2 John 1:4 Meaning: The Meaning of 'Some of Your Children'
I rejoice greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, even as we have been commanded by the Father.
I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
I rejoice greatly that I have foundcertainof thy children walking in truth, even as we received commandment from the Father.
I rejoiced exceedingly that I have found of thy children walking in truth, even as a command we did receive from the Father;
I rejoiced greatly that I have found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received commandment from the Father.
Meaning in one sentence
Why does John say 'some of your children' in 2 John 1:4? Learn the meaning of walking in truth and the joy of seeing faith lived out.
Context
Second John is a brief letter from the apostle John, written near the end of his life. He calls himself 'the elder' and addresses it to 'the chosen lady and her children', likely a Christian woman of influence, or perhaps a church community. In the opening verses, John speaks warmly of the truth that lives in them and will be with them forever. Then he shares his joy: he has learned that some of her children are walking in truth, living out the faith they received. This good news comes amid concern, because the rest of the letter warns about deceivers who deny Christ’s coming in the flesh. John’s joy is not just personal; it grounds his urgent call to keep loving one another and to hold tightly to the teaching they have heard from the beginning.
Key Words
Three words carry the weight here. First, the Greek word behind 'I have found' (heurēka) is in a tense that means a discovery whose joy is still fresh. John had not been searching; he simply saw these children living faithfully, and it stopped him with gladness. Second, 'walking' (peripateō) is the ordinary Greek word for getting through your day, one foot after another. For John, faith is a path you stay on, more than a feeling you have. Third, 'truth' (alētheia) means what is real, solid, reliable. In John’s letters, truth is not a doctrine you agree to; it is the life of Jesus made visible in steady, daily choices. When he says they walk 'in truth,' he means their whole way of living matches the reality of who God is.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have noticed John’s careful wording. Many Reformed and Baptist commentators, like Matthew Henry and John Gill, take 'some of your children' as an honest acknowledgment that not every child in the household walks in truth. They point to biblical examples like Cain and Abel. Other scholars, including those from the Anglican Cambridge Bible, note that the Greek expression could simply mean John had only met a part of the family; it may not imply anything about the others. Wesley suggests John found them in their aunt’s house. Both readings are faithful: one highlights the sorrow of mixed faithfulness in a family, the other focuses on limited contact. What all agree on is John’s deep joy at seeing any evidence of truth lived out.
A common misunderstanding
Some read 'walking in truth' and think it means never making mistakes or having a perfect life. If your own walk feels inconsistent, this verse can feel discouraging. In fact, walking in truth in John’s letters means living in line with the gospel you have received, turning toward Christ day after day, not sinless perfection. John rejoices not because these children were flawless, but because they were staying on the path. The joy is in the direction, not the finish line.
Living This Out
This week, look around your own circle, family, church, friends, and notice someone who is walking in truth. Maybe it is a steady kindness, an honest word, a consistent prayer life. Let that sight fill you with real joy. And if your own walk feels wobbly, take heart: truth is a path you stay on. One step today, one choice to live honestly, one act of love, that is walking in truth. It brings joy to heaven, and to those who love you.
Main takeaway: John’s joy in finding even a few walking in truth reminds us that faithful living is always worth rejoicing over.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
John was so happy to hear that some of the children were following Jesus. It made him smile. You can make people happy too when you do what is right.
For ages 9, 12
John wrote to a mother whose children were growing in their faith. He was overjoyed because even though not all of them were following Jesus yet, the ones who were made a big difference. This shows that your faithfulness matters. Even if you are the only one in your family walking with God right now, your steps bring joy to others and to God.
Questions People Ask
Who is the 'elect lady' in 2 John 1:4?
There are two main views among Christians. Some believe she was a prominent Christian woman, likely a widow, whose home served as a meeting place for believers. Others see 'elect lady' as a metaphor for a local church and 'her children' as its members. Both interpretations are held by faithful readers.
What does it mean to 'walk in truth'?
In John's letters, walking in truth means living your daily life in line with the gospel. It is not about perfection, but about direction, turning toward God, loving others, and holding to the teaching of Christ. It is a steady, ordinary faithfulness.
Why does John say 'some of your children' and not 'your children'?
The Greek phrase suggests a portion, not the whole. Some commentators think John knew that only a part of the family were living faithfully, while others think he simply had not met the rest. Either way, John chooses honesty over exaggeration and rejoices in what he sees, even if it is not everyone.
What is the 'commandment from the Father' in this verse?
The commandment is not a new rule but the same one they have heard from the beginning: to love one another and to walk in truth. John mentions it throughout the letter to remind them that truth and love always go together.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study