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Tyndale Open Bible Dictionary

ELECT LADY*

Greeting found in 2 John 1:1 (RV · LV · Read together). The phrase has been interpreted two ways.

JN2 1:1: RV JN2 1:1 · LV JN2 1:1 · Read together JN2 1:1

Show passage in OET

1 This letter is from Yohan (John; Grk. Yoannes) the elder to the chosen lady and her children who I genuinely love (as do all the other believers)

OET-LV JN2 1:1

1 The elder, to_the_chosen mistress and the children of _her, whom I am _loving in truth (and not I only, but also all the ones having _known the truth),

Some interpreters regard 2 John as addressed to a particular woman. Ancient Greek manuscripts show that the word kuria (translated as “lady” or “mistress”) was used by letter writers as a personal term for family members or close friends of either sex. Thus, the phrase could be translated, “to my dear friend, Eklete.” Some scholars associate the elect lady with Martha of Bethany (whose name in Aramaic also means “mistress”).

Other interpreters regard the phrase as signifying a local congregation. John possibly portrayed this Christian community as a mother, the members as her children, and other congregations as sisters (2 Jn 1:13 (RV · LV · Read together); cf. 1 Pt 5:13 (RV · LV · Read together)). The phrase could thus be translated, “the lady elect.”

JN2 1:13: RV JN2 1:13 · LV JN2 1:13 · Read together JN2 1:13

Show passage in OET

OET-RV JN2 1:13

13 Your sister’s children (and she’s also a chosen one) send their greetings also.

OET-LV JN2 1:13

13 The children of _the the chosen sister of _you is _greeting you.

PE1 5:13: RV PE1 5:13 · LV PE1 5:13 · Read together PE1 5:13

Show passage in OET

OET-RV PE1 5:13

13 The chosen group in Bavel (Babylon) and my ‘son’ Markos send their greetings to you chosen people.

OET-LV PE1 5:13

13 Is _greeting you _all the in Babulōn/(Bāⱱel?
) chosen _together, and Markos, the son of _me.