2 John 1:5

Authorized King James Version

And 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

νῦν

G3568

now

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

ἐρωτῶ

G2065

I beseech

to interrogate; by implication, to request

σε

G4571

thee

κυρία

G2959

lady

cyria, a christian woman

οὐχ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ὡς

G5613

as though

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἐντολὴν

G1785

commandment

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

γράφω

G1125

I wrote

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

#10

σοι

G4671

unto thee

to thee

#11

καινὴν

G2537

a new

new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age

#12

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#13

ἣν

G3739

that which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#14

εἴχομεν

G2192

we had

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#15

ἀπ'

G575

from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#16

ἀρχῆς

G746

the beginning

(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)

#17

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#18

ἀγαπῶμεν

G25

we love

to love (in a social or moral sense)

#19

ἀλλήλους

G240

one another

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 John, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to 2 John's theological argument.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood love. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding love in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?