The Second Letter of John
an original translation
For an explanation of my translation approach:
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1 The Elder, to the Chosen Lady and to her children, whom I truly love,1 and not only I but also all those who know the truth, 2 because of the truth abiding in us and [that] will be with us forever.
3 Grace, mercy, and peace shall2 be with us from the Father and from Jesus Christ, [who is] the Father’s son in truth and love.
4 I was overjoyed3 when I found some of your children living4 in [the] truth, just as we received [the] commandment from the Father. 5 Now I ask you, Lady (not that I write a new commandment to you, but the [same] one we have had from the beginning): that we should love each other. 6 And this is love: that we live according to his commandments. This is the [same] commandment [that] we heard from the beginning, that you should live by it.5
7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess [that] Jesus Christ came in [the] flesh. Whoever does so6 is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves closely, so that you do not destroy what we have worked for, rather7 that you obtain a full reward. 9 Everyone who goes ahead and does not remain in the teaching of Christ8 does not have God; [but] whoever remains in the teaching, this person has both the Father and the son. 10 If someone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive them into [your] house, and do not greet them.11 For whoever greets them shares in their evil works.
12 [Though] I have9 much to write to you, I did not want to use paper and ink. Rather, I hope to be with you to speak in person,10 so that we might have full joy.11
13 The children of your Chosen Sister greet you.
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Lit. whom I love in truth, also 3 Jn. 1.
Lit. will
Lit. I rejoiced greatly
Lit. walking, also v.6.
Or in it
Gk. this one is
Lit. but, also v.12.
Probably the “teaching about Christ” (v.7) rather than the contents of Christ’s teaching while on earth.
Lit. having
Speak in person or face-to-face translates Gk. idiom, literally mouth-to-mouth. Also 3 Jn. 14.
Lit. our joy might be made full. See, 1 Jn. 1:4.