3 John 1:13
◄  3 John 1:13  ►
New International Version (©2011)
I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink.

New Living Translation (©2007)
I have much more to say to you, but I don't want to write it with pen and ink.

English Standard Version (©2001)
I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing to write them to you with pen and ink;

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:

Holman Christian Standard Bible (©2009)
I have many things to write you, but I don't want to write to you with pen and ink.

International Standard Version (©2012)
Although I have a great deal to write to you, I would rather not write with pen and ink.

NET Bible (©2006)
I have many things to write to you, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English (©2010)
I have much to write to you, but have not desired to write to you with ink and pen.

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
I have a lot to write to you. However, I would rather not write.

King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto you:

American King James Version
I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write to you:

American Standard Version
I had many things to write unto thee, but I am unwilling to write them to thee with ink and pen:

Douay-Rheims Bible
I had many things to write unto thee: but I would not by ink and pen write to thee.

Darby Bible Translation
I had many things to write to thee, but I will not with ink and pen write to thee;

English Revised Version
I had many things to write unto thee, but I am unwilling to write them to thee with ink and pen:

Webster's Bible Translation
I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write to thee:

Weymouth New Testament
I have a great deal to say to you, but I do not wish to go on writing it with ink and pen.

World English Bible
I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen;

Young's Literal Translation
Many things I had to write, but I do not wish through ink and pen to write to thee,

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

1:13,14 Here is the character of Demetrius. A name in the gospel, or a good report in the churches, is better than worldly honour. Few are well spoken of by all; and sometimes it is ill to be so. Happy those whose spirit and conduct commend them before God and men. We must be ready to bear our testimony to them; and it is well when those who commend, can appeal to the consciences of such as know most of those who are commended. A personal conversation together often spares time and trouble, and mistakes which rise from letters; and good Christians may well be glad to see one another. The blessing is, Peace be to you; all happiness attend you. Those may well salute and greet one another on earth, who hope to live together in heaven. By associating with and copying the example of such Christians, we shall have peace within, and live at peace with the brethren; our communications with the Lord's people on earth will be pleasing, and we shall be numbered with them in glory everlasting.

Pulpit Commentary

Vers. 13, 14. - 3. CONCLUSION (see notes on 2 John 12, 13). Here the pen or reed κάλαμος is mentioned instead of the paper, as a means of writing. The word is found nowhere else in the New Testament in this sense Note the ἀλλά and the δέ, each with its right force, the former expressing a strongcr opposition than the latter: "I had many things to write to thee; nevertheless, I do not care ἀλλ οὐ θέλω with ink and pen to write to thee: but I hope ἐλπίζω δέ straightway to see thee, and we shall speak mouth to mouth." "The friends" are perhaps so called in contrast to the hostility of Diotrephes and his party. Instead of warfare, "peace be to thee;" instead of the wicked prating of enemies, the salutations of friends. The elder concludes with his own personal salutation to all the members of his flock who reside near to Gaius (comp. John 10:3).

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

I have many things to write,.... With regard to churches, and particular persons, and concerning hospitality to the poor brethren:

but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee; suggesting he should take another method of communicating his mind to him, which he next mentions.

3 John 1:13 Parallel Commentaries
Bible Hub: Online Parallel Bible


Conclusion
13I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write to you: 14But I trust I shall shortly see you, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to you. Our friends salute you. Greet the friends by name. 1Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

Matthew 1:19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
2 John 1:12 I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.