1The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth. [1:2] Beloved, I pray that in all things you prosper and are in good health, just as your soul prospers. [1:3] For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and testified to your truth — just as you walk in truth. [1:4] I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
3JN 1:1-4
A Greeting from the Elder
In the world it was spoken into
In the first-century Greco-Roman world, letters often began with a formal greeting that established the relationship between the sender and recipient. The term 'elder' would have signaled to Gaius that the sender held a position of authority and respect within the community, likely as a leader in the early Christian movement. The use of 'beloved' conveyed a deep, personal affection, suggesting Gaius was not just a fellow believer but someone held in high esteem, akin to a cherished family member. The elder’s prayer for Gaius to 'prosper and be in good health' reflects a common Hellenistic epistolary convention, blending physical well-being with spiritual flourishing. The mention of 'brothers' bearing witness to Gaius’s faithfulness highlights the communal nature of early Christianity, where personal conduct was seen as a testimony to the truth of the gospel. The elder’s joy over Gaius’s spiritual 'children' walking in the truth underscores the familial language used to describe discipleship, emphasizing continuity and faithfulness in the community.
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How other translations render this
3JN 1:1
- KJV
- The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
- BSB
- The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:
- Koinōnos
- The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.
3JN 1:2
- KJV
- Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
- BSB
- Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.
- Koinōnos
- Beloved, I pray that in all things you prosper and are in good health, just as your soul prospers.
3JN 1:3
- KJV
- For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
- BSB
- For I was overjoyed when the brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in which you continue to walk.
- Koinōnos
- For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and testified to your truth — just as you walk in truth.
3JN 1:4
- KJV
- I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
- BSB
- I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
- Koinōnos
- I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
3JN 1:1
- elder:The word translated 'elder' here refers to a position of leadership and mature authority within the early Christian community, not simply an older person.
- beloved:The term translated 'beloved' conveys a deep, affectionate love, often used to describe a unique and cherished relationship, like that of an only child.
3JN 1:2
- to do well:The phrase 'to do well' literally means 'to have a good journey' or 'to prosper on the way,' suggesting success and well-being in one's endeavors.
3JN 1:4
- children:The word translated 'children' emphasizes a natural, biological relationship, but in this context, it is used metaphorically to describe spiritual offspring or disciples.