2JN 1:7-11

Beware of Deceivers

7Because many deceivers have gone out into the world — those not confessing Jesus Christ coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. [1:8] Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we worked for, but may receive a full reward. [1:9] Everyone going ahead and not remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. The one remaining in the teaching — this one has both the Father and the Son. [1:10] If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into the house and do not give him a greeting; [1:11] for the one giving him a greeting shares in his evil works.

In the world it was spoken into

In the late 1st century, early Christian communities were navigating threats from internal and external sources. The term (deceivers) would have evoked images of itinerant teachers or false prophets who distorted the core message about Jesus Christ, particularly denying his incarnation. This was a critical issue, as the confession of Jesus coming in the flesh was a defining marker of orthodoxy. The warning to avoid losing what they had (worked for) reflects the communal effort invested in establishing and maintaining their faith. The instruction to withhold hospitality from those who did not bring the teaching of Christ aligns with the Greco-Roman and Jewish practice of using shared meals and greetings as signs of fellowship and acceptance. To deny such gestures was a strong social statement, effectively excluding the deceivers from the community. This passage underscores the tension between maintaining doctrinal purity and the cultural expectation of hospitality.

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How other translations render this

2JN 1:7

KJV: For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
BSB: For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.
Koinōnos: Because many deceivers have gone out into the world — those not confessing Jesus Christ coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.

2JN 1:8

KJV: Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
BSB: Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded.
Koinōnos: Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we worked for, but may receive a full reward.

2JN 1:9

KJV: Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
BSB: Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son.
Koinōnos: Everyone going ahead and not remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. The one remaining in the teaching — this one has both the Father and the Son.

2JN 1:10

KJV: If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
BSB: If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him.
Koinōnos: If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into the house and do not give him a greeting;

2JN 1:11

KJV: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
BSB: Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.
Koinōnos: for the one giving him a greeting shares in his evil works.

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

Translator's notes

2JN 1:7

deceivers:The word translated 'deceivers' here refers to someone who actively leads others astray, often with the implication of being a charlatan or imposter. It describes their character as one who misleads.

2JN 1:8

we have worked for,:The phrase 'we have worked for' implies a sense of toil and effort, suggesting a sustained labor or accomplishment. It's not just casual work, but something invested in.

2JN 1:9

is progressing:The word translated 'is progressing' literally means to 'lead forward' or 'go before.' In this context, it suggests advancing or making progress, often with the idea of moving ahead of others.

2JN 1:10

to greet:The word translated 'to greet' was a common salutation, but it also carried the meaning of 'to rejoice' or 'be glad.' So, to greet someone was often to wish them joy or express gladness.