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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - 2 John 1:1 - 1:1
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The elder (ὁ πρεσβύτερος)
The word is used originally of seniority in age. So Luk 15:25. Afterward as a term of rank or office. Applied to members of the Sanhedrim (Mat 16:21; Act 6:12). Those who presided over the Christian assemblies or churches (Act 11:30; 1Ti 5:17, 1Ti 5:19). The twenty-four members of the heavenly court in John's vision (Rev 4:4, Rev 4:10; Rev 5:5, Rev 5:6, Rev 5:8, Rev 5:11, Rev 5:14). Here, with reference to official position, coupled, presumably, with age.
Unto the elect lady (ἐκλεκτῇ κυρίᾳ)
An expression which baffles all the commentators. It is supposed by some that the title describes a person, by others, a society. The views of the former class as to the person designated, are (1.) That the letter was addressed to a certain Babylonian named Electa. (2.) To a person named Kyria. (3.) To Electa Kyria, a compound proper name. Those who regard the phrase as describing a society, divide on the question whether a particular Christian society or the whole Church is intended. It is impossible to settle the question satisfactorily.
Children (τέκνοις)
May be taken either in a literal or in a spiritual sense. For the later, see 1 Timothy 1, 1Ti 2:1-15; Gal 4:25; 3Jo 1:4. Compare also 2Jo 1:4, 2Jo 1:13. The explanation turns on the meaning of ἐκλεκτῇ κυρίᾳ. If it mean the Church, children will have the spiritual sense. If it be a proper name, the literal.
Whom (οὓς)
Comprehensive, embracing the mother and the children of both sexes.
I love (ἀγαπῶ)
See on Joh 5:20.
In the truth (ἐν ἀληθείᾳ)
Omit the. The expression in truth marks the atmosphere or element of truth in which something is said, or felt, or done. See Joh 17:17. In truth is equivalent to truly, really. Compare Col 1:6; Joh 17:19.
That have known (οἱ ἐγνωκότες)
Either have come to know, or as Rev., know. The perfect tense of γινώσκω, to learn to know, is rendered as a present: I have learned to know, therefore I know. See on 1Jo 2:3.