2 John 1:6

KJV

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.

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}.

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!

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.

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.

Commentary

### 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](/2_john/1-4 "2 John 1:4 - Walking in Truth"). 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](/2_john/1-7 "2 John 1:7 - Deceivers Denying Christ").
* **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](/2_john/1-10-11 "2 John 1:10-11 - Do Not Welcome Deceivers") 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](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - Love and Obedience"). 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](/1_john/2-7 "1 John 2:7 - The Old Commandment"). 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](/1_john/1-6-7 "1 John 1:6-7 - Walking in Light and Fellowship").

### 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.

* [John 14:21](/john/14-21 "John 14:21 - Obedience as Proof of Love")
* [1 John 5:3](/1_john/5-3 "1 John 5:3 - Love for God and His Commandments")
* [Deuteronomy 6:5-6](/deuteronomy/6-5-6 "Deuteronomy 6:5-6 - Love God with All Your Heart and Keep His Commands")

### 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](/matthew/22-37-40 "Matthew 22:37-40 - The Great Commandment").

### 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](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - Love and Obedience"), and He Himself lived this truth flawlessly, stating, [I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love](/john/15-10 "John 15:10 - Jesus' Obedience and 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](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience unto Death"). 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](/john/13-34 "The New Commandment"). 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.

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 5:3

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

1 John 2:24

Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

1 John 2:5

But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

John 15:10

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

John 14:15

¶ If ye love me, keep my commandments.

John 15:14

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Galatians 5:13

¶ For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.