“Godspeed” or “Greeting” in 2 John 1:10 et al.?

"If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed (χαιρειν):" (2 John 1:10, KJV)

“χαιρειν” is not a noun; thus it does not mean “greeting.” It is a verb that means “rejoice” or “be glad” throughout scripture. The context of 2 John 1:10 indicates that the author prohibits saying “χαιρειν” as a greeting to someone who “hath not God” (2 John 1:9). So “χαιρειν” is used for a greeting, but it does not mean “greeting.” In English, a greeting word that wishes good will is “Godspeed.” Translating “χαιρειν” as “rejoice” or “be glad” may not suffice in 2 John 1:10 because an English reader may not understand such words as greetings, but he would understand that “Godspeed” is a greeting. The word is not archaic, since even NASA has a custom of bidding “Godspeed” to its space travelers before each mission. The charge might be that there is no Greek word for “God” in “χαιρειν.” However, a Christian understands that all χαιροντες is “in the Lord” (“Rejoice (χαιρετε) in the Lord always: and again I say Rejoice (χαιρετε)” Philippians 4:4). To a Christian, “God” and “χαιροντες” cannot be separated. “Godspeed” does not add into “χαιρειν” any word or idea that should not be there. Moreover, the addition of “God” in a phrase that does not have “θεός” is not uncommon in the Bible. In translating “χρηματισμός (divine response)” the NIV and ESV add “God” (Romans 11:4) to convey that this divine response is from God. Also, in translating “χρηματίζω (divine admonishment)” the NASB and NKJV add “God” (Matthew 2:22) to convey that this divine admonishment is from God. Also, in translating “σέβομαι (devout)” the NASB adds “God” (Acts 13:43) to convey that these people are devout for God. Also, in translating “κορβαν (consecrated gift)” the NIV, ESV, and NASB add “God” (Mark 7:11) to convey that this gift is consecrated to God.

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