3 John 1:10
What does 3 John 1:10 mean?
A plain-English look at 3 John 1:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 3 John 1:10 means
John promises to confront Diotrephes’s behavior if he comes: malicious talk against the apostles, refusal to welcome the brethren, hindering others who would receive them, and expelling them from the church. These are not minor lapses but a pattern of abusive leadership—slander, inhospitable control, and misuse of discipline to enforce his will. John’s resolve shows that love and truth require transparent correction to protect the flock and the mission. Apostolic authority is exercised not to dominate, but to stop domination. The verse warns that opposing Christ’s servants and stifling generosity is serious, and faithful oversight must expose and remedy such harm.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Therefore, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he doeth, prating against us with wicked words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and them that would he forbiddeth and casteth them out of the church.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Wherefore, 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Therefore, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he doeth, prating against us with wicked words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and them that would he forbiddeth and casteth them out of the church.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So if I come, I will keep in mind the things he does, talking against us with evil words: and as if this was not enough, he does not take the brothers into his house, and those who are ready to take them in, he keeps from doing so, putting them out of the church if they do.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862because of this, if I may come, I will cause him to remember his works that he doth, with evil words prating against us; and not content with these, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and those intending he doth forbid, and out of the assembly he doth cast.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For this cause, if I come, I will advertise his works which he doth; with malicious words prating against us. And as if these things were not enough for him, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and them that do receive them he forbiddeth, and casteth out of the church.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For this reason, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he does, babbling against us with wicked words; and not content with these, neither does he himself receive the brethren; and those who would he prevents, and casts [them] out of the assembly.
Context
Having reported Diotrephes’s proud refusal to receive apostolic input (v. 9), John now lists his concrete offenses and vows to address them (v. 10). This sobering assessment prepares the pastoral exhortation of verse 11, where John turns from rebuke to a call for wise imitation. The contrast also paves the way for the commendation of Demetrius (v. 12), giving the church a positive example to follow in place of Diotrephes’s destructive pattern.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 10:1
Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you:
- Proverbs 10:8
The wise in heart will receive commandments; But a prating fool shall fall.
- John 9:22
These things said his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man should confess him to be Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
- Luke 6:22
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.
- 1 Corinthians 5:1
It is actually reported that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not even among the Gentiles, that oneof you hath his father’s wife.
- 3 John 1:5
Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal;
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