2 John 1:5

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} now {G3568} I beseech {G2065} thee {G4571}, lady {G2959}, not {G3756} as though {G5613} I wrote {G1125}{G1125} a new {G2537} commandment {G1785} unto thee {G4671}, but {G235} that which {G3739} we had {G2192} from {G575} the beginning {G746}, that {G2443} we love {G25} one another {G240}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And now, dear lady, I am requesting that we love one another — not as if this were a new command I am writing you, for it is the one which we have had from the beginning.

Berean Standard Bible

And now I urge you, dear lady—not as a new commandment to you, but one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 John 1:5, "the elder" (likely the Apostle John) issues a heartfelt appeal to "the elect lady" and her children, urging them to continue in the foundational practice of mutual love. This command, far from being a novel instruction, is presented as an ancient and enduring truth, a cornerstone of their faith received "from the beginning." The verse serves as a crucial bridge in the epistle, moving from commendation for adherence to truth to an emphatic reassertion of love as an equally vital and inseparable component of authentic Christian discipleship, especially pertinent in an era of emerging doctrinal error.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the brief Second Epistle of John. Following a warm greeting and commendation for the recipients' faithfulness in walking in truth (2 John 1:1-4), verse 5 pivots to the core instruction of the letter. It introduces the central theme of love, which is immediately linked to obedience to God's commandments in the subsequent verse (2 John 1:6). This emphasis on love then sets the stage for the elder's urgent warnings against false teachers who deny the incarnation of Christ (2 John 1:7-11), demonstrating that truth and love are not mutually exclusive but deeply interdependent. The appeal for love among believers reinforces the internal unity needed to withstand external doctrinal threats.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Second Epistle of John was likely written in the late first century AD, a period marked by the rise of proto-Gnostic heresies, particularly **Docetism**, which denied the true humanity of Jesus Christ, asserting that He only *seemed* to have a physical body. This theological error directly challenged the apostolic teaching of Christ's incarnation and atonement. In this context, John's emphasis on "truth" (as seen in [2 John 1:1-4](/2_john/1-1-4 "2 John 1:1-4 - Walking in Truth")) was paramount. Furthermore, hospitality was a vital cultural practice in the ancient world, often extended to traveling teachers and missionaries. John's later warning against showing hospitality to false teachers (as seen in [2 John 1:10-11](/2_john/1-10-11 "2 John 1:10-11 - Do Not Receive False Teachers")) underscores the necessity of discernment. Thus, the command to "love one another" in verse 5 is not a general platitude but a specific directive for genuine believers to maintain unity and mutual support against the backdrop of dangerous doctrinal deception.

* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several key themes prevalent in John's writings. Firstly, it highlights the **Interdependence of Truth and Love**. John consistently argues that genuine Christian faith is characterized by both adherence to sound doctrine and active love for fellow believers. One cannot truly love without embracing the truth, nor can one truly embody the truth without demonstrating love (as seen in [1 John 3:18](/1_john/3-18 "1 John 3:18 - Love in Action") and [1 John 4:7-8](/1_john/4-7-8 "1 John 4:7-8 - God is Love")). Secondly, the phrase "that which we had from the beginning" emphasizes the **Enduring and Foundational Nature of God's Commands**. This command to love is not a new invention but an eternal principle rooted in God's character and revealed from the earliest stages of His interaction with humanity, contrasting sharply with the "new" and deceptive teachings of the antichrists (as explored in [1 John 2:7](/1_john/2-7 "1 John 2:7 - The Old Commandment")). Finally, the verse implicitly calls for **Discernment and Obedience**. Loving one another, in John's theology, is an act of obedience to God's will and a distinguishing mark of true discipleship, enabling believers to stand firm against those who would undermine the Gospel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **beseech (Greek, _erōtáō'_):** From G2065, meaning "to interrogate; by implication, to request." While it can mean "to ask" or "to question," in this context, it carries the nuance of a polite yet earnest appeal or entreaty. John, as "the elder," uses this term to convey a pastoral plea rather than a harsh demand, reflecting his loving authority and deep concern for the recipients' spiritual well-being. It highlights the relational and persuasive nature of his communication.
* **commandment (Greek, _entolḗ'_):** From G1785, signifying "injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription." This term underscores the obligatory and authoritative nature of what John is reiterating. It is not a mere suggestion or a novel idea, but a divine imperative, a binding precept that demands obedience. The use of _entolḗ_ emphasizes that love among believers is not optional but a fundamental requirement of Christian life, rooted in God's will.
* **love (Greek, _agapáō'_):** From G25, meaning "to love (in a social or moral sense)." This is the verb form of _agapē_, which denotes a selfless, unconditional, benevolent, and often sacrificial love. It is not primarily an emotion but a volitional act, a commitment of the will that seeks the highest good of the other. In the New Testament, _agapē_ is the characteristic love of God for humanity and the love He calls believers to exhibit towards Him and one another. John's choice of this specific word for love is crucial, elevating the command beyond mere human affection to a divine standard.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And now I beseech thee, lady":** This opening phrase marks a transition in the letter from commendation to direct instruction. "And now" (καὶ νῦν, _kai nyn_) signals a shift in focus to a matter of immediate and pressing importance. John's use of "beseech" (ἐρωτῶ, _erōtō_) conveys a gentle but firm pastoral appeal, emphasizing the urgency and significance of his message. The address to "lady" (κυρία, _Kyria_) is a direct, personal appeal, whether to a specific prominent Christian woman or symbolically to a local church, highlighting the intimate and relational nature of John's concern.
* **"not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee":** This clause clarifies the nature of John's instruction. He is explicitly stating that he is not introducing a novel teaching or a previously unknown divine decree. This serves to counter any potential perception that his exhortation might be a recent innovation or a departure from established apostolic doctrine, which was a concern in an era of emerging heresies.
* **"but that which we had from the beginning":** This phrase powerfully asserts the ancient and foundational nature of the command to love. "From the beginning" (ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς, _ap’ archēs_) refers to the earliest revelation of God's will, possibly echoing the creation, the giving of the Law, or the very inception of the Christian message as taught by Christ and the apostles. It grounds the command in eternal truth, emphasizing its unchanging and timeless validity, contrasting it with the "new" and false doctrines circulating.
* **"that we love one another.":** This is the core of the commandment being reiterated. The purpose clause "that we love" (ἵνα ἀγαπῶμεν, _hina agapōmen_) expresses the divine intention and the expected outcome. "One another" (ἀλλήλων, _allēlōn_) specifies the recipients of this love: fellow believers within the Christian community. This mutual, selfless love is presented as the enduring, essential mark of true discipleship and a vital safeguard against spiritual deception.

#### Literary Devices
John employs several literary devices to convey his message with clarity and emphasis. The most prominent is **Contrast**, explicitly stated in the phrase "not as though I wrote a new commandment... but that which we had from the beginning." This antithesis highlights the stability and timelessness of the command to love, setting it apart from any novel or erroneous teachings that might be circulating. The direct address to "lady" is an example of **Apostrophe**, creating a personal and intimate tone that underscores the pastoral care and authority of "the elder." Furthermore, the overall tone of the verse is **Didactic**, serving as a clear instruction and reminder of fundamental Christian practice. The simplicity and directness of the language, characteristic of John's writing, also contribute to a sense of **Clarity** and **Urgency**, ensuring the vital importance of the message is not lost.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command to "love one another" in 2 John 1:5 is not an isolated ethical directive but stands at the very heart of biblical theology, particularly within the Johannine corpus. It echoes the profound truth that God Himself is love (as declared in [1 John 4:8](/1_john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God is Love")), making love the essential nature of the divine. Consequently, for believers, loving one another is not merely a moral obligation but a participation in the divine nature, a reflection of God's character in the world. This love is the fulfillment of the law, as articulated by Paul (as seen in [Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love Fulfills the Law")), and serves as the ultimate demonstration of true discipleship. John's emphasis on its ancient origin ("from the beginning") links it to the foundational covenantal relationship between God and His people, demonstrating its continuity throughout salvation history.

* [John 13:34](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - Jesus' New Commandment")
* [1 John 4:7](/1_john/4-7 "1 John 4:7 - Love is from God")
* [Romans 13:8](/romans/13-8 "Romans 13:8 - Owe No One Anything Except Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 John 1:5 offers timeless guidance for believers today, serving as a powerful reminder that the essence of our faith is rooted in enduring truths and expressed through active love. In a world constantly seeking novelty and often fragmented by division, this verse calls us back to the foundational command to "love one another." This love is not merely an emotion but a deliberate, sacrificial commitment, reflecting God's own character. It challenges us to examine whether our adherence to truth is genuinely balanced by a compassionate, active love for our fellow Christians, recognizing that true faith is demonstrated not just by what we believe, but by how we live and interact within the body of Christ. This love should manifest in practical ways: extending grace, offering forgiveness, providing support, and fostering unity, especially when disagreements or challenges arise. It also serves as a crucial reminder that while we must stand firm against false teachings, our primary posture towards those who genuinely walk in truth must always be one of profound, Christ-like affection and solidarity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "ancient" nature of the command to love deepen your appreciation for its significance in your daily walk as a believer?**
* **In what specific, practical ways can you demonstrate the selfless love ("agape") commanded in this verse to fellow members of your faith community this week?**
* **Considering the broader context of 2 John, how do you personally navigate the tension between upholding biblical truth and extending genuine love, particularly when encountering those with differing theological views?**

### FAQ
**Why does John state this is "not a new commandment" when Jesus referred to it as "a new commandment"?**

Answer: This apparent contradiction highlights a profound theological nuance. When Jesus declared, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another" ([John 13:34](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - Jesus' New Commandment")), His command was "new" in its **basis** and **scope**. It was new because its standard was His own sacrificial, divine love, demonstrated supremely on the cross. It was also new in its intensity and as the distinguishing mark of His disciples. However, John, in 2 John 1:5, emphasizes that the *principle* of loving God and neighbor was not new; it was present in the Old Testament Law (e.g., [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor")) and inherent in God's character "from the beginning." John's point is that the command to love is an enduring, foundational truth of God's revelation, not a novel teaching invented by the apostles. He is countering any notion that Christian ethics are disconnected from established divine will, especially in contrast to the "new" and erroneous teachings of the false prophets. It's a "new" expression of an "old" truth.

**How does the command to "love one another" in this verse relate to the warnings against false teachers later in 2 John?**

Answer: The command to "love one another" in 2 John 1:5 is intrinsically linked to the warnings against false teachers (antichrists) that follow in the epistle (e.g., [2 John 1:7](/2_john/1-7 "2 John 1:7 - Deceivers Have Gone Out")). John presents a crucial balance: love for true believers fosters unity and protects the community from internal and external threats. This mutual love creates a strong, discerning body that can withstand doctrinal error. Conversely, John warns against extending hospitality to those who "do not bring this teaching" ([2 John 1:10](/2_john/1-10 "2 John 1:10 - Do Not Receive False Teachers")), meaning those who deny Christ's incarnation. This is not a contradiction of the command to love, but rather a demonstration of love for truth and for the brethren. True love for God and His people necessitates guarding the integrity of the Gospel and protecting the flock from spiritual harm. Therefore, love for one another (true believers) is a vital aspect of discernment and communal protection against those who would undermine the truth of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The command to "love one another," rooted "from the beginning," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not only the perfect embodiment of this divine love but also the very source and enabler of it for believers. Jesus perfectly demonstrated _agape_ love through His life of selfless service and, supremely, through His atoning death on the cross, where He laid down His life for His friends (as He declared in [John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")). He is the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), a testament to the ultimate act of divine love. Furthermore, Jesus' "new commandment" to love one another was explicitly based on His own love for His disciples (as seen in [John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - Jesus' New Commandment")), setting His sacrificial love as the standard and example. Through His Spirit, Christ empowers believers to live out this command, pouring God's love into our hearts (as described in [Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - God's Love Poured Out")). Thus, when believers love one another, they are not merely fulfilling an ancient ethical precept, but they are participating in the very life of Christ, reflecting His character to a watching world, and bearing witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.

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 John 3:11

¶ For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

John 13:34

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

John 13:35

By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

1 Thessalonians 4:9

¶ But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

John 15:12

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

1 John 3:23

¶ And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

1 John 3:14

¶ We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not [his] brother abideth in death.