2 John 1:10
What does 2 John 1:10 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 John 1:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 John 1:10 means
John applies the test: if someone comes and does not bring this teaching about Christ, do not receive that person into your house and do not extend a greeting. In a context where traveling teachers relied on Christian hospitality, such reception would signal endorsement and give a platform to error. John is not forbidding basic civility to all outsiders, but he does forbid granting fellowship and support to those denying Christ. “House” could mean a home or a house-church; either way, the boundary is clear. Love for God and the flock requires refusing to aid messages that undermine the gospel and endanger souls.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into your house, and give him no greeting:
KJV
King James Version · 1611If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into your house, and give him no greeting:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If anyone comes to you not having this teaching, do not take him into your house or give him words of love:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862if any one doth come unto you, and this teaching doth not bear, receive him not into the house, and say not to him, `Hail!'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752If any man come to you and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into the house nor say to him: God speed you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890If any one come to you and bring not this doctrine, do not receive him into [the] house, and greet him not;
Context
With the doctrinal standard established (v. 9), John now prescribes a protective practice—refuse hospitality to false teachers. This follows naturally from the call to vigilance (v. 8) and the identification of deceivers (v. 7). The instruction anticipates the rationale in verse 11: aiding such people implicates the helper in their deeds. This practical step ensures that love remains tied to truth and that the community does not become an unwitting partner in spreading destructive teaching.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:14
And if any man obeyeth not our word by this epistle, note that man, that ye have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed.
- Titus 3:10
A factious man after a first and second admonition refuse;
- 1 Corinthians 5:11
but as it is, I wrote unto you not to keep company, if any man that is named a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one no, not to eat.
- 2 John 1:11
for he that giveth him greeting partaketh in his evil works.
- 2 Timothy 3:5
holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof: from these also turn away.