2 John 1:12
New International Version
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.

New Living Translation
I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to do it with paper and ink. For I hope to visit you soon and talk with you face to face. Then our joy will be complete.

English Standard Version
Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.

Berean Standard Bible
I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come and speak with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.

Berean Literal Bible
Having many things to write to you, I purposed not with paper and ink, but I hope to come to you and to speak mouth to mouth, so that our joy may be having been completed.

King James Bible
Having 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.

New King James Version
Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.

New American Standard Bible
Though I have many things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, so that your joy may be made complete.

NASB 1995
Though I have many things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, so that your joy may be made full.

NASB 1977
Having many things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that your joy may be made full.

Legacy Standard Bible
Though I have many things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, so that your joy may be made complete.

Amplified Bible
I have many things to write to you, but I prefer not to do so with paper (papyrus) and black (ink); but I hope to come to you and speak with you face to face, so that your joy may be complete.

Christian Standard Bible
Though I have many things to write to you, I don’t want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come to you and talk face to face so that our joy may be complete.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Though I have many things to write to you, I don’t want to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to be with you and talk face to face so that our joy may be complete.

American Standard Version
Having 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.

Contemporary English Version
I have much more to tell you, but I don't want to write it with pen and ink. I want to come and talk to you in person, because this will make us really happy.

English Revised Version
Having 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 fulfilled.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I have a lot to write to you. I would prefer not to write a letter. Instead, I hope to visit and talk things over with you personally. Then we will be completely filled with joy.

Good News Translation
I have so much to tell you, but I would rather not do it with paper and ink; instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you personally, so that we shall be completely happy.

International Standard Version
Although I have a great deal to write to you, I would prefer not to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.

Majority Standard Bible
I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come and speak with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.

NET Bible
Though I have many other things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink, but I hope to come visit you and speak face to face, so that our joy may be complete.

New Heart English Bible
Having many things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink, but I hope to come to you, and to speak face to face, that our joy may be made full.

Webster's Bible Translation
Having many things to write to you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come to you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.

Weymouth New Testament
I have a great deal to say to you all, but will not write it with paper and ink. Yet I hope to come to see you and speak face to face, so that your happiness may be complete.

World English Bible
Having many things to write to you, I don’t want to do so with paper and ink, but I hope to come to you and to speak face to face, that our joy may be made full.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Having many things to write to you, I did not intend [it] with paper and ink, but I hope to come to you, and speak mouth to mouth, that our joy may be full.

Berean Literal Bible
Having many things to write to you, I purposed not with paper and ink, but I hope to come to you and to speak mouth to mouth, so that our joy may be having been completed.

Young's Literal Translation
Many 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;

Smith's Literal Translation
Having many things to write to you, I was not willing by paper and ink: but I hope to come to you, and to speak mouth to month, that our joy might be filled up.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Having 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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
I have much more to write to you, but I am not willing to do so through paper and ink. For I hope that I may be with you in the future, and that I may speak face to face, so that your joy may be full.

New American Bible
Although I have much to write to you, I do not intend to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and to speak face to face so that our joy may be complete.

New Revised Standard Version
Although I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink; instead I hope to come to you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I have many things to say to you, which I do not want to write with paper and ink: but I trust to come to you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
As I had much to write to you, I did not want to speak with parchment and ink, but I hope to come to you and we shall speak face-to-face, that our joy may be complete.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Though I have many things to write to you, I determined not to communicate them by means of paper and ink: for I hope to come to you, and to speak mouth to mouth, that our joy may be full.

Godbey New Testament
Having many things to write to you, I would not write them with paper and ink: but I hope to come to you, and mouth to mouth to speak to you, in order that our joy may be full.

Haweis New Testament
Having many things to write unto you, I would not do it with paper and ink; but I hope to come unto you, and speak mouth to mouth, that our joy may be complete.

Mace New Testament
I had many things to write to you, but I don't think it proper to commit them to paper and ink, because I hope to make you a visit, and deliver them by word of mouth; that so our joy may be compleat.

Weymouth New Testament
I have a great deal to say to you all, but will not write it with paper and ink. Yet I hope to come to see you and speak face to face, so that your happiness may be complete.

Worrell New Testament
Having many things to write to you, I was not willing to write them with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you, and speak mouth to mouth, that your joy may be made full.

Worsley New Testament
Having many things to write unto you, I would not with paper and ink: but I hope to come unto you, and speak mouth to mouth, that our joy may be full.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Final Greetings
11Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds. 12I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come and speak with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 13The children of your elect sister send you greetings.…

Cross References
3 John 1:13-14
I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with pen and ink. / 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.

1 John 1:4
We write these things so that our joy may be complete.

John 16:24
Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

Philippians 2:2
then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose.

1 Thessalonians 2:17
Brothers, although we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you face to face was even more intense.

Romans 15:32
so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.

1 Corinthians 16:7
For I do not want to see you now only in passing; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.

Acts 20:38
They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

2 Corinthians 1:15-16
Confident of this, I planned to visit you first, so that you might receive a double blessing. / I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and to return to you from Macedonia, and then to have you help me on my way to Judea.

Colossians 2:1-2
For I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me face to face, / that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ,

Hebrews 13:19
And I especially urge you to pray that I may be restored to you soon.

1 Peter 1:8
Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

Proverbs 25:25
Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.

Psalm 16:11
You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.

Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”


Treasury of Scripture

Having many things to write to you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come to you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.

many.

John 16:12
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

I would.

3 John 1:13
I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:

I trust.

Romans 15:24
Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.

1 Corinthians 16:5-7
Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia…

Philemon 1:22
But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

face to face.

Numbers 12:8
With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?

that.

John 15:11
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

John 16:24
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

John 17:13
And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

our.

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2 John 1
1. He exhorts a certain honorable matron, with her children, to persevere in Christian love and belief,
8. lest they lose the reward of their former profession;
10. and to have nothing to do with those seducers that bring not the true doctrine of Christ Jesus.














I have much to write to you
This phrase indicates the Apostle John's deep desire to communicate more extensively with his audience. The Greek word for "write" is "graphein," which suggests a formal and deliberate act of communication. In the historical context, writing was a primary means of communication for the early church, especially for conveying doctrinal truths and personal encouragement. John's use of "much" underscores the abundance of thoughts and teachings he wishes to share, reflecting the richness of the Christian faith and the importance of personal connection in the early church.

but I do not want to do so with paper and ink
Here, John contrasts the impersonal nature of written communication with the personal touch of face-to-face interaction. "Paper" (Greek: "chartēs") and "ink" (Greek: "melan") were the common materials for writing in the ancient world, yet they lacked the warmth and immediacy of personal presence. This highlights the value placed on personal relationships and direct communication within the Christian community, emphasizing the importance of fellowship and the transmission of faith through personal interaction.

Instead, I hope to visit you
John expresses his intention to visit, which reveals his pastoral heart and commitment to the spiritual well-being of his audience. The word "hope" (Greek: "elpizō") conveys a confident expectation, rooted in faith. This reflects the early Christian practice of itinerant ministry, where leaders traveled to nurture and strengthen the faith of believers. The desire to visit underscores the importance of community and the role of personal presence in teaching and discipleship.

and speak with you face to face
The phrase "face to face" (Greek: "stoma pros stoma") emphasizes the intimacy and authenticity of direct communication. In the biblical context, seeing someone "face to face" is often associated with a deeper understanding and a more profound connection, as seen in the relationship between God and Moses (Exodus 33:11). This highlights the value of personal interaction in conveying truth and love, which are central to the Christian message.

so that our joy may be complete
John concludes with the purpose of his intended visit: the completion of joy. The Greek word for "joy" is "chara," which denotes a deep, abiding sense of happiness and fulfillment that comes from fellowship with God and others. The phrase "may be complete" (Greek: "plērōthē") suggests a fullness or perfection of joy that is achieved through mutual encouragement and shared faith. This reflects the biblical theme that true joy is found in community and in the presence of God, as believers support and uplift one another in love.

(3) Conclusion (2John 1:12-13).

(12) Having many things to write unto you.--This verse shows that the Letter to the matron and her family was not a mere accompaniment of a copy of the First Epistle. His heart is full of things to write, but he hopes soon to have unlimited conversation.

Paper.--The Egyptian papyrus.

Ink.--A mixture of soot, water, and gum. The papyrus-tree grows in the swamps of the Nile to the height of ten feet and more. Paper was prepared from the thin coats that surround the plant. Pliny describes the method (xiii. 23). The different pieces were joined together by the turbid Nile water, as it has a kind of glutinous property. One layer of papyrus was laid flat on a board, and a cross layer put over it; these were pressed, and afterwards dried in the sun. The sheets were then fastened or pasted together. There were never more than twenty of these sheets fastened together in a roll; but of course the length could be increased to any extent. The writing was in columns, with a blank slip between them; it was only on one side. When the work was finished, it was rolled on a staff, and sometimes wrapped in a parchment case (Smith, Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities, p. 567).

Of the ink used by the Romans, Pliny says that it was made of soot in various ways, with burnt resin or pitch. "For this purpose they have built furnaces which do not allow the smoke to escape. The kind most commended is made in this way from pine-wood: it is mixed with soot from the furnaces or baths; and this they use for writing on rolls. Some also make a kind of ink by boiling and straining the lees of wine." The black matter of the cuttle-fish was also sometimes used for writing (Smith, Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities, p. 110).

The pen was a reed, sharpened with a knife, and split like a quill-pen.

The Jews seem to have used lamp-black dissolved in gall-juice, or lamp-black and vitriol, for ink. The modern scribes "have an apparatus consisting of a metal or ebony tube for their reed-pens, with a cup or bulb of the same material attached to the upper end for ink. This they thrust through the girdle, and carry with them at all times" (Thomson, The Land and the Book, p. 131; Smith's Dictionary of the Bible, p. 1802).

Speak face to face.--Not that there was any oral tradition which he would not write down. His Gospel and First Epistle would contain the outline of all his teaching. But on this occasion there was no need for writing. (Comp. 1Corinthians 13:12.) . . .

Verses 12, 13. - 3. THE CONCLUSION OF THE EPISTLE. It is in their openings and conclusions, and especially in the latter, that the Second and Third Epistles have so strong a resemblance that we are almost compelled to assign them not merely to the same author, but to the same period in the author's life. St. John had a tenacious memory, as his writings prove; but we may doubt whether so trivial a matter as the mode of beginning and ending a short letter would have remained for years together in his mind. We may reasonably conclude from their similarity that these two Epistles are separated from one another by only a short interval of time. Verse 12. - Having many things to write. This remark is almost conclusive against the supposition that the Second Epistle was sent as a companion-letter to the First. The hypothesis has little or nothing to support it. I would not (do so) by means of paper and ink. It is astonishing that any one should suppose that intercourse on paper is here opposed to spiritual intercourse: obviously it is opposed to conversation. The elder just writes what is of urgent importance to prevent fatal mistakes during the present time, and leaves everything else until he can talk matters over with her. Ξάρις is mentioned nowhere else in the New Testament, but is found in the Septuagint (Jeremiah 36:23); it probably means "papyrus." Μέλαν occurs in the parallel passage 3 John 1:13, and in 2 Corinthians 3:3; it was commonly made of lampblack or other soot, and hence the name. But I hope to come unto you; literally, I hope to come to be γένεσθαι at your house. Πρὸς ὑμᾶς is here very much the same as the French chez vous. So also πρὸς ἡμᾶς, Matthew 13:56 (comp. 1 Corinthians 16:7; Galatians 1:18; 1 Thessalonians 3:4; Philemon 1:13). "Face to face" στόμα πρὸς στόμα is exactly the French bouche a bouche. The phrase occurs only here and 3 John 1:14 in the New Testament. In 1 Corinthians 13:12 we have πρόσωπον πρὸς πρόσωπον; but there the emphatic thing is that the two should see one another. Here the special point is that they should converse with one another; and this is more clearly expressed by "month to mouth" than by "face to face." For the phrase, "that your joy may be fulfilled," see note on 1 John 1:4, to which passage the apostle may here be consciously referring. That was ever one main purpose of his teaching - the perfecting of Christian joy.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
I have
ἔχων (echōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

many things
Πολλὰ (Polla)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

to write
γράφειν (graphein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1125: A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.

you,
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

[but] I would prefer
ἐβουλήθην (eboulēthēn)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1014: To will, intend, desire, wish. Middle voice of a primary verb; to 'will, ' i.e. be willing.

not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

to use
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

paper
χάρτου (chartou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5489: Papyrus, paper. From the same as charax; a sheet of writing-material.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

ink.
μέλανος (melanos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3188: Ink. Neuter of melas as noun; ink.

Instead,
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

I hope
ἐλπίζω (elpizō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1679: To hope, hope for, expect, trust. From elpis; to expect or confide.

to come
γενέσθαι (genesthai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

speak
λαλῆσαι (lalēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

with
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

you
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

[face]
στόμα (stoma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4750: The mouth, speech, eloquence in speech, the point of a sword.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

[face],
στόμα (stoma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4750: The mouth, speech, eloquence in speech, the point of a sword.

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

our
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

joy
χαρὰ (chara)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5479: Joy, gladness, a source of joy. From chairo; cheerfulness, i.e. Calm delight.

may be
(ē)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

complete.
πεπληρωμένη (peplērōmenē)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4137: From pleres; to make replete, i.e. to cram, level up, or to furnish, satisfy, execute, finish, verify, etc.


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NT Letters: 2 John 1:12 Having many things to write to you (2J iiJ 2Jn ii jn 2 jo)
2 John 1:11
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