2 John 1:1 kjv

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;

2 John 1:1 nkjv

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,

2 John 1:1 niv

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?

2 John 1:1 esv

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,

2 John 1:1 nlt

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 ?

2 John 1 verses

2 John 1 1 Meaning

This verse serves as the customary greeting of the Epistle, establishing the author as "the elder" and identifying the recipients as "the elect lady and her children." It conveys the elder's profound love for them, which is rooted in and defined by truth, a love shared universally by all who genuinely apprehend and adhere to the truth of Christ's Gospel. The verse immediately introduces the letter's central themes: authentic Christian identity, the nature of genuine love, and the paramount importance of living according to biblical truth.

2 John 1 1 Context

The Second Epistle of John is the second shortest book in the New Testament, positioned between 1 John and 3 John. It is believed to have been written by the Apostle John, identified only as "the elder" due to his advanced age and respected apostolic authority within the early Christian community. Written towards the end of the first century, the letter's brevity indicates a specific and urgent purpose: to warn believers about deceptive teachings and false teachers (antichrists) who had emerged, specifically those denying the full humanity of Jesus Christ (an early form of Docetism/Gnosticism). These false teachers traveled and sought hospitality, potentially disrupting and subverting sound doctrine within house churches. The "elect lady" is most likely a metaphor for a local church community, and "her children" are its members. Alternatively, it could be a prominent Christian woman and her household who led a house church. The context of 2 John is marked by the tension between love for fellow believers and strict adherence to Christ's revealed truth, particularly regarding Christology, and the crucial balance of discerning whom to welcome and whom to exclude based on their doctrine.

2 John 1 1 Word analysis

• The elder (ὁ πρεσβύτερος, ho presbyteros): Literally, "the older man" or "the old man." In early Christian contexts, it signified a recognized leader in the church, a position of spiritual authority and respect due to age, wisdom, and experience. It is widely accepted that this refers to John the Apostle, known as "John the Elder," underscoring his authoritative voice as a final living apostle. His seniority lent weight to his urgent message regarding doctrinal purity.
• to the elect (ἐκλεκτῇ, eklektē): Meaning "chosen" or "selected." This word speaks to God's divine initiative in salvation, setting apart individuals or a group for His purposes. In this context, it emphasizes the recipients' unique status and God's sovereign calling, forming a core aspect of their Christian identity and signifying their special relationship with Him.
• lady (κυρίᾳ, kyria): The feminine form of "lord" or "master," generally meaning "mistress" or "lady." Its usage here has been subject to scholarly debate. Interpreted literally, it could refer to a prominent Christian woman hosting a house church. More widely accepted, especially considering "her children" (her congregation) and the collective nature of the epistle's warnings, is that it is a symbolic personification of a particular church or even the universal Church, a common biblical metaphor (e.g., the church as the Bride of Christ). This allegorical understanding highlights the church's cherished position and its corporate identity.
• and her children (καὶ τὰ τέκνα αὐτῆς, kai ta tekna autēs): Refers to the spiritual offspring or members of the "elect lady." If "lady" is a literal woman, these would be her actual children and household; if "lady" is the church, these are the individual members or congregation. The term "children" (tekna) implies a deep familial bond and a relationship of spiritual nurturing.
• whom I love (ἣν ἐγὼ ἀγαπῶ, hēn egō agapō): The verb agapao refers to agape love—a divine, unconditional, self-sacrificial love, characteristic of God Himself and commanded of His followers. The elder's love for the recipients is not merely human affection but a principled, Christ-like love, rooted in shared faith and truth, providing the warmth and relational context for his authoritative teaching.
• in truth (ἐν ἀληθείᾳ, en alētheia): This crucial phrase clarifies the nature and foundation of the love described. "Truth" here (ἀλήθεια) encompasses objective divine reality, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, sound doctrine, and a lifestyle that genuinely reflects these realities. It signifies that the elder's love, and the fellowship it fosters, is not based on sentimentality or personal preference but on the solid foundation of adherence to Christ's teachings, standing in direct contrast to the deceit of the false teachers.
• and not only I, but also all who know the truth: This highlights the solidarity and unity among all genuine believers. The love expressed by the elder is not unique to him but is a shared characteristic and experience of all who truly apprehend and abide in Christ's truth. It emphasizes a collective affirmation of sound doctrine and mutual fellowship among orthodox Christians, creating a broad front against doctrinal error.

Words-group analysis

• The elder to the elect lady and her children: This forms the opening address, establishing the writer's authority and identifying the recipients. The chosen wording ("elect lady") immediately signals a theme of divine election and, if allegorical, the special nature of the church. The elder's paternal or apostolic relationship to the "children" implies pastoral care and guidance.
• whom I love in truth: This phrase describes the quality and foundation of the elder's love. It's a love that is genuine, sincere, and anchored in the reality of God's revealed truth, not a superficial or opportunistic affection. This specification of "truth" is a critical theme throughout the letter, indicating that love must always be conformed to biblical fidelity.
• and not only I, but also all who know the truth: This emphasizes the communal aspect of Christian love and truth. The love shown by the elder is shared by all true believers, indicating a fellowship of those who uphold orthodox doctrine. It subtly suggests that knowing "the truth" is the defining characteristic of genuine believers, setting them apart from those promoting falsehood. This solidarity serves as encouragement for the "elect lady" and her children amidst doctrinal challenges.

2 John 1 1 Bonus section

The identity of "the elect lady" (eklektē kyria) is one of the most intriguing and debated points in the Johannine Epistles. The two primary interpretations are:

1. A literal prominent Christian woman: She would have been an influential figure, possibly hosting a house church. John's address to her personally might reflect the intimacy of house church networks and the role of women in early Christian hospitality and leadership (e.g., Lydia in Acts 16:14-15, Nympha in Col 4:15, Prisca in Rom 16:3-5). The personal nature of the greeting might then extend to her physical children and her immediate Christian circle.

2. A metaphorical representation of a church: This is the more widely accepted view among scholars.

   • "Elect" (ἐκλεκτή, eklektē) is frequently used in the New Testament to refer to the corporate body of believers, the Church (1 Pet 1:1; Tit 1:1).
   • "Lady" (κυρίᾳ, kyria) used symbolically is not unprecedented in Scripture; the Old Testament frequently personifies Israel as a woman, and the New Testament presents the Church as the "Bride of Christ" (Rev 21:9).
   • "Her children" (τὰ τέκνα αὐτῆς) perfectly fits the idea of church members as spiritual children of their community or spiritual leaders (cf. 1 Cor 4:15, Gal 4:19).
   • The collective nature of the warnings and instructions in the rest of the letter (e.g., not receiving false teachers, communal love) seem to apply more naturally to a congregational body than solely to a private individual.
   • Some interpret a parallel in 3 John, addressed to Gaius, suggesting 2 John might be to a specific church, perhaps near Gaius's church, facing similar issues.
   • Some even propose that "Electa Kyria" could have been the actual proper name of a Christian woman, although this is less common.

The consensus leaning towards a metaphorical interpretation (the church) is strong, primarily due to the content and implications for broader community behavior that follow the greeting. It reinforces the idea of the church as God's chosen community, united by truth and love, and vigilant against falsehood.

2 John 1 1 Commentary

2 John 1:1 is far more than a simple salutation; it encapsulates the entire Epistle's essence. It reveals an aged apostolic leader, the Elder, who possesses both affectionate agape love and profound doctrinal concern for his Christian community, whether it be a literal woman and her household or, more likely, a specific church addressed as the "elect lady" and its members, "her children." The defining characteristic of this love is its anchoring "in truth," meaning it is not merely emotional sentiment but grounded in the unwavering realities of Christ's person and work. This "truth" encompasses both the foundational facts of the Gospel (especially Christ's full humanity in response to rising heresy) and the ethical conduct derived from it. The Elder underscores that this love for truth is universally shared by "all who know the truth," reinforcing the solidarity of orthodox believers against the encroaching tide of false teaching. The verse thus establishes the critical interplay between love and truth, setting the stage for the Elder's imminent warnings about welcoming those who deny fundamental Christian doctrine. It calls believers to discernment, urging them to embrace fellowship rooted in shared faith, thereby protecting the purity of the church and preserving the Gospel for future generations.