A Greeting from the Elder (2 John 1:1–3)
1 DRA The ancient to the dearly beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. BSB BSB: The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:
2 DRA Dearly beloved, concerning all things I make it my prayer that thou mayest proceed prosperously, and fare well as thy soul doth prosperously. BSB BSB: Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.
3 DRA I was exceedingly glad when the brethren came and gave testimony to the truth in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. BSB BSB: For I was overjoyed when the brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in which you continue to walk.
4 DRA I have no greater grace than this, to hear that my children walk in truth. BSB BSB: I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
Gaius Commended for Hospitality 5 DRA Dearly beloved, thou dost faithfully whatever thou dost for the brethren, and that for strangers, BSB BSB: Beloved, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, and especially since they are strangers to you.
6 DRA Who have given testimony to thy charity in the sight of the church: whom thou shalt do well to bring forward on their way in a manner worthy of God. BSB BSB: They have testified to the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.
7 DRA Because, for his name they went out, taking nothing of the Gentiles. BSB BSB: For they went out on behalf of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.
8 DRA We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow helpers of the truth. BSB BSB: Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
Diotrephes and Demetrius 9 DRA I had written perhaps to the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, doth not receive us. BSB BSB: I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction.
10 DRA For this cause, if I come, I will advertise his works which he doth, with malicious words prating against us. And as if these things were not enough for him, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and them that do receive them he forbiddeth, and casteth out of the church. BSB BSB: So if I come, I will call attention to his malicious slander against us. And unsatisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and forbids those who want to do so, even putting them out of the church.
11 DRA Dearly beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doth good, is of God: he that doth evil, hath not seen God. BSB BSB: Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
12 DRA To Demetrius testimony is given by all, and by the truth itself, yea and we also give testimony: and thou knowest that our testimony is true. BSB BSB: Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true.
Conclusion (2 John 1:12–13)
13 DRA I had many things to write unto thee: but I would not by ink and pen write to thee. BSB BSB: I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with pen and ink.
14 DRA But I hope speedily to see thee, and we will speak mouth to mouth. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name. BSB BSB: Instead, I hope to see you soon and speak with you face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send you greetings. Greet each of our friends there by name.
Select verses for actions: Enter goes to them and Escape comes back.