2 John 1:12
What does 2 John 1:12 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 John 1:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 John 1:12 means
John has more to say but chooses not to write it all with paper and ink. He prefers to come and speak face to face, aiming that their shared joy may be complete. Personal presence allows for clarity, warmth, and mutual strengthening that letters cannot fully provide, especially in sensitive matters of truth and error. It also models the incarnational character of ministry—truth embodied in loving fellowship. John’s hope communicates confidence in God’s care for this community and his ongoing pastoral commitment to them, not only to correct dangers but to deepen their joy in the Lord together.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Having many things to write unto you, I would not write them with paper and ink: but I hope to come unto you, and to speak face to face, that your joy may be made full.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Having 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Having many things to write unto you, I would not write them with paper and ink: but I hope to come unto you, and to speak face to face, that your joy may be made full.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Having much to say to you, it is not my purpose to put it all down with paper and ink: but I am hoping to come to you, and to have talk with you face to face, so that your joy may be full.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Many things having to write to you, I did not intend through paper and ink, but I hope to come unto you, and speak mouth to mouth, that our joy may be full;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Having more things to write unto you, I would not by paper and ink: for I hope that I shall be with you and speak face to face, that your joy may be full.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Having many things to write to you, I would not with paper and ink; but hope to come to you, and to speak mouth to mouth, that our joy may be full.
Context
After the strong boundary-setting of verses 10–11, this shift to personal intention softens the tone and reaffirms relational closeness. It echoes the opening themes of truth and love by envisioning a visit that will complete their joy. This prepares for the brief final greeting (v. 13). The flow shows that Christian leadership is not merely about refutation of error but also about presence, encouragement, and shared delight in the truth.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 John 1:4
and these things we write, that our joy may be made full.
- 1 Corinthians 16:5
But I will come unto you, when I shall have passed through Macedonia; for I pass through Macedonia;
- Romans 15:24
whensoever I go unto Spain (for I hope to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first in some measure I shall have been satisfied with your company)—
- John 16:12
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
- Numbers 12:8
with him will I speak mouth to mouth, even manifestly, and not in dark speeches; and the form of Jehovah shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant, against Moses?
- John 15:11
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.