2 John 1:5
New International Version
And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another.

New Living Translation
I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning.

English Standard Version
And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another.

Berean Standard Bible
And now I urge you, dear lady—not as a new commandment to you, but one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another.

Berean Literal Bible
And now I implore you, lady, not as though I am writing to you a new commandment, but that which we have had from the beginning, that we should love one another.

King James Bible
And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

New King James Version
And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another.

New American Standard Bible
Now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another.

NASB 1995
Now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another.

NASB 1977
And now I ask you, lady, not as writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another.

Amplified Bible
Now I ask you, lady, not as if I were writing to you a new commandment, but [simply reminding you of] the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love and unselfishly seek the best for one another.

Christian Standard Bible
So now I ask you, dear lady—not as if I were writing you a new command, but one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So now I urge you, dear lady—not as if I were writing you a new command, but one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another.

American Standard Version
And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote to thee a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

Contemporary English Version
Dear friend, I am not writing to tell you and your children to do something you have not done before. I am writing to tell you to love each other, which is the first thing you were told to do.

English Revised Version
And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote to thee a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Dear lady, I'm now requesting that we continue to love each other. It's not as though I'm writing to give you a new commandment. Rather, from the beginning we were commanded to love each other.

Good News Translation
And so I ask you, dear Lady: let us all love one another. This is no new command I am writing you; it is the command which we have had from the beginning.

International Standard Version
Dear lady, I am now requesting of you that we all continue to love one another. It is not as though I am writing to give you a new commandment, but one that we have had from the beginning.

Majority Standard Bible
And now I urge you, dear lady—not as a new commandment to you, but one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another.

NET Bible
But now I ask you, lady (not as if I were writing a new commandment to you, but the one we have had from the beginning), that we love one another.

New Heart English Bible
And now I ask you, dear lady, not as though I wrote to you a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

Webster's Bible Translation
And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

Weymouth New Testament
And now, dear lady, I pray you--writing to you, as I do, not a new command, but the one which we have had from the very beginning--let us love one another.

World English Bible
Now I beg you, dear lady, not as though I wrote to you a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and now I implore you, lady, not as writing to you a new command, but which we had from the beginning, that we may love one another,

Berean Literal Bible
And now I implore you, lady, not as though I am writing to you a new commandment, but that which we have had from the beginning, that we should love one another.

Young's Literal Translation
and now I beseech thee, Kyria, not as writing to thee a new command, but which we had from the beginning, that we may love one another,

Smith's Literal Translation
And now I entreat thee, mistress, not as writing a new command, but what we had from the beginning, that we should love one another.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And now I beseech thee, lady, not as writing a new commandment to thee, but that which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And now I petition you, Lady, not as if writing a new commandment to you, but instead that commandment which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another.

New American Bible
But now, Lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing a new commandment but the one we have had from the beginning: let us love one another.

New Revised Standard Version
But now, dear lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning, let us love one another.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And now I beseech you, O mother church, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And now I would persuade you Lady, not according to the new commandment I wrote to you, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And now I beseech you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

Godbey New Testament
And now I entreat thee, O Cyria, not as writing to thee a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another with divine love.

Haweis New Testament
And now I beseech thee, lady, not as writing to thee a new commandment, but that which we have had from the beginning, that we should love one another.

Mace New Testament
and now, my lady, I beg our love may be mutual, since what I write, is no new prescription, but what was originally enjoin'd.

Weymouth New Testament
And now, dear lady, I pray you--writing to you, as I do, not a new command, but the one which we have had from the very beginning--let us love one another.

Worrell New Testament
And now I beseech you, lady, not as writing a new commandment to you, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

Worsley New Testament
And now I beseech thee, Lady, not as writing to thee a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we may love one another.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Walking in the Truth
4I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father has commanded us. 5And now I urge you, dear lady— not as a new commandment to you, but one we have had from the beginning— that we love one another. 6And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.…

Cross References
John 13:34-35
A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. / By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”

1 John 3:11
This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

1 John 4:7-8
Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. / Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

John 15:12-13
This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. / Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

1 John 2:7-8
Beloved, I am not writing to you a new commandment, but an old one, which you have had from the beginning. This commandment is the message you have heard. / Then again, I am also writing to you a new commandment, which is true in Him and also in you. For the darkness is fading and the true light is already shining.

Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ / This is the first and greatest commandment. / And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ...

Romans 13:8-10
Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. / The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” / Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Galatians 5:14
The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Ephesians 5:2
and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.

1 Peter 1:22
Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.

Leviticus 19:18
Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.

Deuteronomy 6:5
And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Deuteronomy 10:12
And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Zechariah 7:9-10
“This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Administer true justice. Show loving devotion and compassion to one another. / Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’


Treasury of Scripture

And now I beseech you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

not.

1 John 2:7,8
Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning…

1 John 3:11
For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

that we.

John 13:34,35
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another…

John 15:12
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

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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.














And now I ask you, dear lady
This phrase opens with a personal and affectionate appeal. The Greek word for "ask" is "ἐρωτάω" (erōtaō), which implies a request made with respect and love, rather than a command. The "dear lady" is often interpreted as a metaphorical reference to a church or a specific woman of influence within the early Christian community. Historically, the early church was often referred to in feminine terms, and this reflects the nurturing and protective role of the church as the bride of Christ. The use of "dear" underscores the close relationship and genuine concern John has for the recipients of his letter.

not as though I were writing you a new commandment
Here, John emphasizes continuity with the teachings that have been foundational to the Christian faith. The Greek word for "new" is "καινός" (kainos), which means fresh or novel. John is clarifying that his message is not introducing a novel doctrine but is rooted in the established teachings of Christ. This reflects the conservative Christian perspective that values the unchanging truth of the Gospel, which is consistent with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.

but the one we have had from the beginning
The phrase "from the beginning" is significant in Johannine literature, often referring to the original teachings of Jesus. The Greek word "ἀρχή" (archē) means beginning or origin. This highlights the apostolic tradition and the importance of adhering to the foundational truths of the faith. Historically, this serves as a reminder to the early church to remain steadfast in the teachings they received directly from Christ and His apostles, resisting any deviations or false teachings.

that we love one another
The command to "love one another" is central to Christian ethics and is rooted in the teachings of Jesus, particularly in the Gospel of John. The Greek word for love here is "ἀγαπάω" (agapaō), which denotes a selfless, sacrificial love that seeks the best for others. This commandment is not merely an emotional response but an active commitment to the well-being of others, reflecting the love of Christ. In a historical context, this was crucial for the early Christian communities, which were often under persecution and needed to support and care for one another. This love is the hallmark of true discipleship and is a timeless principle that continues to define the Christian community today.

Verses 5-11. - 2. MAIN DIVISION. Exhortation. Having thus stated what has led to his writing, the apostle passes on to the central portion of the letter (verses 5-11), which consists of three exhortations: to love and obedience (verses 5, 6); against false doctrine (verses 7-9); against false charity (verses 10, 11). The transition to this practical part of the Epistle is indicated by the opening particles, "And now." Verse 5. - I beseech thee, lady. The verb has, perhaps, a tinge of peremptoriness about it ἐρωτῶ: "This is a request which I have a right to make." Respecting the "new commandment" and "from the beginning," see notes on 1 John 2:7. We may reasonably suppose that St. John is here reminding her of the contents of his First Epistle. The parallels between this Epistle and the First are so numerous and so close, that we can scarcely doubt that some of them are consciously made. There are at least eight such in these thirteen verses, as may be seen from the margin of a good reference Bible.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

now
νῦν (nyn)
Adverb
Strong's 3568: A primary particle of present time; 'now'; also as noun or adjective present or immediate.

I urge
ἐρωτῶ (erōtō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2065: Apparently from ereo; to interrogate; by implication, to request.

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

[dear] lady—
κυρία (kyria)
Noun - Vocative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2959: A lady. Feminine of kurios; Cyria, a Christian woman.

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

as
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

a new
καινὴν (kainēn)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2537: Fresh, new, unused, novel. Of uncertain affinity; new

commandment
ἐντολὴν (entolēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1785: An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.

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

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

[one]
ἣν (hēn)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

we have had
εἴχομεν (eichomen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

from
ἀπ’ (ap’)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

[the] beginning—
ἀρχῆς (archēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 746: From archomai; a commencement, or chief.

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.

we love
ἀγαπῶμεν (agapōmen)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 25: To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.

one another.
ἀλλήλους (allēlous)
Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 240: One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.


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NT Letters: 2 John 1:5 Now I beg you dear lady not (2J iiJ 2Jn ii jn 2 jo)
2 John 1:4
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