9I wrote something to the assembly, but Diotrephes — the one loving to be first among them — does not receive us. [1:10] For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his works which he does, prating against us with evil words; and not being satisfied with that, he himself does not receive the brothers, and he hinders those wishing to and throws them out of the assembly. [1:11] Beloved, do not imitate evil but good. The one doing good is from God; the one doing evil has not seen God. [1:12] Demetrius has been testified to by all and by the truth itself — and we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
3JN 1:9-12
Diotrephes and Demetrius
In the world it was spoken into
In the first-century Greco-Roman world, leadership within early Christian communities often mirrored the hierarchical structures of Roman society, where honor and status were highly valued. Diotrephes’ behavior reflects this cultural context, as his desire to be first aligns with the Roman pursuit of preeminence and control. His refusal to welcome the author and his malicious prating against them suggest a misuse of authority, likely to consolidate his own power. This behavior would have been recognizable to the original audience as a breach of the communal hospitality expected in early Christian gatherings, where unity and mutual care were paramount. The author’s contrast between Diotrephes and Demetrius, who is commended for his good character and alignment with the truth, underscores the tension between self-serving leadership and genuine, God-honoring conduct. The call to imitate what is good rather than evil reflects the ethical teaching common in early Christian communities, emphasizing behavior that aligns with the character of God.
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How other translations render this
3JN 1:9
- KJV
- I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
- BSB
- I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction.
- Koinōnos
- I wrote something to the assembly, but Diotrephes — the one loving to be first among them — does not receive us.
3JN 1:10
- KJV
- Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
- BSB
- So if I come, I will call attention to his malicious slander against us. And unsatisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and forbids those who want to do so, even putting them out of the church.
- Koinōnos
- For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his works which he does, prating against us with evil words; and not being satisfied with that, he himself does not receive the brothers, and he hinders those wishing to and throws them out of the assembly.
3JN 1:11
- KJV
- Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
- BSB
- Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
- Koinōnos
- Beloved, do not imitate evil but good. The one doing good is from God; the one doing evil has not seen God.
3JN 1:12
- KJV
- Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
- BSB
- Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true.
- Koinōnos
- Demetrius has been testified to by all and by the truth itself — and we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
3JN 1:9
- loving to be first:The phrase translated 'loving to be first' describes someone who actively seeks preeminence and desires to be the leader, often to the exclusion of others.
3JN 1:10
- prating against:The word translated 'prating against' suggests speaking foolishly, idly, or with malicious gossip, often without substance or truth.
- being satisfied:The term translated 'being satisfied' implies that someone finds something sufficient or adequate, often in a way that prevents them from doing more or accepting help.
3JN 1:11
- do imitate:The word translated 'do imitate' carries the sense of mimicking or emulating someone's behavior, often with the goal of reproducing their actions or character.