2 John 1

King James Version (1769) · Tap a verse to see it in context

About this chapter

AI-assisted, sourced

The elder writes to "the elect lady and her children," rejoicing that some of them are "walking in truth." He reminds them of the commandment they had "from the beginning, that we love one another," and warns them not to receive into their house anyone who does not bring "the doctrine of Christ." 2 John 1:1 2 John 1:4 2 John 1:5 2 John 1:9 2 John 1:10

Who, where, when, and the key verses

Who

"The elder," who does not give his name, writes to "the elect lady and her children." Early Christian tradition identifies the elder as John the apostle. The letter does not say whether the lady is a woman and her family or a name for a church. 2 John 1:1 2 John overview

Where

The letter names no place. It went to a church or household the elder knew and hoped to visit soon. 2 John overview 2 John 1:12

When

Traditionally about AD 85-95, late in John's life. Most scholars also place it in the late first century. 2 John overview

How it fits

This is a one-chapter letter. Its warning matches 1 John 4:3, where "every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God." 2 John 1:7 1 John 4:3 2 John overview

Key verses

Verse 6
"And this is love, that we walk after his commandments." 1 John 5:3 puts it the same way: "this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments." 2 John 1:6 1 John 5:3
Verse 7
"Many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh." The elder calls such a person "a deceiver and an antichrist." 2 John 1:7
Verse 10
Anyone who does not bring "this doctrine" is not to be received into the house or bid "God speed," because "he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." 2 John 1:9 2 John 1:10 2 John 1:11

Takeaway

Love and truth go together: love one another by walking in God's commandments, and do not give a welcome or support to teaching that denies Jesus Christ came in the flesh. 2 John 1:5 2 John 1:6 2 John 1:7 2 John 1:10

Drafted by AI from the Scripture and data shown under “Show sources,” then checked automatically and by a separate AI reader. Updated 2026-10-29.

Greeting in truth and love

¹The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; ²For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. ³Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

Walk in truth and love one another

⁴I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. ⁵And 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. ⁶And 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.

Do not welcome deceivers

⁷For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. ⁸Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. ⁹Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. ¹⁰If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: ¹¹For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

Hoping to come face to face

¹²Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. ¹³The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.