3JN 1:13-14

Conclusion

13I had many things to write to you, but I do not want through ink and reed-pen to write to you;

14but I hope soon to see you, and we will speak mouth to mouth.

In the world it was spoken into

In the 1st century, written communication was labor-intensive and costly, relying on materials like ink made from soot and gum, and reed pens crafted from hollow reeds. Letters were often carried by trusted messengers over long distances, making them less immediate than face-to-face interaction. The phrase ' ' (mouth to mouth) underscores the cultural preference for direct, personal dialogue, which conveyed sincerity and intimacy in a way written words could not. The writer’s choice to defer detailed communication until a personal meeting reflects the honor-shame dynamics of the time, where direct interaction carried greater weight and avoided potential misunderstandings. The use of (soon/immediately) suggests urgency, emphasizing the writer’s desire to resolve matters promptly through personal presence rather than relying on the slower, less reliable medium of letters.

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How other translations render this

3JN 1:13

KJV: I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
BSB: I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with pen and ink.
Koinōnos: I had many things to write to you, but I do not want through ink and reed-pen to write to you;

3JN 1:14

KJV: But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
BSB: Instead, I hope to see you soon and speak with you face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send you greetings. Greet each of our friends there by name.
Koinōnos: but I hope soon to see you, and we will speak mouth to mouth.

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

Translator's notes

3JN 1:13

ink:The word translated 'ink' referred to a black liquid, often made from soot or gall nuts, used for writing on papyrus or parchment. It was a common and essential writing material in the ancient world.
pen:The term translated 'pen' literally meant a reed, which was sharpened and split to form a writing instrument. This was the standard writing tool of the time, not a modern quill or ballpoint pen.

3JN 1:14

soon:The word translated 'soon' often carried a stronger sense of immediacy or directness, implying 'straightaway' or 'without delay,' rather than merely 'at some point in the near future.'
mouth:The word translated 'mouth' here refers to direct, face-to-face communication, emphasizing personal interaction rather than written correspondence. It highlights the desire for intimate conversation.