What does 2 John 1:1 mean?
"The 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;" - 2 John 1:1
2 John 1:1 - "The 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;"
A depiction of a scene inspired by the verse 2 John 1:1, 'The 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.' It should be a conceptual representation of an elder figure preaching to a woman of Asian descent and her children, expressing a strong sense of love, truth and communal understanding. The style required is a digital art form and must create a visual narrative that embodies the essence of the verse.
The verse 2 John 1:1 from the King James Version of the Bible reads, "The 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." This verse is the introduction to the second epistle of John, one of the shortest books in the New Testament, and contains a greeting to the recipient, who is referred to as the "elect lady."
In order to fully understand the meaning and significance of this verse, it's important to consider the context in which it was written. The author of 2 John is traditionally identified as the apostle John, who also wrote the Gospel of John and the book of Revelation. The letter is written to a specific woman and her children, with whom the author expresses a deep love "in the truth." It is believed that the term "elect lady" may refer to a specific individual or a metaphor for a particular church or group of believers.
The opening address "The elder unto the elect lady and her children" suggests that the author holds a position of authority within the Christian community, and it is likely that he is writing to offer guidance and instruction concerning matters of faith and practice. The term "elder" may refer to the author's advanced age, but it also carries connotations of wisdom, experience, and leadership within the early Christian church.
The phrase "whom I love in the truth" is a significant statement, as it indicates that the author's love for the recipient is based on the truth of the gospel. This love is not merely sentimental or emotional, but it is grounded in the foundational truths of the Christian faith. The author goes on to explain that his love is not unique, but is shared by all who have come to know the truth of the gospel. This emphasizes the communal aspect of the Christian faith and the importance of love and unity within the body of believers.
The themes present in 2 John 1:1 include love, truth, and unity within the Christian community. The emphasis on love "in the truth" underscores the importance of sincerity and authenticity in relationships among believers. This love is not based on superficial or worldly standards, but is rooted in the unchanging truth of the gospel. The mention of "the elect lady and her children" also highlights the familial nature of the church, with its members bound together by a common faith and love for one another.
The symbol of "the elect lady" has been subject to various interpretations throughout history. Some believe that the term refers to a specific individual, possibly a prominent woman in the early church, while others see it as a symbolic representation of a particular congregation or group of believers. The mention of her "children" could be literal, referring to her offspring, or metaphorical, representing the members of her spiritual family. Regardless of the specific identity of the "elect lady," the symbolic significance lies in her representation of the church as a chosen and beloved community of believers.
In conclusion, 2 John 1:1 serves as an opening greeting and introduction to the second epistle of John, offering insight into the author's relationship with the recipient and setting the tone for the letter that follows. The verse conveys the author's deep love "in the truth" for the "elect lady and her children," emphasizing the importance of love, truth, and unity within the Christian community. The symbol of the "elect lady" represents the chosen and beloved nature of the church, and her children symbolize the familial bonds that unite believers in their shared faith. Overall, this verse sets the stage for the themes and messages that will be further developed throughout the rest of the epistle.
2 John 1:1 Artwork
2 John 1:1 - "The 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;"
John 1:1
John 1:1
2 John 1:13 - "The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen."
2 John 1:6 – "And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands."
2 John 1:6 – "And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands."
2 John 1:11 - "For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds."
2 John 1:2 - "For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever."
John 1:2 - "The same was in the beginning with God."
2 John 1:8 - "Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward."
2 John 1:4 - "I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father."
2 John 1:10 - "If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:"
John 2:1 - "And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:"
3 John 1:1 - "The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth."
1 John 2:2 - "And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world."
2 John 1:9 - "Whosoever 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."
2 John 1:7 - "For 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."
1 John 2:25 - "And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life."
2 John 1:3 - "Grace 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."
John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
2 John 1:3 - "Grace 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."
2 John 1:6 - "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."
1 John 4:18
1 John 4:18
John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:1 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
1 John 1:2 - "(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)"
1 John 2:26 - "These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you."