2 John 1:13
What does 2 John 1:13 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 John 1:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 John 1:13 means
The letter closes with greetings from “the children of thine elect sister.” Whether referring to another Christian woman’s family or to a sister congregation, the phrase underscores the wider family of God’s chosen people. Their greetings affirm unity in the truth and love John has stressed throughout. Even while warning against receiving deceivers, John shows that genuine fellowship thrives across the broader church. The simple salutation reminds the recipients that they are not alone; other believers, bound to them by shared faith in Jesus Christ, stand with them and wish them well in the Lord.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The children of thine elect sister salute thee.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The children of thine elect sister salute thee.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The children of your noble sister, who is of God's selection, send you their love.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862salute thee do the children of thy choice sister. Amen.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The children of thy sister Elect salute thee.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The children of thine elect sister greet thee.
Context
This final greeting ties back to the opening address and leaves the readers with a sense of connectedness. It follows John’s expressed desire for a face-to-face visit (v. 12), reinforcing communal bonds. Ending with a family-like salutation balances the stern warnings by highlighting the affectionate, networked life of the church. The chapter thus concludes with truth and love still intertwined, as the community is reminded of both discernment toward deceivers and fellowship with faithful brothers and sisters.
v.12Having 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.
v.13This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 John 1:1
The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not I only, but also all they that know the truth;
- 1 Peter 5:13
She that is in Babylon, elect together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Mark my son.