3 John 1:12
What does 3 John 1:12 mean?
A plain-English look at 3 John 1:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 3 John 1:12 means
John commends Demetrius with a threefold testimony: approval from “all men,” a life that accords with “the truth itself,” and John’s own reliable witness. Such layered affirmation marks him as worthy of trust and likely identifies him as the letter’s bearer. Demetrius stands as a living counterexample to Diotrephes—humble, truthful, and well-spoken-of. When truth shapes a person, it shows: character, reputation, and apostolic confirmation align. John appeals to Gaius’s discernment—“you know our witness is true”—so that Gaius will receive Demetrius and align with him. This is how the church recognizes servants who should be welcomed and supported.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Demetrius hath the witness of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, we also bear witness; and thou knowest that our witness is true.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Demetrius 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Demetrius hath the witness of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, we also bear witness; and thou knowest that our witness is true.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Demetrius has the approval of all men and of what is true: and we give the same witness, and you are certain that our witness is true.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862to Demetrius testimony hath been given by all, and by the truth itself, and we also--we do testify, and ye have known that our testimony is true.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752To Demetrius, testimony is given by all, and by the truth itself: yea and we also give testimony. And thou knowest that our testimony is true.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Demetrius has witness borne to him by all, and by the truth itself; and we also bear witness, and thou knowest that our witness is true.
Context
John has warned against imitating evil and urged the pursuit of good (v. 11). He now presents Demetrius as a concrete embodiment of that good, bearing universal and apostolic commendation (v. 12). This positive example counters the influence of Diotrephes and fortifies Gaius to continue faithful hospitality. With the leadership issue clarified, John turns to close the letter with personal remarks about future fellowship and mutual greetings (vv. 13–14), maintaining relational bonds despite the conflict.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 21:24
This is the disciple that beareth witness of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his witness is true.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:12
that ye may walk becomingly toward them that are without, and may have need of nothing.
- John 19:35
And he that hath seen hath borne witness, and his witness is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye also may believe.
- 1 Timothy 3:7
Moreover he must have good testimony from them that are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
- Acts 10:22
And they said, Cornelius a centurion, a righteous man and one that feareth God, and well reported of by all the nation of the Jews, was warned of God by a holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words from thee.
- Acts 22:12
And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well reported of by all the Jews that dwelt there,
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