2 John 1:6

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
αὕτη
G3778
This
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#3
ἐστὶν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#4
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἀγάπη
G26
love
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
#6
ἵνα
G2443
That
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#7
περιπατῆτε
G4043
we walk
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
#8
κατὰ
G2596
after
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#9
τὰς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ἐντολή,
G1785
commandments
injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription
#11
αὐτῇ
G846
his
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#12
αὕτη
G3778
This
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#13
ἐστὶν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#14
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
ἐντολή,
G1785
commandments
injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription
#16
καθὼς
G2531
as
just (or inasmuch) as, that
#17
ἠκούσατε
G191
ye have heard
to hear (in various senses)
#18
ἀπ'
G575
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#19
ἀρχῆς
G746
the beginning
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
#20
ἵνα
G2443
That
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#21
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#22
αὐτῇ
G846
his
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#23
περιπατῆτε
G4043
we walk
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection