2 John 1:6

Translation
King James Version
And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And G2532 this G3778 is G2076 love G26, that G2443 we walk G4043 after G2596 his G846 commandments G1785. This G3778 is G2076 the commandment G1785, That G2443, as G2531 ye have heard G191 from G575 the beginning G746, ye should walk G4043 in G1722 it G846.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Moreover, love is this: that we should live according to his commands. This is the command, as you people have heard from the beginning; live by it!
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Berean Standard Bible
And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.
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American Standard Version
And this is love, that we should walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, even as ye heard from the beginning, that ye should walk in it.
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World English Bible Messianic
This is love, that we should walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, even as you heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And this is that loue, that we should walke after his commandements. This commandement is, that as ye haue heard from the beginning, ye should walke in it.
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Young's Literal Translation
and this is the love, that we may walk according to His commands; this is the command, even as ye did hear from the beginning, that in it ye may walk,
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See also
1 John 5:31 John 2:241 John 2:5John 15:10John 14:15John 15:14Galatians 5:13
In the KJVVerse 30,652 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Second John 1:6 offers a profound and concise definition of Christian love, inextricably linking it to active obedience to God's commandments. This verse serves as a foundational theological statement within John's brief epistle, which primarily addresses the pressing need for believers to uphold both divine truth and genuine love in the face of burgeoning false teachings and deceivers who threaten the purity of the early Christian community.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is situated at the heart of John's Second Epistle, a short letter of only thirteen verses. It immediately follows John's expression of joy upon finding some of "the elect lady's children" walking in truth 2 John 1:4. Having established the importance of truth, John then pivots to define love, demonstrating that truth and love are not separate but intrinsically connected through obedience. The verse serves as a theological anchor, reinforcing the consistent apostolic message that genuine faith manifests in a life of adherence to God's revealed will, providing a clear standard against the deceptive practices of those who deny the incarnation of Christ 2 John 1:7.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The Second Epistle of John was likely written in the late first century AD, a period marked by the rise of various Gnostic or proto-Gnostic heresies. These false teachers often denied the true humanity of Jesus, asserting that He only "seemed" to have a body (docetism), thereby undermining the reality of His atoning sacrifice. Such itinerant teachers would seek hospitality and support from Christian communities, making discernment crucial. John's emphasis on "walking after his commandments" and adhering to what was "heard from the beginning" served as a bulwark against these novel and dangerous doctrines. The cultural context of hospitality was significant, as providing lodging and support to traveling teachers was common, making John's warning against welcoming deceivers 2 John 1:10-11 particularly impactful.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully encapsulates several of John's recurrent theological themes. Firstly, it establishes love as active obedience, not mere sentiment, a concept deeply rooted in Jesus' own teachings, such as when He declared, If ye love me, keep my commandments. Secondly, it stresses the continuity and ancient origin of the Christian message, emphasizing that this understanding of love and obedience is not a new invention but something "heard from the beginning," echoing the foundational truths of the gospel and the apostolic tradition 1 John 2:7. Thirdly, the repeated phrase "walk in it" highlights Christian living as a continuous, deliberate lifestyle or manner of conduct, rather than isolated acts. This "walk" is meant to be in both truth and love, as John frequently exhorts believers to "walk in the light" 1 John 1:6-7.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • love (Greek, agápē', G26): This term denotes a selfless, benevolent, and often sacrificial affection, distinct from other Greek words for love (like eros or philia). In the New Testament, agápē frequently describes God's divine love for humanity and the love believers are commanded to show for God and one another. Here, John defines this profound agápē not as an abstract feeling, but as a tangible expression through obedience.
  • commandments (Greek, entolḗ', G1785): Referring to an injunction or authoritative prescription, entolḗ signifies God's divine precepts or decrees. While often used in the plural to refer to the collective body of God's laws (e.g., the Mosaic Law), in this verse, the singular "commandment" is used both generally (His commandments) and specifically ("This is the commandment"), suggesting an overarching, foundational command that encompasses all others, particularly the command to love.
  • walk (Greek, peripatéō', G4043): This primary verb literally means "to tread all around" or "to walk at large." Figuratively, and very commonly in the New Testament, it describes one's manner of life, conduct, or behavior. To "walk after his commandments" or "walk in it" implies a continuous, habitual way of living, where God's instructions are the guiding principles for one's daily existence and moral trajectory.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And this is love, that we walk after his commandments.": John immediately defines the nature of true love. It is not merely an emotion or a declaration, but an active, observable lifestyle. The essence of love for God and for fellow believers is demonstrated through obedience to God's revealed will. This establishes a practical, rather than purely sentimental, understanding of love.
  • "This is the commandment,": John reiterates and emphasizes the core principle. By using the singular "commandment" again, he highlights that the preceding statement—that love is walking after His commandments—is itself the fundamental, overarching command. This serves to underscore its paramount importance and foundational nature.
  • "That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.": This clause emphasizes the continuity and timelessness of this truth. The instruction to walk in love and obedience is not a new teaching but is consistent with the original message received by believers from the very inception of their faith. It reinforces the stability of apostolic doctrine and warns against any deviation from these foundational truths, urging a steadfast commitment to the established way of life.

Literary Devices

John employs several effective literary devices in this concise verse. The most prominent is Definition, where John explicitly states what love "is," immediately linking it to obedience. This direct, declarative style leaves no room for ambiguity. He also uses Repetition of key terms like "love," "commandment," and "walk," which serves to emphasize and reinforce the central message. The phrase "This is the commandment" acts as a Chiasm (or a chiastic-like structure within the verse's flow), where the definition of love (obedience) is stated, then reinforced as the commandment, which then leads back to the idea of walking in it, creating a reinforcing loop of truth. Furthermore, the phrase "as ye have heard from the beginning" functions as an Appeal to Authority and Tradition, grounding the present instruction in the established, unchanging truth of the gospel message received from the apostles.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This verse profoundly connects the abstract concept of love with the concrete reality of obedience, establishing a practical theology where genuine affection for God is demonstrated through adherence to His will. It refutes any notion of a love that is merely emotional or performative without a corresponding commitment to righteous living. This theological truth is not a new covenant innovation but an eternal principle, echoing the Old Testament's emphasis on keeping God's statutes as a sign of covenant faithfulness. For John, the "commandment" to walk in love and truth is the summation of all divine expectations, serving as a litmus test for authentic faith and a bulwark against the deceptive spirits of the age.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Second John 1:6 serves as a powerful and enduring challenge to believers across all generations. It calls us beyond a superficial understanding of love, urging us to recognize that true love for God is not merely a warm feeling or an intellectual assent, but a dynamic and active commitment to live according to His revealed will. In a world that often divorces love from truth and obedience, this verse reminds us that genuine Christian love is disciplined, intentional, and rooted in the unchanging commands of God. It compels us to examine our lives: Do our daily choices, our words, and our actions truly reflect our professed love for God? Are we diligently "walking after His commandments," or are we selectively choosing which commands to follow? This verse encourages a steadfast adherence to the foundational truths of the gospel, reminding us that the path of obedience is the path of love, a path that has been consistent "from the beginning."

Questions for Reflection

  • How do I define "love" in my own life, and how does that definition align with John's linkage of love to obedience?
  • In what specific areas of my life might my "walk" not be fully aligned with God's commandments, and what steps can I take to rectify this?
  • What does it mean for me to "walk in it" (the commandment) as something "heard from the beginning," and how does this impact my discernment of truth today?

FAQ

What does John mean by "commandments" in this verse?

Answer: While "commandments" (Greek: entolḗ) can refer to the collective body of God's laws, in 2 John 1:6, John uses the term in both the plural ("his commandments") and the singular ("the commandment"). This suggests that while it encompasses all of God's precepts, it particularly points to the overarching, foundational command that encapsulates all others: the command to love God and one another, which is inherently expressed through obedience. This echoes Jesus' teaching that all the Law and the Prophets hang on the commandments to love God and neighbor Matthew 22:37-40.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Second John 1:6 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who perfectly embodied the love that walks in obedience to the Father's commandments. Jesus declared, If ye love me, keep my commandments, and He Himself lived this truth flawlessly, stating, I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. His entire life, from His incarnation to His atoning death on the cross, was an act of perfect obedience to the Father's will, demonstrating the highest form of agápē for humanity Philippians 2:8. The "commandment" that was "heard from the beginning" is ultimately fulfilled in the "new commandment" given by Christ: That ye love one another; as I have loved you. Thus, to "walk after his commandments" is to walk in the way of Christ, empowered by His Spirit, reflecting His perfect love and obedience, and thereby participating in the very life of God.

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Commentary on 2 John 1 verses 5–6

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

We come now more into the design and substance of the epistle; and here we have,

I. The apostle's request: Now, I beseech thee, lady. Considering what it is that he entreats, the way of address is very remarkable; it is not any particular boon or bounty to himself, but common duty and observance of divine command. Here he might command or charge; but harsher measures are worse than needless where milder will prevail; and the apostolical spirit is, of all other, the most tender and endearing. Whether out of deference to her ladyship, or apostolical meekness, or both, he condescends to beseech: And now I beseech thee, lady. He may be supposed speaking as another apostle does to a certain master to whom he writes: Wherefore, though I might be very bold in Christ (and according to the power with which Christ hath entrusted me) to enjoin thee that which is convenient, yet, for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such a one as the aged, the elder. Love will avail where authority will not; and we may often see that the more authority is urged the more it is slighted. The apostolical minister will love and beseech his friends into their duty.

II. The thing requested of the lady and her children - Christian sacred love: That we love one another, Jo2 1:5. Those that are eminent in any Christian virtue have yet room to grow therein. But, as touching brotherly love, you need not that I write unto you; for you yourselves are taught of God to love one another. But we beseech you, brethren (and sisters), that you increase more and more, Th1 4:9, Th1 4:10.

1.This love is recommended, (1.) From the obligation thereto - the commandment. Divine command should sway our mind and heart. (2.) From the antiquity of the obligation: Not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, Jo2 1:5. This commandment of mutual Christian love may be said to be a new one in respect of its new enaction and sanction by the Lord Christ; but yet, as to the matter of it (mutual holy love), it is as old as natural, Jewish, or Christian religion. This commandment must every where attend Christianity, that the disciples of it must love one another.

2.Then this love is illustrated from the fruitful nature of it: And this is love, that we walk after his commandments, Jo2 1:5. This is the test of our love to God, our obedience to him. This is love to ourselves, to our own souls, that we walk in obedience to divine commands. In keeping them there is great reward. This is love to one another, to engage one another to walk in holiness; and this is the evidence of our sincere, mutual, Christian love - that we (in other things) walk after God's commands. There may be mutual love that is not religious and Christian; but we know ours to be so, by our attendance to all other commands besides that of mutual love. Universal obedience is the proof of the goodness and sincerity of Christian virtues; and those that aim at all Christian obedience will be sure to attend to Christian love. This is a fundamental duty in the gospel-charter: This is the commandment, that, as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it (Jo2 1:6), that is, walk in this love. The foresight of the decay of this love, as well as of other apostasy, might engage the apostle to inculcate this duty, and this primordial command, the more frequently, the more earnestly.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 5–6. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
LETTERS 175
Meanwhile let us continue in the way we have come along so far, until God reveals it to us if we are otherwise minded.
OecumeniusAD 990
Commentary on 2 John
And now I ask you, lady, not as writing a new commandment to you, but what we had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it: for many deceivers have entered into the world, who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh.
For it is the same to walk according to the commandments and to receive them. For virtues operate and exist according to their operation. Therefore, whoever ceases to progress in these, neither keeps nor guards them. To walk, indeed, is said according to development and growth. For as much as one operates according to virtue, so much further one progresses, acquiring a greater habit of honor. For the way of virtue is infinite and never failing. According to this, I think that this has also been said: "In which things the angels desire to look." (1 Peter 1:12) For such is the magnificence of the goods that have been granted to us by Him who was incarnate, that it is desirable even for the angels to take a slight understanding of these things; for this is what "to look" (παρακΰψαι) indicates.
However, someone desires not what ceases, but what continually progresses, and is illuminated by sincere glory. And since that which is inexhaustible cannot be fully embraced by anyone, it is at least desirable to become a participant in it to some extent. John said: "not as writing a new commandment to you," and this he firmly states to those who are mentioned in the preceding epistle, simultaneously demonstrating that it shows what they themselves had experienced by acting according to it, and not from difficult and foreign matters, affecting them with sorrow by approaching the unfamiliar. "not as writing a new commandment to you." He also adds the work of the commandment, that we love one another, and he explains that love consists in that we love one another.
Nor for any other reason was it given from the beginning, John says, except that you might walk in it, revolving and turning the same things in the higher and lower realms: and indeed by love urging them towards inseparability, and that they should not be led away by seducers, who were already walking in the world and rejecting the coming of the Lord in the flesh: but by this that he admonishes to walk according to the Lord's command which was from the beginning, revealing the erroneous opinion of the heretics which is recent: and exhorting that by embracing the command which was from the beginning, they should not be led away by their deceit. For Christ also commanded the disciples about these seducers, saying: "Many will come in my name", saying: I am Christ, and they will deceive many. "Therefore do not follow them." (Luke 21:8) Therefore, keeping these commands, John says, he commands that you should not be deceived, but that you should consider him who hides these things to be "an antichrist".
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.
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