2 John 1:4

KJV

I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.

KJV (with Strong's)

I rejoiced {G5463} greatly {G3029} that {G3754} I found {G2147} of {G1537} thy {G4675} children {G5043} walking {G4043} in {G1722} truth {G225}, as {G2531} we have received {G2983} a commandment {G1785} from {G3844} the Father {G3962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I was very happy when I found some of your children living in truth, just as the Father commanded us.

Berean Standard Bible

I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father has commanded us.

American Standard Version

I rejoice greatly that I have foundcertainof thy children walking in truth, even as we received commandment from the Father.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle John, identifying himself as "the elder," expresses profound personal joy upon observing that the children of "the elect lady"—likely a prominent Christian woman or a local church—were living lives characterized by adherence to divine truth. This verse serves as a heartfelt commendation, affirming that their conduct was not arbitrary but precisely aligned with the divine instruction received from God the Father, underscoring the foundational importance of truth and obedience in authentic Christian discipleship amidst emerging heresies.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 John is the shortest book in the New Testament, immediately preceding 3 John. Written by the Apostle John, likely in his old age, it functions as a brief, pastoral letter to "the elect lady and her children" (2 John 1:1), a phrase often interpreted as either a specific Christian woman and her family or, more broadly, a local church and its members. The letter's primary purpose is to warn against itinerant false teachers who denied the true humanity of Christ (Docetism) and to exhort believers to walk in love and truth. Verse 4 follows John's initial greeting and affirmation of his love for them "in truth" (2 John 1:1), setting the stage for his commendation and subsequent warnings. It directly precedes his exhortation to love one another (2 John 1:5-6) and his stern warnings against welcoming false teachers (2 John 1:7-11), making the "walking in truth" in verse 4 a critical benchmark of their faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late first century, when 2 John was likely written, was a period of significant theological ferment. Various proto-Gnostic and Docetic teachings were emerging, challenging the core doctrines of the incarnation—specifically, denying that Jesus Christ had truly come in the flesh (2 John 1:7). These false teachers often traveled, seeking hospitality and a platform for their erroneous doctrines. In this context, John's emphasis on "walking in truth" was not merely a general moral exhortation but a specific call to doctrinal fidelity and ethical consistency in the face of deceptive influences. The concept of "commandment from the Father" would have resonated deeply with Jewish Christian traditions, emphasizing divine authority and covenantal obedience, while also establishing the new covenant's ethical demands. Hospitality was a crucial cultural norm, but John's letter introduces a critical caveat: it must be extended discerningly, especially when it comes to those who propagate falsehoods.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 2 John and the broader Johannine corpus. Firstly, it highlights **Apostolic Joy**, demonstrating the deep satisfaction a spiritual leader experiences when believers live faithfully according to God's word, serving as a powerful affirmation of genuine conversion and discipleship. Secondly, the phrase "walking in truth" is central, signifying not merely intellectual assent to doctrine but an active, daily adherence to sound doctrine and righteous conduct, which was crucial for **Discernment** in an era of emerging heresies. This truth is deeply connected to the person of Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of truth, as seen in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life"). Thirdly, the verse underscores **Obedience to Divine Commandment**, grounding the "walking in truth" in divine authority and emphasizing that Christian living is a response to God's explicit instructions, particularly the commandment to love one another (2 John 1:5) and to abide in Christ's teaching. Lastly, the reference to "thy children" points to **Generational or Communal Faithfulness**, highlighting the importance of passing on a legacy of faith and truth within families or the wider Christian community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rejoiced (Greek, _chaírō_):** This primary verb signifies "to be cheerful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off." John's use of this word, coupled with "greatly" (lían), conveys an intense, profound, and settled joy. It's not a fleeting emotion but a deep satisfaction rooted in the spiritual well-being and faithfulness of others, indicating a pastoral heart that finds its greatest delight in the genuine walk of believers.
* **walking (Greek, _peripatéō_):** Derived from "to tread all around," this verb literally means "to walk at large." However, in the New Testament, it frequently functions as a metaphor for one's conduct, manner of life, or habitual behavior. Thus, "walking in truth" denotes a consistent, ongoing lifestyle that is thoroughly aligned with God's revealed truth, encompassing both doctrinal integrity and ethical uprightness. It implies a dynamic, active living out of one's faith.
* **commandment (Greek, _entolḗ_):** This noun refers to an "injunction" or "an authoritative prescription." It emphasizes that the truth in which the children were walking was not a human construct or a self-derived philosophy, but a divinely ordained precept. It highlights the authoritative nature of God's instructions, particularly those concerning love and adherence to Christ's teaching, which form the bedrock of true Christian living.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I rejoiced greatly":** The Apostle John immediately conveys his profound personal emotion. The intensity of his joy ("greatly") highlights the deep spiritual satisfaction he derives from seeing genuine faith in action. This is not a casual observation but a heartfelt expression of pastoral delight, indicating the significance of what he has witnessed.
* **"that I found of thy children walking in truth":** This clause reveals the specific cause of John's joy. The phrase "I found" (G2147 _heurískō_) suggests a discovery or observation, implying that John had either personally visited or received reliable reports about "the elect lady's" children. "Thy children" could refer to her literal offspring or, more likely given the broader context of 2 John, the members of the church she represents. The core of their commendable behavior is "walking in truth," which, as discussed, signifies a consistent lifestyle characterized by both adherence to sound doctrine and ethical integrity. This means their beliefs and actions were in harmony with God's revealed word, especially concerning the person of Christ.
* **"as we have received a commandment from the Father":** This final clause establishes the standard and source of their "walking in truth." Their conduct is not arbitrary but is in accordance with a divine "commandment" (G1785 _entolḗ_). The use of "we have received" (G2983 _lambánō_) indicates that this commandment is not unique to them but is a universal directive given to all believers from "the Father" (G3962 _patḗr_). This grounds their faithful walk in the ultimate divine authority, emphasizing that true Christian living is an obedient response to God's authoritative will, particularly the commandment to love and to abide in Christ's teaching.

#### Literary Devices
John employs several literary devices to convey his message effectively. The **Metaphor** of "walking in truth" (περιπατέω ἐν ἀληθείᾳ) is prominent, transforming the physical act of walking into a vivid representation of one's entire manner of life, conduct, and spiritual journey. This metaphor succinctly encapsulates both doctrinal fidelity and ethical integrity. John's opening declaration, "I rejoiced greatly," serves as a powerful **Expression of Emotion**, immediately establishing a tone of heartfelt commendation and deep pastoral satisfaction, which contrasts sharply with the stern warnings that follow regarding false teachers. The phrase "as we have received a commandment from the Father" functions as an **Appeal to Authority**, grounding the commended behavior in divine revelation and universal Christian doctrine rather than mere personal preference or human tradition. This also creates a subtle **Contrast** between the true, divinely commanded walk of these believers and the deceptive, self-originated paths of the false teachers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John's joy over believers "walking in truth" is a profound theological statement on the necessity of integrating belief with behavior. It underscores that authentic faith is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic, lived reality shaped by divine instruction. This "truth" is not an abstract philosophical concept but is revealed by God the Father and ultimately embodied in Jesus Christ. The "commandment" refers to the core tenets of Christian faith and ethics, particularly the command to love one another and to abide in Christ's teaching, which are inseparable from walking in truth. This interplay of truth, love, and obedience forms the bedrock of genuine discipleship, providing a clear standard by which to discern true believers from those who propagate error.

* [3 John 1:4](/3_john/1-4 "John's Joy Over His Children Walking in Truth")
* [John 8:31-32](/john/8-31-32 "Abiding in Truth and Freedom")
* [1 John 2:3-6](/1_john/2-3-6 "Knowing God Through Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John's profound joy in 2 John 1:4 serves as a timeless encouragement and a powerful challenge for believers today. It calls us to examine the authenticity of our own walk, asking whether our daily lives truly reflect the truth we profess. "Walking in truth" is not a passive state but an active, continuous commitment to align our thoughts, words, and deeds with God's revealed word. In an age saturated with diverse ideologies and competing narratives, this verse reminds us of the critical importance of discerning and adhering to God's unchanging truth as revealed in Scripture, guarding diligently against teachings that deviate from it. Furthermore, John's example invites us to cultivate a similar spirit of joy and encouragement for our fellow believers, actively seeking to affirm and celebrate their faithfulness, thereby strengthening the bonds of Christian community and fostering spiritual growth. Our Christian journey is fundamentally about living out God's commandments, which are not burdensome but lead to life, freedom, and genuine fellowship with the Father and the Son.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life can I more intentionally "walk in truth" today?**
* **How does my daily conduct reflect or contradict the truths of the Gospel that I claim to believe?**
* **What brings me spiritual joy, and how can I cultivate a greater delight in the faithfulness of other believers?**
* **How does my understanding of "truth" align with God's "commandment" as revealed in Scripture?**

### FAQ
**Who is "the elect lady" mentioned in 2 John 1:1 and referenced in 2 John 1:4?**

Answer: The identity of "the elect lady" is a subject of scholarly debate, with two primary interpretations. The first view suggests she is a literal Christian woman, a prominent figure in the early church, and the letter is addressed to her and her biological children. This interpretation emphasizes the personal nature of John's greeting and his specific concern for her family's spiritual well-being. The second, and more widely accepted, view is that "the elect lady" is a metaphorical reference to a local church, and "her children" represent the members of that congregation. This interpretation is supported by the collective nature of the warnings and exhortations in the letter, particularly concerning false teachers and communal hospitality (2 John 1:10-11), which are more applicable to a church body. The use of "elect" (G1588 _eklektós_) often refers to God's chosen people, further supporting the idea of a spiritual community. Regardless of the precise identity, the message of walking in truth and love remains universally applicable to individual believers and the church as a whole.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "truth" in which the children are found walking finds its ultimate and complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is not merely a messenger of truth but the very embodiment of it, declaring, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")" (John 14:6). To "walk in truth" is therefore to walk in Christ, aligning one's entire being with His person, His teachings, and His example. The "commandment from the Father" that guides this walk is supremely revealed and exemplified by Christ. While the Old Testament contained many commandments, Jesus summarized them in the command to love God and neighbor, and then gave a "new commandment" to His disciples: "[Love one another: as I have loved you](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - The New Commandment to Love")" (John 13:34-35). Thus, the faithful walk of these children is a reflection of their adherence to Christ's teachings and their participation in His life, demonstrating that true Christian living is a Christ-centered obedience that flows from a relationship with the Father through the Son. Their faithfulness foreshadows the call for all believers to "[walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1 - Walking Worthy of Your Calling")" (Ephesians 4:1), continually being conformed to the image of the One who is Truth itself.

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

3 John 1:3

¶ For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

3 John 1:4

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Ephesians 5:8

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

1 John 2:6

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Hosea 14:9

Who [is] wise, and he shall understand these [things]? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD [are] right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

1 John 1:6

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: