3 John 1

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 1 of 1

1 The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.

2 Beloved one, in regard to all things, I pray for you to prosper and to be in health, even as your soul prospers.

3 For I rejoiced greatly at the coming of the brothers, also bearing witness of you in the truth, as you walk in truth.

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Chapter Summary

1 He commends Gaius for his piety, 5 and hospitality 7 to true preachers, 12 and gives special testimony to the good report of Demetrius.

Key Greek Words

ἀλήθεια truth G225
ἀγαπητός beloved G27
μαρτυρέω bear witness G3140
περιπατέω walk G4043
ἐκκλησία assembly G1577
ἀγάπη love G26

People & Context

The Elder

Author of the letter (the apostle John), writing to his beloved Gaius and bearing witness to the truth

Gaius

The beloved recipient, commended for walking in truth and for hospitality to traveling brothers

Diotrephes

One loving to be first, who rejects the elder, slanders him, and casts hospitable believers out of the assembly

Demetrius

A man well attested by all and by the truth itself, given good testimony by the elder

Timeline

Personal Greeting to Gaius

The elder writes to his beloved Gaius, praying that he may prosper and be in health even as his soul prospers, expressing deep personal care for both his physical and spiritual wellbeing.

3 John 1:1-2
Joy in Gaius Walking in Truth

The elder rejoices greatly upon hearing from visiting brothers that Gaius walks in truth, declaring he has no greater joy than to hear that his spiritual children walk in the truth.

3 John 1:3-4
Gaius's Faithful Hospitality

Gaius is commended for his faithful service in hosting both brothers and strangers who have testified to his love before the assembly, demonstrating his commitment to the truth through practical generosity.

3 John 1:5-6

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Word-for-word literal translation with Greek interlinear, Strong's numbers, and audio.

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