3 John 1:3
What does 3 John 1:3 mean?
A plain-English look at 3 John 1:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 3 John 1:3 means
John rejoices greatly because traveling believers reported that Gaius is steadfastly living according to the truth. The commendation comes from witnesses who have seen Gaius’s conduct, confirming that his faith is not only professed but practiced. “Walking in truth” means ordering one’s life by the Gospel’s teaching—integrity, love, and faithfulness in tangible ways. John’s joy reveals a shepherd’s heart: nothing gladdens him more than to hear of a disciple’s consistent obedience. The verse reminds us that Christian reputation matters; others see and testify. Gaius’s life has become an encouragement to the wider church, and John publicly recognizes that grace at work in him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For I rejoiced greatly, when brethren came and bare witness unto thy truth, even as thou walkest in truth.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For I rejoiced greatly, when brethren came and bare witness unto thy truth, even as thou walkest in truth.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For it gave me great joy when some of the brothers came and gave witness that you had the true faith and were walking in the true way.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for I rejoiced exceedingly, brethren coming and testifying of the truth in thee, even as thou in truth dost walk;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I was exceedingly glad when the brethren came and gave testimony to the truth in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For I rejoiced exceedingly when [the] brethren came and bore testimony to thy [holding fast the] truth, even as thou walkest in truth.
Context
After offering a holistic prayer for Gaius’s well-being (v. 2), John explains the source of his joy: reliable reports of Gaius’s faithful life. This sets the stage for the climactic statement of pastoral delight in verse 4. It also provides the moral context for John’s commendation of Gaius’s hospitality to unknown brothers (vv. 5–8). The positive testimony about Gaius anticipates the negative example of Diotrephes (vv. 9–10), showing how walking in truth contrasts with loving preeminence and rejecting apostolic counsel.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Colossians 1:7
even as ye learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow-servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,
- Romans 1:8
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world.
- Philippians 1:4
always in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all making my supplication with joy,
- 2 Corinthians 7:6
Nevertheless he that comforteth the lowly, even God, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
- 1 Thessalonians 3:6
But when Timothy came even now unto us from you, and brought us glad tidings of your faith and love, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, longing to see us, even as we also to see you;
- Psalms 119:11
Thy word have I laid up in my heart, That I might not sin against thee.
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