2JN 1:1-3

A Greeting from the Elder

1The Elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth — and not I only, but also all who have known the truth —

2on account of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever:

3grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

In the world it was spoken into

In the 1st century, the term 'elder' carried significant weight, denoting a figure of authority and wisdom, often associated with leadership in Jewish and early Christian communities. The address to the 'elect lady' would have been understood as a formal and respectful greeting, likely directed toward a prominent woman or perhaps metaphorically to a local church. The use of 'elect' emphasized divine selection, a concept familiar to Jewish audiences accustomed to the idea of Israel as God's chosen people. The mention of 'truth' and its abiding presence reflects a central theme in Johannine literature, contrasting with the false teachings circulating in early Christian communities. The closing benediction invoking 'grace, mercy, and peace' from God and Jesus Christ aligns with early Christian liturgical practices, blending Jewish covenantal language with the emerging Christian emphasis on Jesus as the Son of the Father.

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How other translations render this

2JN 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;
BSB: 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—
Koinōnos: The Elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth — and not I only, but also all who have known the truth —

2JN 1:2

KJV: For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.
BSB: because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:
Koinōnos: on account of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever:

2JN 1:3

KJV: Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
BSB: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, will be with us in truth and love.
Koinōnos: grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.

Translator's notes

2JN 1:1

elder:The word translated 'elder' here refers to a respected leader within the community, often one who was older and held a position of authority and spiritual oversight.
To [the] elect:The term 'elect' carried the sense of being specially chosen or selected for a particular purpose, highlighting a divine act of choosing rather than a human decision.
lady:The word translated 'lady' was a respectful title for a woman of status or authority, similar to 'madam' or 'mistress of the house,' and could also be used metaphorically.

2JN 1:2

age::The word translated 'age' refers to a distinct period of time, an era, or a span of existence, often with a qualitative or moral character, rather than just a chronological duration.