A New Translation of the Second Letter of

John

Based on the Westcott and Hort Text of 1881 with references to the Papyrus fragments of the Chester Beatty collections, c. 3^rd Century A.D. and the Sinaitic Manuscript of the 4^th Century.

Some notes on this translation:

Thou vs. YOU: Many people today have a hard time understanding the Elizabethan usage of thou, thee, thy, etc. For this reason, we have chosen to avoid this archaic language. At the same time, we need to be able to fulfill the purpose of those words, which was to distinguish between a singular you and a plural YOU. Following the example of other translations, we have used all capital letters to indicate plural (more than one person addressed), and small letters to indicate singular (one person addressed).

Words in italics: Following the example of other translations, we have used italics for words that are not in the original text, but which are essential to the sense of the original when translated into English. Unlike other translations, however, we have NOT added words which alter the meaning of the original.

Words in (parentheses): These are not part of the biblical text, but are notes of explanation from the translator.

2 John 1

1 The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not I alone, but also all who have known the truth;

2 because of the truth which remains in us, and it will be with us forever:

3 Grace, mercy, peace will be with us, from God the Father, and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

4 I greatly rejoice because I have found some of your children walking in truth, just as we received commandment from the Father.

5 And now I ask you, lady, not as though I am writing to you a new commandment, but that which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another.

6 And this is love: that we should walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, just as YOU heard from the beginning, that YOU should walk in it.

7 Because many deceivers have gone out into the world, not acknowledging Jesus Christ coming in flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.

8 Look at YOURSELVES, so that YOU do not destroy what we have done, but that YOU might receive a full reward.

9 Every one who leads forward and does not remain in the doctrine of Christ does not have God: the one who remains in the doctrine, this one has both the Father and the Son.

10 If any one comes to YOU, and does not carry this teaching, do not receive him into YOUR house, and do not say ‘rejoice’ to him; (That is, do not give him a greeting)

11 for the one who says ‘rejoice’ to him, shares in his evil works.

12 Having many things to write to YOU, I would rather not with paper and ink: but I am hoping to come to you, and to speak face to face, that YOUR joy may be made full.

13 The children of your chosen sister greet you.