Section 12–13

Final comments

Read 12–13 carefully in both Berean Standard Bible and Good News Translation. Compare the two versions.

Section Theme: These verses contain John’s final comments and greetings to close the letter.

12b

I would prefer not to do so with paper and ink: (Meaning) John is not saying that there is anything wrong with using paper and ink. This is merely another way of saying that he would prefer to talk with them face to face.

paper and ink: (Translation) This is an idiom meaning “in a letter.” In your translation you should consider what is the natural way of saying this in your language.

12d

face to face: (Translation) This is also an idiom. It should be translated by a natural phrase for having a friendly personal talk with someone.

12e

complete: (Meaning) As in 1 John 1:4, this means “as great as it can be,” “without any sadness or anything to spoil it.”

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.