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An Exegetical Analysis of Truth and Syntax in 2 John 1-2
This exegetical study of An Exegetical Analysis of Truth and Syntax in 2 John 1-2 is based on a b-greek discussion from January 12th, 2014, 3:53 pm. The initial query in the discussion centered on the syntactic placement of the phrase διὰ τὴν ἀλήθειαν (due to the truth) in 2 John 1-2, questioning its contextual fit and suggesting it might relate to an implied verb like γράφει (he writes) from the epistle’s opening.
The primary exegetical issues explored include: (1) the precise syntactic function and scope of modification for διὰ τὴν ἀλήθειαν τὴν μένουσαν ἐν ἡμῖν (because of the truth abiding in us) in 2 John 2, specifically whether it modifies ἀγαπῶ (I love) or an implicit verb of writing; (2) the semantic differentiation between ἐν ἀληθείᾳ (in truth) in 2 John 1 and τὴν ἀλήθειαν (the truth) in 2 John 1 and 2, including the theological implications of the latter as orthodoxy or divine instruction; and (3) the grammatical relationship and parallelism between the participle μένουσαν (abiding) and the finite verb ἔσται (it will be) in 2 John 2, especially concerning potential emphasis or the absence of a future participle.
2 John 1-2 (Nestle 1904):
1 Ὁ πρεσβύτερος ἐκλεκτῇ κυρίᾳ, οὓς ἐγὼ ἀγαπῶ ἐν ἀληθείᾳ, καὶ οὐκ ἐγὼ μόνος ἀλλὰ καὶ πάντες οἱ ἐγνωκότες τὴν ἀλήθειαν, 2 διὰ τὴν ἀλήθειαν τὴν μένουσαν ἐν ἡμῖν, καὶ μεθ’ ἡμῶν ἔσται εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα.
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- SBLGNT (2010) includes the phrase καὶ τοῖς τέκνοις αὐτῆς (and to her children) after ἐκλεκτῇ κυρίᾳ (to the chosen lady) in verse 1. This significant variant, absent in Nestle 1904, suggests a broader address to the lady and her children.
Textual Criticism (NA28), Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG):
The discussion briefly references the NA28 edition concerning punctuation, noting its absence of a comma between ἐν ἡμῖν and καὶ μεθ’ ἡμῶν ἔσται εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα in verse 2. This lack of punctuation in NA28 suggests a closer syntactical connection between the abiding truth and its eternal presence, supporting the idea of a continuous thought rather than a separated clause.
Lexically, the term ἀλήθεια (alētheia, truth) is central. BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, Gingrich, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature) offers several relevant definitions: (1) objectivity, trustworthiness; (2) truth as a property of God/Christ/Christianity; (3) truth as content (i.e., teaching/revelation); and (4) adverbial usage (e.g., ἐν ἀληθείᾳ). KITTEL (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament) further elaborates on ἀλήθεια as a profound theological concept, referring to divine reality, revelation, and the ethical conformity required of believers. This aligns with the interpretation of τὴν ἀλήθειαν (the truth with the article) as specific divine instruction or orthodoxy. The verb ἀγαπάω (agapaō, to love) denotes a deep, personal affection or attachment.
Translation Variants and Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis
The interpretation of 2 John 1-2 hinges on the syntactic relationship of several key phrases, particularly διὰ τὴν ἀλήθειαν τὴν μένουσαν ἐν ἡμῖν and the semantic nuance of ἀλήθεια in its various forms.
One major point of contention is the modifier of διὰ τὴν ἀλήθειαν. One perspective argues that it modifies ἀγαπῶ (I love) in verse 1, rendering the meaning “I love you because of the truth.” This interpretation is supported by the phrase’s adverbial nature and proximity to ἀγαπῶ. Conversely, another prominent view proposes that it modifies an implied verb of writing, such as γράφει (he writes) or γράφω (I write), which is common in the salutations of ancient epistles. This would imply that “I write to you because of the truth abiding in us.” Rhetorically, the latter emphasizes the purpose of the letter itself—to address and preserve the truth—while the former highlights the theological basis for the author’s affection for the addressee.
The semantic distinction between ἐν ἀληθείᾳ (in truth) in verse 1 and τὴν ἀλήθειαν (the truth) in verses 1 and 2 is also crucial. ἐν ἀληθείᾳ, typically an adverbial phrase without the article, is often understood as “truly” or “genuinely.” However, the discussion noted that some interpretations, like the NET Bible, suggest a deeper theological meaning, equating it with “orthodoxy.” This reading posits that the love expressed is not merely sincere but also grounded in correct theological belief. In contrast, τὴν ἀλήθειαν, consistently presented with the definite article, clearly refers to a specific, identifiable entity, which is often interpreted as the corpus of divine instruction, commandments, or the Christian revelation itself. The discussion grappled with whether the indefinite ἐν ἀληθείᾳ could contextually refer implicitly to the same definite “truth.” While grammatically distinct, the rhetorical context may indeed allow for such an associative understanding, where the general concept of truth points to the specific divine truth.
A further grammatical consideration involves the parallelism and continuity between the participle τὴν μένουσαν (the abiding [truth]) and the finite verb ἔσται (it will be) in verse 2. The phrase τὴν μένουσαν ἐν ἡμῖν clearly modifies τὴν ἀλήθειαν, indicating the truth that is currently abiding in believers. The subsequent clause, καὶ μεθ’ ἡμῶν ἔσται εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα (and it will be with us forever), continues this thought of permanence. The shift from a participle to a finite verb, while grammatically distinct, semantically reinforces the eternal nature of this truth. The absence of a comma between these clauses in critical editions like NA28 supports a reading where the finite verb directly extends the idea initiated by the participle, underscoring the enduring presence of truth.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
The exegetical analysis of 2 John 1-2 reveals the rich complexity embedded in seemingly simple Greek phrases. The syntactic flexibility of prepositional phrases and the nuanced semantics of ἀλήθεια demand careful consideration. While the precise modification of διὰ τὴν ἀλήθειαν remains a point of scholarly debate, its role in articulating the foundation of Christian fellowship and apostolic communication is undeniable. The presence or absence of the article with ἀλήθεια guides the interpreter in discerning between a general adverbial sense and a specific theological concept, though context often bridges this distinction. The continuity between the abiding and eternal nature of truth, conveyed through both participle and finite verb, emphasizes a central Johannine theme: the enduring power and presence of God’s revealed truth.
Considering these points, the following translation suggestions offer distinct interpretive nuances:
- The Elder to the chosen lady, whom I love in truth—and not only I, but also all who have come to know the truth—because of the truth that abides in us, and it will be with us forever.
This translation favors διὰ τὴν ἀλήθειαν modifying ἀγαπῶ, emphasizing the truth as the reason for the author’s love. It also maintains a slight distinction between the adverbial “in truth” and the specific “the truth.” - The Elder writes to the chosen lady, whom I love truly—and not only I, but also all who have come to know the divine teaching—for the sake of this divine teaching that abides in us, and it will be with us forever.
This option interprets an implicit “writes” for the opening, making διὰ τὴν ἀλήθειαν a reason for the letter’s composition. It also uses more interpretive glosses (“truly,” “divine teaching”) to clarify the semantic range of ἀλήθεια. - The Elder to the chosen lady, whom I love with genuine orthodoxy, and not only I, but also all who have come to know the revealed truth; indeed, it is because of this revealed truth that abides in us, and it will be with us forever.
This translation leans into the theological interpretation of ἐν ἀληθείᾳ as orthodoxy and uses a stronger connective for διὰ τὴν ἀλήθειαν, suggesting its explanatory force for the entire preceding statement of love and recognition of truth.
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