I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with pen and ink.
Parallel translations
- WEB I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen;
- KJV I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
- NKJV I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink;
- NASB I had many things to write to you, but I do not want to write to you with pen and ink;
- NLT I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to write it with pen and ink.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
John says he has much more to say but does not want to put it all in writing. Some matters are better handled in person than on paper.
Overview
Like 2 John, this letter closes with John setting aside pen and ink in favor of a coming personal visit. The brevity reflects not a lack of content but his preference for face-to-face fellowship. It underscores the deeply personal and relational nature of Christian ministry and care.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 1
- 2 Jn 1:12I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come and speak with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Faithful love shown for the sake of 'the Name' is service rendered to Christ, who is the truth in which his people walk.
How 3 John 1:13 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.