3 John 1:13

I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with pen and ink.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — The letter writer addresses a recipient immediately after commending Demetrius and just before promising a face-to-face meeting.

The words — γράψαι (grapsai) means to write, and θέλω (thelō) means I desire, capturing the author's explicit choice to avoid extended written correspondence.

The thread — This phrasing runs parallel to 2 John 1:12, where the same author declares an identical preference for personal visitation over written notes.

Why it lands — The text states a deliberate rejection of lengthy pen-and-ink communication, asking readers to prioritize direct, verbal engagement over written instruction.

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

ΠολλὰPollaMany things εἶχονeichonI had γράψαιgrapsaito write σοι,soito you,ἀλλ᾽all᾽but οὐounot θέλωthelōI desire διὰdiawith μέλανοςmelanosink καὶkaiand καλάμουkalamoupen σοιsoito you γράφειν·grapheinto write;

King James Version

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

Cross-references

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.