3 John 1:5
What does 3 John 1:5 mean?
A plain-English look at 3 John 1:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 3 John 1:5 means
John commends Gaius for faithfully serving both known believers and “strangers”—traveling Christians he had not previously met. Such hospitality is not mere politeness; it is faithful work done unto God. Gaius’s actions embody love and trust in the truth, receiving those who belong to Christ even without prior familiarity. The phrase “whatsoever thou doest” suggests a broad, diligent care—meeting needs generously and reliably. In the early church, itinerant teachers and missionaries depended on such support. Gaius’s welcome shows discernment aligned with the Gospel, not gullibility. His faithfulness here demonstrates that real devotion to truth overflows in tangible, sacrificial service to God’s people.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949My loved one, you are doing a good work in being kind to those brothers who come from other places;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Beloved, faithfully dost thou do whatever thou mayest work to the brethren and to the strangers,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Dearly beloved, thou dost faithfully whatever thou dost for the brethren: and that for strangers,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Beloved, thou doest faithfully [in] whatever thou mayest have wrought towards the brethren and that strangers,
Context
After expressing pastoral joy at Gaius’s walk in truth (vv. 3–4), John turns to a specific example of that walk: generous hospitality to fellow believers, even when they are strangers (v. 5). This prepares the next verse, where John notes that these travelers testified publicly about Gaius’s love and urges further support (v. 6). The emphasis on faithful hospitality contrasts sharply with Diotrephes’s later refusal to receive the brethren (vv. 9–10), sharpening the moral and relational stakes of the letter.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Galatians 6:10
So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.
- Colossians 3:17
And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
- Luke 12:42
And the Lord said, Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall set over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?
- Matthew 24:45
Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath set over his household, to give them their food in due season?
- 2 Corinthians 4:1
Therefore seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we faint not:
- Luke 16:10
He that is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much: and he that is unrighteous in a very little is unrighteous also in much.
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