2 John 1:12

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 Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The apostle John writes to the "elect lady" and her community, placing this closing remark after a warning against greeting false teachers (2 John 1:11) and before noting greetings from another group (2 John 1:13).

The words — ἐβουλήθην (eboulēthēn) translates literally as "I purposed" or "I preferred," and χάρτου (chartou) means "paper" or "papyrus," marking the author's deliberate rejection of written correspondence.

The thread — The same preference for oral over written communication appears in 3 John 1:13, the face-to-face speaking motif aligns with Numbers 12:8, and the concept of unshared teachings corresponds to John 16:12.

Why it lands — The text states a preference for direct speech to complete joy, requiring readers to prioritize personal presence and oral instruction over mediated or written communication.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

John 16:12 I still have much to tell you, but you cannot yet bear to hear it.
3 John 1:13 I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with pen and ink.
Numbers 12:8 I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you unafraid to speak against My servant Moses?”
John 15:11 I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
John 17:13 But now I am coming to You; and I am saying these things while I am in the world, so that they may have My joy fulfilled within them.
Romans 15:24 I hope to see you on my way to Spain. And after I have enjoyed your company for a while, you can equip me for my journey.
1 Corinthians 16:5 After I go through Macedonia, however, I will come to you; for I will be going through Macedonia.
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.
2 Timothy 1:4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.