King James Version

What Does 2 John 1:7 Mean?

“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.”

Context

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.

And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. wrought: or, gained, some copies read, ye have gained, but that ye, etc.

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

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Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6. Wherefore also--**The oldest manuscripts read, "Because that." The statement above is so "because it is contained in Scripture." **Behold--**calling attention to the glorious announcement of His eternal counsel. **elect--**so also believers (1Pe 2:9, "chosen," Greek, "elect generation"). **precious--**in Hebrew, Is 28:16, "a corner-stone of preciousness." See on Is 28:16. So in 1Pe 2:7, Christ is said to be, to believers, "precious," Greek, "preciousness." **confounded--**same Greek as in Ro 9:33 (Peter here as elsewhere confirming Paul's teaching. See Introduction; also Ro 10:11), "ashamed." In Is 28:16, "make haste," that is, flee in sudden panic, covered with the shame of confounded hopes.

Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 John 1:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.