2 John 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;

KJV (with Strong's)

The elder {G4245} unto the elect {G1588} lady {G2959} and {G2532} her {G846} children {G5043}, whom {G3739} I {G1473} love {G25} in {G1722} the truth {G225}; and {G2532} not {G3756} I {G1473} only {G3441}, but {G235} also {G2532} all {G3956} they that have known {G1097} the truth {G225};

Complete Jewish Bible

From: The Elder

To: The chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth — and not only I but also all who have come to know the truth —

Berean Standard Bible

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—

American Standard Version

The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not I only, but also all they that know the truth;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second John opens with a traditional epistolary salutation from "the elder" to "the elect lady and her children," immediately establishing the author's pastoral authority and deep affection for the recipients. This love is explicitly stated to be "in the truth," a foundational theme that unites the author, the recipients, and all other believers who have come to know and embrace divine truth, setting the stage for the letter's urgent message concerning doctrinal fidelity and discernment in the face of burgeoning false teachings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the customary opening of a New Testament epistle, introducing the sender and the recipients. As the first verse of Second John, it immediately establishes the personal yet authoritative tone of the letter. It is followed by a commendation of the recipients' walk in truth ([2 John 1:4](/2_john/1-4 "2 John 1:4 - Walking in Truth")), a command to love ([2 John 1:5](/2_john/1-5 "2 John 1:5 - The Command to Love")), and then transitions into the primary warning against false teachers who deny the incarnation of Christ ([2 John 1:7-11](/2_john/1-7-11 "2 John 1:7-11 - Warning Against Deceivers")). The emphasis on "truth" and "love" in this opening verse is therefore not merely a polite greeting but a direct foreshadowing of the letter's central concerns: maintaining doctrinal purity and practicing genuine Christian love within the bounds of that truth, especially when confronted by those who would undermine it.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written likely in the late first century A.D., 2 John emerged from a period of significant theological challenge within the early Christian community. The term "the elder" (Greek: _presbyteros_) suggests an individual of advanced age, spiritual maturity, and recognized authority, strongly pointing to the Apostle John, the last living apostle. The recipients, "the elect lady and her children," are subject to scholarly debate: they could be a literal Christian woman and her family, or, more widely accepted, a symbolic representation of a local church and its members. The latter interpretation gains strength from the collective nature of the warnings and instructions that follow, which would typically be addressed to a community rather than a single household. The geographical setting would likely be the Roman province of Asia Minor, where John ministered from Ephesus, a region rife with burgeoning Gnostic and Docetic heresies that denied the true humanity of Christ, making the emphasis on "truth" particularly poignant.

* **Key Themes:** This opening verse immediately introduces several key themes prevalent throughout John's writings and particularly vital to this short epistle. The concept of **Apostolic Authority and Pastoral Care** is evident in the author's self-identification as "the elder," signaling a respected leader's deep concern for his flock. The central theme of **Love in Truth** is paramount; John emphasizes that genuine Christian love (_agapē_) is not a sentimental emotion but is inextricably linked to adherence to God's revealed truth, especially the truth about Jesus Christ. This is a recurring motif in John's epistles, as seen in passages like [1 John 3:18](/1_john/3-18 "1 John 3:18 - Love in Deed and Truth") and [3 John 1:3-4](/3_john/1-3-4 "3 John 1:3-4 - Walking in Truth"). Finally, the verse highlights **Shared Fellowship in Truth**, underscoring that the bond among believers is forged not merely by personal affection but by a collective knowledge and commitment to "the truth." This shared foundation creates a unified community, echoing Jesus' prayer for unity in [John 17:17-19](/john/17-17-19 "John 17:17-19 - Sanctified in Truth"), enabling believers to stand together against error.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **elect (Greek, _eklektós'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to select," this term signifies being "chosen" or "favorite." In a theological context, it refers to those whom God has chosen for salvation and a special relationship with Him. Its application to the "lady" and her "children" underscores their status as part of God's chosen people, implying a divine purpose and a call to live consistently with that election.
* **love (Greek, _agapáō'_):** This verb denotes a deep, unconditional, and self-sacrificial love, distinct from mere affection or friendship. It is the characteristic love of God for humanity and the love commanded of believers for one another. Here, John's love for the recipients is not based on personal preference but on a spiritual bond rooted in shared adherence to divine truth, reflecting the divine nature of this love.
* **truth (Greek, _alḗtheia'_):** This word refers to reality, sincerity, and divine revelation. In John's writings, "the truth" often carries a profound theological weight, referring not just to factual accuracy but to the ultimate reality revealed in Jesus Christ and His teachings. To "love in the truth" means to have one's love and life governed by God's revealed word, particularly the gospel of Christ, standing in stark contrast to the deceit of false teachers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The elder unto the elect lady and her children,"**: This opening phrase identifies the author as "the elder" (likely the Apostle John, signifying his age, authority, and pastoral role) and the recipients as "the elect lady and her children." The term "elect" highlights their chosen status in Christ, while "lady" (Greek: _Kyria_) could refer to a specific Christian woman or, more probably, a local church (the "lady") and its members (her "children"), a common metaphor in biblical literature.
* **"whom I love in the truth;"**: This clause immediately clarifies the nature of the author's affection. His love (Greek: _agapáō_) for the recipients is not merely sentimental but is grounded "in the truth." This signifies that their relationship is defined and sustained by their mutual adherence to and walk in God's revealed truth, particularly the truth of the gospel concerning Jesus Christ. It implies a love that is doctrinally sound and ethically pure.
* **"and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;"**: This concluding phrase expands the scope of this truth-based love beyond the elder himself. It emphasizes the communal aspect of Christian fellowship, indicating that all genuine believers, those who "have known the truth" (Greek: _ginōskō_, implying experiential knowledge), share this same love and commitment. This shared knowledge of and devotion to truth forms a universal bond among true Christians, creating a unified front against error and division.

#### Literary Devices
The opening verse of 2 John employs several significant literary devices. The use of **Epistolary Opening** immediately places the letter within a recognized ancient communication format, signaling its authoritative and personal nature. The phrase "the elect lady and her children" serves as a powerful **Metaphor** (if interpreted as a church and its members), allowing John to address a community with the intimacy and directness of addressing an individual family. This metaphorical address also imbues the church with a sense of identity and familial belonging. Furthermore, the repetition of "the truth" (Greek: _alētheia_) functions as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring its paramount importance in the author's relationship with the recipients and in the broader Christian community. This repetition foreshadows the letter's central concern with doctrinal fidelity and discernment, highlighting truth as the non-negotiable foundation for genuine love and fellowship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This foundational verse establishes the critical theological principle that genuine Christian love is inseparable from divine truth. It is not a subjective emotion but a love rooted in and defined by God's revealed Word, particularly the person and work of Jesus Christ. This concept counters any notion of love that compromises doctrinal purity or tolerates error. The shared love "in the truth" creates a bond among believers, uniting them in a common confession and purpose, and serving as a bulwark against the deceptive teachings that were prevalent in John's time and remain a threat today. This unity in truth is essential for the church's health and witness.

* [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")
* [1 John 4:1-3](/1_john/4-1-3 "1 John 4:1-3 - Test the Spirits")
* [Ephesians 4:15](/ephesians/4-15 "Ephesians 4:15 - Speaking Truth in Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This opening verse of 2 John profoundly challenges contemporary believers to examine the foundation of their relationships and their understanding of love. In a world that often prioritizes sentimentality or subjective experience over objective truth, John reminds us that authentic Christian love is not merely an emotion but a commitment rooted in and shaped by God's revealed truth. Our affection for fellow believers, and indeed for all people, must be informed by the unchanging realities of the gospel. This means valuing doctrinal integrity, discerning what is true from what is false, and allowing the truth of Christ to define our interactions and our fellowship. It calls us to cultivate communities where love for one another is demonstrated by a shared devotion to sound doctrine and a collective resolve to walk in obedience to God's Word, thereby creating a unified witness against the deceptions of the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my understanding of love align with John's emphasis on "love in the truth"?**
* **In what ways do I ensure that my relationships with other believers are grounded in shared adherence to biblical truth, and not just common interests or emotions?**
* **How can I grow in my "knowledge of the truth" so that my love for God and others becomes more profound and discerning?**

### FAQ
**Who is "the elder" and "the elect lady" in this verse?**

Answer: "The elder" (Greek: _ho presbyteros_) is widely understood to be the Apostle John, the author of the Gospel of John and the three Johannine epistles. This title signifies his advanced age, apostolic authority, and respected position within the early Christian church. "The elect lady and her children" is subject to two main interpretations: either a literal Christian woman and her family, or, more commonly, a symbolic representation of a local church (the "lady") and its members (her "children"). Given the collective nature of the warnings against false teachers that follow in the letter, the symbolic interpretation of a church community is generally favored by scholars, as it provides a broader context for the pastoral instructions. This symbolic understanding aligns with other biblical metaphors for the church, such as the "bride of Christ" (e.g., [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 John 1:1 does not explicitly mention Christ by name, its profound emphasis on "the truth" finds its ultimate fulfillment and definition in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), making Him the very embodiment of the divine reality that John speaks of. Therefore, to "love in the truth" means to love in Christ, for He is the source and substance of all truth. The love that the elder expresses for the "elect lady and her children" is a reflection of Christ's own love for His church, a love that is pure, holy, and unwavering in its commitment to God's revealed will. Furthermore, the shared knowledge of "the truth" that unites believers points to the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised would guide His followers into "all truth" ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). Thus, this verse implicitly highlights the Trinitarian foundation of Christian fellowship: love for one another is rooted in the truth of Christ, empowered by the Spirit, and reflects the divine nature of God Himself, who is love and truth.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 2:4

Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

1 John 3:18

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

John 8:32

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

1 Peter 5:1

¶ The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

2 John 1:5

¶ And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

1 Peter 1:22

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently:

1 Peter 1:23

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.