Lexical Summary kuria: Lady, Mistress Original Word: κυρία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance lady. Feminine of kurios; Cyria, a Christian woman -- lady. see GREEK kurios NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfem. of kurios Definition a lady NASB Translation lady (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2959: κυρίακυρία, κυρίας, ἡ, Cyria, a Christian woman to whom the Second Epistle of John is addressed: 2 John 1:1, 5 (G L T K C (and WH marginal reading in 2 John 1:1)). This proper name is not uncommon in other writers also; cf. Lücke, Comm. üb. die Brr. des John 3rd edition, p. 444. (But R Tr others κυρία, regarding the word as an appellative, lady; (αἱ γυναῖκες εὐθύς ἀπό τεσσαρεσκαίδεκα ἐτῶν ὑπό τῶν ἀνδρῶν κυριαι καλοῦνται, Epictetus enchir. 40). Cf. Westcott on 2 John as above). Topical Lexicon Overview of Usage Strong’s Greek 2959 appears twice, both in the Second Epistle of John (2 John 1:1, 5). In each instance the apostle employs a respectful form of address—“lady”—for the primary addressee of his brief letter. The term frames the whole epistle, opening and closing the personal exhortation that follows. Historical Context of the Term First-century correspondence normally began with a salutation naming author and recipient. John’s choice of this courteous title situates his letter within Greco-Roman epistolary custom while simultaneously reflecting the egalitarian ethic of the gospel. By greeting a woman with honor, John mirrors Jesus’ own practice of dignifying women (Luke 8:1-3; John 4:7-30). The word occurs so rarely in the New Testament that its presence here highlights the uniqueness of the relationship between the apostle and his recipient. Identity of the “Elect Lady” Interpretations cluster around two views: Whichever view is adopted, the respectful title underscores that both individual believers and congregations are chosen by God and worthy of honor within the covenant community. Theological Themes Conveyed by the Address “The elder, To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth—and not only I, but also all who know the truth—” (2 John 1:1). From the opening line John weds love and truth, two key Johannine motifs. Addressing her as “elect” signals divine initiative; calling her “lady” acknowledges her dignity in the household of faith. The greeting therefore becomes a miniature theology: divine election results in communal love that flourishes under the authority of truth. Implications for Christian Fellowship and Hospitality John commends love (2 John 1:5) yet immediately warns against welcoming deceivers (2 John 1:10-11). The presence of the title “lady” in both exhortation and caution implies that the recipient exercises real influence—either in her home or in her congregation—in deciding whom to host and whose teaching to endorse. Christian hospitality, then, is not indiscriminate; it must be governed by fidelity to apostolic doctrine. The passage remains a vital guide for today’s ministry partnerships, ensuring that compassion never compromises orthodoxy. Spiritual Motherhood and Pastoral Care If the letter is to a literal woman, John’s address affirms the role of spiritual mothers who nurture children “walking in the truth” (2 John 1:4). If the addressee is a congregation, the imagery still communicates pastoral concern for believers maturing under corporate leadership. Either way, the term highlights the protective, formative influence that godly leadership—male or female—exerts over the next generation. Early Church Reception Second- and third-century writers such as Clement of Alexandria and Athanasius cited 2 John for its warnings against docetism. They did not question the inclusion of a letter addressed to a “lady”; on the contrary, its acceptance into the canon demonstrates early recognition that God’s Word equally addresses and esteems women and men. The title therefore serves as a quiet witness to the unity and diversity of the early Christian community. Applications for Ministry Today 1. Honor women who labor in the truth, whether in homes, congregations, or broader ministries, following John’s respectful tone. In only two occurrences, Strong’s 2959 models a biblical balance of courtesy, theological depth, and pastoral wisdom that remains instructive for twenty-first-century discipleship. Forms and Transliterations κυρια κυρία κυρίᾳ κυρίαν κυρίας kuria kyria kyría kyríāiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 John 1:1 N-DFSGRK: ΠΡΕΣΒΥΤΕΡΟΣ ἐκλεκτῇ κυρίᾳ καὶ τοῖς NAS: to the chosen lady and her children, KJV: The elder unto the elect lady and her INT: elder to [the] elect lady and the 2 John 1:5 N-VFS |
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