For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.

2 JOHN 1:2KJV
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2 John 1:2 (KJV)

What does 2 John 1:2 mean?

2 John 1:2 says that the writer values the truth that lives in believers and will always remain with them. The verse highlights the lasting presence of truth among those who follow Jesus, suggesting it is not just a passing idea but something permanent.

The apostle John is writing to a group of Christians, likely a local church or a respected woman and her children, expressing his love for them because of the shared truth they hold. John emphasizes that this truth is not only inside them now but will continue with them forever, pointing to the enduring nature of the message about Jesus and the faith they share.

The Greek behind 2 John 1:2

  • "dwelleth" (μένω, menō): This Greek word means "to remain" or "to stay." Here, it suggests that the truth is not just temporarily present but has taken up residence within believers.
  • "for ever" (εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα, eis ton aiōna): This phrase is often understood as "for eternity" or "forever." It stresses that the truth is not fleeting but will always be with them, reinforcing its unchanging and permanent character.

Why 2 John 1:2 matters

  • 2 John 1:2 clarifies that the truth Christians share is not just for their current generation but is something lasting and unchanging.
  • The verse emphasizes that truth is not only believed intellectually but is something that "lives" within believers, shaping their identity and community.
  • By stressing the permanence of truth, John reassures his readers that what they hold to is reliable and will not fade away, connecting this idea to the rest of his letter, which warns against false teachings.

Where else these words appear

“sake” Greek G225 · used in 99 verses

  • Matthew 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
  • Romans 2:2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
  • 1 Timothy 4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

“ever” Greek G165 · used in 102 verses

  • Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Acts 15:18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
  • Hebrews 5:6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

“dwelleth” Greek G3306 · used in 105 verses

  • Matthew 10:11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
  • John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.