1:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 John 1:2" /></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>