TRV
Translation
Complete Jewish Bible
because of the Truth which remains united with us and will be with us forever:
American Standard Version
for the truth’s sake which abideth in us, and it shall be with us for ever:
World English Bible Messianic
for the truth’s sake, which remains in us, and it will be with us forever:
Young's Literal Translation
because of the truth that is remaining in us, and with us shall be to the age,
See also
In the KJVVerse 30,648 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 John 1 verses 1–4
1 ¶ 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;
2 For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.
3 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.
4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points
Ancient epistles began, as here, with salutation and good wishes: religion consecrates, as far as may be, old forms, and turns compliments into real expressions of life and love. Here we have, as usually,
I. The saluter, not expressed by name, but by a chosen character: The elder. The expression, and style, and love, intimate that the penman was the same with that of the foregoing epistle; he is now the elder, emphatically and eminently so; possibly the oldest apostle now living, the chief elder in the church of God. An elder in the ancient house of Israel was reverend, or to be reverenced, much more he who is so In the gospel Israel of God. An old disciple is honourable; and old apostle and leader of disciples is more so. He was now old in holy service and experience, had seen and tasted much of heaven, and was much nearer than when at first he believed.
II. The saluted - a noble Christian matron, and her children: To the elect lady and her children. A lady, a person of eminent quality for birth, education, and estate. It is well that the gospel ha got among such. It is a pity but lords and ladies should be acquainted with the Lord Christ and his religion. They owe more to him than others do; though usually not many noble are called. Here is a pattern for persons of quality of the same sex. The elect lady; not only a choice one, but one chosen of God. It is lovely and beautiful to see ladies, by holy walking, demonstrate their election of God. And her children; probably the lady was a widow; she and her children then are the principal part of the family, and so this may be styled an economical epistle. Families may well be written to and encouraged, and further directed in their domestic love, and order, and duties. We see that children may well be taken notice of in Christian letters, and they should know it too; it may avail to their encouragement and caution. Those who love and commend them will be apt to enquire after them. This lady and her children are further notified by the respect paid them, and that, 1. By the apostle himself: Whom I love in the truth, or in truth, whom I sincerely and heartily love. He who was the beloved disciple had learnt the art or exercise of love; and he especially loved those who loved him, that Lord who loved him. 2. By all her Christian acquaintance, all the religious who knew her: And not I only, but also all those that have known the truth. virtue and goodness in an elevated sphere shine brightly. Truth demands acknowledgment, and those who see the evidences of pure religion should confess and attest them; it is a good sign and great duty to love and value religion in others. The ground of this love and respect thus paid to this lady and her children was their regard to the truth: For the truth's sake (or true religion's sake) which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. Christian love is founded upon the appearance of vital religion. Likeness should beget affection. Those who love truth and piety in themselves should love it in others too, or love others upon the account of it. The apostle and the other Christians loved this lady, not so much for her honour as her holiness; not so much for her bounty as her serious Christianity. We should not be religious merely by fits and starts, in certain moods and moons; but religion should still dwell within us, in our minds and hearts, in our faith and love. It is to be hoped that where religion once truly dwells it will abide for ever. The Spirit of Christianity, we may suppose, will not be totally extinguished: Which shall be with us for ever.
III. The salutation, which is indeed an apostolical benediction: 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, Jo2 1:3. Sacred love pours out blessings upon this honourable Christian family; to those who have shall more be given. Observe,
1.From whom these blessings are craved, (1.) From God the Father, the God of all grace. He is the fountain of blessedness, and of all the blessings that must bring us thither. (2.) From the Lord Jesus Christ. He is also author and communicator of these heavenly blessings, and he is distinguished by this emphatic character - the Son of the Father; such a Son as none else can be; such a Son as is the brightness of the Father's glory, and the express image of his person, who, with the Father, is also eternal life, Jo1 1:2.
2.What the apostle craves from these divine persons. (1.) Grace - divine favour and good-will, the spring of all good things: it is grace indeed that any spiritual blessing should be conferred on sinful mortals. (2.) Mercy - free pardon and forgiveness; those who are already rich in grace have need of continual forgiveness. (3.) Peace - tranquility of spirit and serenity of conscience, in an assured reconciliation with God, together with all safe and sanctified outward prosperity. And these are desired in truth and love, either by sincere and ardent affection in the saluter (in faith and love he prays them from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ), or as productive of continued truth and love in the saluted; these blessings will continually preserve true faith and love in the elect lady and her children; and may they do so!
IV. The congratulation upon the prospect of the exemplary behaviour of other children of this excellent lady. Happy parent, who was blessed with such a numerous religious offspring! I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in the truth, as we have received commandment from the Father, Jo2 1:4. Possibly the lady's sons travelled abroad, either for accomplishment and acquaintance with the world, or on the account of their own business or the common affairs of the family, and in their travels might come to Ephesus, where the apostle is supposed to have now resided, and might there happily converse with him. See how good it is to be trained up to early religion! Though religion is not to be founded upon education, yet education may be and often is blessed, and is the way to fortify youth against irreligious infection. Hence too let young travellers learn to carry their religion along with them, and not either leave it at home or learn the ill customs of the countries where they come. It may be observed, also, that sometimes election runs in a direct line; here we have an elect lady, and her elect children; children may be beloved for their parents' sake, but both by virtue of free grace. From the apostle's joy herein we may observe that it is pleasant to see children treading in good parent's steps; and those who see this may well congratulate their parents thereupon, and that both to excite their thankfulness to God for, and to enlarge their comfort in, so great a blessing. How happy a lady was this, who had brought forth so many children for heaven and for God! And how great a joy must it be to her ladyship to hear so good an account of them from so good a judge! And we may further see that it is joyful to good old ministers, and accordingly to other good old disciples, to see a hopeful rising generation, who may serve God and support religion in the world when they are dead and gone. We see here also the rule of true walking: the commandment of the Father. Then is our walk true, our converse right, when it is managed by the word of God.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–4. Public domain.
Copy as
Hilary of ArlesAD 449
INTRODUCTORY COMMENTARY ON 2 JOHN
By “truth” John is referring to the Holy Spirit, because love is always the work of the Spirit.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Catholic Epistles
For the truth's sake, which dwells in us, etc. He says, we love you and yours for no other reason than for the truth of the faith, which always remains invincible in us, for we find that you also invincibly guard the same.
OecumeniusAD 990
Commentary on 2 John
The elder, to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who have known the truth: because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
Some have thought that this Epistle and the one that follows are not from John the Beloved, but from another who had the same name: because in these he writes of himself as an elder, and to a lady, and to another Gaius, and he writes of one just as he does of the lady; which does not happen in a Catholic Epistle. Furthermore, he did not make a title according to the previous epistle: for he did not begin it in that way. But we say that in the former he did not propose in that manner, because he did not write to a specific person, nor to the Church of certain places: just as blessed Peter did, clearly signifying that he was writing to the Jews who were dispersed; and before him, the holy James clearly defining that he was writing to the twelve tribes of the Jews: but addressing all the faithful in common, whether gathered or not gathered, He omitted the type of the pre-written text.
However, John writes of himself as an elder, and not as an apostle or servant of Jesus Christ, as the other apostles do. Indeed, he does not write of himself as an apostle, perhaps because he did not preach the Gospel first in Asia, but after Paul; nor did he travel around, like him, who was going through the circuit of the Gospel: but remaining there, he was present and explained the message to those present. Nor does he call himself a servant of Jesus Christ; for he was confident, because he was greatly loved, that he was free from the fear of servitude. He only wished to call himself an elder: either because he was already old when he wrote these things (for that is what an elder means) or even calling himself a bishop by the name of elder, since at that time the name elder was commonly used also for bishops: as is evident from the Acts (20:17) written by blessed Luke, and from the Epistle of Peter (5:2).
Moreover, John was not afraid to write to a faithful lady: because in Christ Jesus there is neither male nor female. (Gal. 3:28) However, writing to one Gaius, he has Paul who also wrote to Titus and Timothy, indeed even to Philemon, a common man (ἰδιώτην). And indeed, this is about the title. It is shown also from the announcement and promise and from the remaining arrangement of the discourse, that these letters are genuine: since in these John frequently repeats the discourse, saying the same things about the same matters whenever a slight occasion arises, and this way confirms the discourse. Moreover, he testifies two things to this elect lady: one indeed that she walks in truth, the other that she avoids heretics. He indeed calls her elect, either by name or from great imitation concerning virtue: whom John also says he loves in truth: not only her alone, but also all who are of similar morals with her, who truly have a firm truth within themselves: for this is signified by saying: that abides in us; this, however, is faith in Christ.
In fact, to love her in the truth; just as John himself indicated in the previous letter regarding certain corrupted believers. But where he said: "what abides in us," that is, what is true and firm, he added: "And it will be with us forever." (1 Jn. 3:24) Signifying the certain perseverance of the gift. For it happens that even those who have been confirmed in something are shaken again, because they have not rightly used the confirmation. Again, after these things, he adds: "Grace and mercy will be with us:" designating the goods that arise from perfect love.
Speaking of God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, John adds, "the Son of the Father:" for only here is He properly the Father. Therefore, Paul also says, "From whom," he says, "every family in heaven and on earth is named."(Eph. 3:15)
He further adds: "in truth and love," bringing firmness to the discourse, and a certain indication of the love that he speaks of.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying 2 John 1:2 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Second John 1:2 profoundly articulates the enduring and internal nature of divine truth as the bedrock of genuine Christian fellowship and love. It asserts that the truth, which is not merely an external doctrine but an indwelling reality, serves as the immutable foundation for all authentic relationships within the body of Christ, ensuring their permanence and resilience against the encroaching deceptions of the world.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
John employs Personification in this verse, treating "truth" not merely as an abstract concept but as an active entity that "dwelleth in us" and "shall be with us for ever." This gives truth a dynamic, almost living quality, underscoring its active presence and influence within believers. Additionally, the phrase "for the truth's sake" functions as a Statement of Purpose, clearly articulating the underlying motivation for the love and fellowship that binds believers, grounding it in an objective, divine reality rather than subjective sentiment. The repetition of "us" (in "in us" and "with us") also serves as a subtle Emphasis on the communal and shared experience of this indwelling and enduring truth among the elect.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second John 1:2 powerfully articulates the profound theological truth that genuine Christian love and fellowship are not arbitrary or sentimental, but are inextricably bound to and flow from a shared commitment to divine truth. This truth, revealed in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, is presented as an internal, abiding reality within believers, distinguishing authentic faith from deceptive ideologies. It underscores that unity in the church is not achieved through compromise on doctrine, but through a common adherence to the unchanging revelation of God, which is both indwelling and eternal, providing a secure and lasting foundation for the believer's life and relationships.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second John 1:2 offers profound guidance for contemporary believers, reminding us that the integrity of our faith and the authenticity of our relationships are directly proportional to our embrace of and adherence to divine truth. In an age characterized by shifting moral landscapes and a proliferation of diverse ideologies, this verse calls us to a deep and unwavering commitment to God's revealed Word. It challenges us to allow the truth of Christ to not merely inform our intellect but to genuinely indwell our hearts, shaping our character, guiding our decisions, and defining our interactions. This internal residency of truth empowers us to discern between sound doctrine and deceptive teachings, fostering a love that is both warm and discerning, uniting us with those who truly walk in the light of Christ. Consequently, our love for one another becomes a powerful witness, demonstrating that our fellowship is built upon an eternal, unchanging foundation, providing stability and hope in a turbulent world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean for "truth" to "dwell in us" and "be with us for ever"?
Answer: For "truth" to "dwell in us" signifies that divine truth, particularly the gospel of Jesus Christ and the revelation of God's character, is not merely an external set of facts or a theological concept, but an internal, transformative reality that has taken up residence within the believer. This indwelling is facilitated by the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus called the Spirit of truth, who guides believers into all truth and empowers them to live according to it. It implies a profound, ongoing relationship where truth shapes one's mind, heart, and actions. The phrase "and shall be with us for ever" emphasizes the immutable and eternal nature of this divine truth. Unlike human philosophies or fleeting trends, God's truth is everlasting. It provides a constant, unchanging foundation for our faith and hope, ensuring that our relationship with God, built on this truth, is secure and will persist into eternity. This speaks to the permanence of God's Word and His covenant faithfulness, as Jesus Himself declared.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second John 1:2 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who is the very embodiment and source of all truth. When John speaks of "the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever," he implicitly points to Christ. Jesus unequivocally declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). He is not merely a revealer of truth but Truth incarnate. The truth that "dwelleth in us" is fundamentally the indwelling presence of Christ through His Spirit (Colossians 1:27). It is through union with Him that believers receive and embody this truth. Furthermore, the promise that this truth "shall be with us for ever" speaks directly to Christ's eternal reign and His promise to be with His disciples "always, even unto the end of the world" (Matthew 28:20). Thus, the permanence of truth in the believer's life is guaranteed by the eternal nature of Christ, who is "the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" (Hebrews 13:8). Our fellowship in truth is ultimately fellowship in Christ, the living Truth, who secures our eternal communion with God.