2 John 1:2
What does 2 John 1:2 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 John 1:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 John 1:2 means
John explains why believers share this deep, widespread love: it is “for the truth’s sake,” because the truth lives in them and will remain forever. The focus is not on fluctuating feelings but on the enduring reality of God’s revelation in Jesus Christ. This truth indwells believers by the Spirit and unites them across places and generations. Its permanence gives stability and hope to the church amid changing circumstances and pressures. The truth that abides also implies faithfulness; the church does not invent or update the gospel but receives, keeps, and passes it on. Love that flows from this abiding truth will likewise be steady, sincere, and resilient.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000for the truth’s sake which abideth in us, and it shall be with us for ever:
KJV
King James Version · 1611For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901for the truth’s sake which abideth in us, and it shall be with us for ever:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Because of this true knowledge which is in us, and will be with us for ever:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862because of the truth that is remaining in us, and with us shall be to the age,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For the sake of the truth which dwelleth in us and shall be with us for ever.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for the truth's sake which abides in us and shall be with us to eternity.
Context
Verse 2 builds on verse 1’s union of love and truth by grounding that union in something permanent—the abiding truth. It continues the greeting but deepens its theology, pointing to truth’s indwelling and endurance. This prepares for the blessing of verse 3, which comes “in truth and love.” It also foreshadows the coming contrast with deceivers, whose message cannot abide forever. The permanence of truth will become a criterion for testing teachers and for the steadfastness John urges in the community.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Peter 1:12
Wherefore I shall be ready always to put you in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and are established in the truth which is with you.
- Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God.
- John 15:7
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
- 1 Corinthians 9:23
And I do all things for the gospel’s sake, that I may be a joint partaker thereof.
- 1 Peter 1:23
having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which liveth and abideth.
- 2 Corinthians 4:5
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.