2 John 1:2 kjv

For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.

2 John 1:2 nkjv

because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever:

2 John 1:2 niv

because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever:

2 John 1:2 esv

because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:

2 John 1:2 nlt

because the truth lives in us and will be with us forever.

2 John 1 verses

2 John 1 2 Meaning

This verse states the fundamental reason for the Apostle John's deep affection and shared connection with believers: it is grounded in the divine truth. This truth is not merely an external doctrine but an internal, abiding reality within them, which possesses an eternal quality. It signifies that the shared faith in the true gospel, particularly concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ, forms the unchanging basis for authentic Christian fellowship and love.

2 John 1 2 Context

The Second Epistle of John is a concise letter addressing the core issues of Christian living and defending the faith in a time of emergent false teachings. The elder (John) writes to "the elect lady and her children," likely symbolizing a local church and its members. John begins by affirming his love for them "in truth," setting the foundation for the entire letter. Verse 2 immediately expands on this, explaining that this love is predicated upon their shared possession and adherence to divine truth. This truth, specifically the sound doctrine concerning Jesus Christ's physical incarnation, was being challenged by emerging heresies (Proto-Gnosticism, Docetism) which denied that Jesus had come in the flesh. Thus, the permanence and indwelling nature of this truth within believers distinguished the faithful community from deceivers. This verse highlights the profound unity found among those who truly belong to Christ, a unity secured by the unchanging reality of the gospel and serving as the bulwark against doctrinal compromise.

2 John 1 2 Word analysis

• because of (διὰ, dia): This preposition indicates the ground or reason. John's love and the communal unity are "on account of" or "through" this specific truth, not merely sentiment or shared social status.

• the truth (τὴν ἀλήθειαν, tēn alētheian): "Alētheia" refers to ultimate reality, divine revelation, and the faithful substance of Christian doctrine, particularly as it relates to the person of Jesus Christ (Joh 14:6). It stands in stark contrast to error or deception, which the elder addresses later in the letter. It signifies the gospel itself.

• which abides (τὴν μένουσαν, tēn menousan): From the Greek verb menō, meaning "to remain," "dwell," or "endure." This signifies the active, ongoing presence and stable permanence of the truth. It's not a fleeting concept or temporary conviction but a continuous reality. This term often refers to the indwelling Spirit or Christ's Word.

• in us (ἐν ἡμῖν, en hēmin): This indicates personal, internalized possession. The truth is not just external knowledge or a set of rules, but something that has taken root within the believers themselves. It suggests a living relationship and transformed hearts.

• and will be (καὶ ἔσται, kai estai): The conjunction "and" links the abiding presence in the present with a future certainty. "Estai" is the future tense of "to be," asserting an undeniable continuity.

• with us (μεθ' ἡμῶν, meth' hēmōn): "Meth'" (meta) implies association, companionship, and close presence. It reinforces the idea that this truth is not distant but intimately linked with the believers' very existence and journey.

• forever (εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα, eis ton aiōna): This phrase means "unto the age," conveying eternal duration and absolute permanence. It stresses that the truth possessed by believers is not subject to decay or change but is immutable and will endure perpetually, contrasting sharply with the ephemeral nature of false doctrines.

• the truth which abides in us: This phrase describes the essential nature of authentic Christian faith and fellowship. It highlights that the ground of genuine unity is not superficial agreement but a shared, internalized divine reality. This internal indwelling suggests transformation and spiritual identification with Christ and His Word, which distinguishes true believers from those who merely feign faith or teach error.

• and will be with us forever: This conveys the eternal security and stability of this indwelling truth. It reassures believers that their foundation in Christ is unshakable and perpetual. This provides comfort amidst persecution or the proliferation of false teachings, emphasizing that true spiritual identity and the validity of their faith are enduring beyond temporal challenges.

2 John 1 2 Bonus section

The "truth" in this Johannine context is more than a mere concept or factual statement; it embodies the Person of Jesus Christ himself, as well as His revelation, the Gospel. John frequently links truth with light, life, and the very character of God. The emphasis on the truth abiding and being forever with believers underscores a vital theological point: the Christian's standing and identity are secured by an unchanging divine reality, a contrast to the transient and deceptive doctrines of antichrists. This permanency not only provides security for the believer but also serves as the necessary criterion for identifying authentic Christian fellowship and discerning false teaching. Any teaching that undermines this core "truth"—especially the incarnation of Christ—is thereby identified as external to, and hostile toward, the community that truly walks with God.

2 John 1 2 Commentary

Second John 1:2 powerfully encapsulates the bedrock of authentic Christian identity and fellowship. John's profound affection for the recipients stems not from human sentimentality but from a divine, immutable reality: the truth itself. This "truth" is deeply embedded within them, not merely as intellectual assent but as a living, transforming power, which ensures its perpetual presence "forever." This means the essence of who they are in Christ and their relationship with God, secured by His divine revelation, is eternally stable. In a climate where false teachers were actively denying the very nature of Christ, this verse served as an anchor. It provided reassurance of their enduring foundation in Christ and established the firm boundary for fellowship: shared adherence to and indwelling of the saving gospel truth. It means true love in the body of Christ is rooted in shared spiritual reality, making it resilient against error and ephemeral trends.

• Example 1: When faced with new theological ideas, believers are called to assess them by "the truth which abides in us," measuring them against the foundational teachings concerning Christ revealed in scripture and indwelt by the Holy Spirit.
• Example 2: True Christian unity and love in a church congregation are founded on shared commitment to biblical truth, not just social ties or agreeable personalities, ensuring that relationships endure through differing opinions and life changes.