Translations
Modern
I 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.
Traditional
Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
Literal
Having many things to write to you, I intended not with paper and ink, but I hope to come to you and to speak mouth to mouth, so that our joy may be full.
Latin
Plura habens vobis scribere, nolui per cartam et atramentum: spero enim me futurum apud vos, et os ad os loqui: ut gaudium vestrum plenum sit.
Original
Greek
English
I 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.
Notes
The English expression “face to face” has the same meaning as the Greek expression used here, which is literally “mouth to mouth” (see also 3 John 1:14).
so that our joy may be complete: This means that our relationship with Christ is not only a private experience. We experience the greatest joy when we live in peaceful fellowship with other believers.
Parallels
Glossary
Topics
Ink: General Scriptures Concerning Joy of Saints, Made Full by Communion of Saints Paper: General Scriptures Concerning