3 John 1:7
What does 3 John 1:7 mean?
A plain-English look at 3 John 1:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 3 John 1:7 means
John explains why such support is fitting: these workers have gone out “for the sake of the Name,” a common early Christian way of referring to Jesus Christ. Their mission is Christ-centered, not self-serving. They also refuse financial backing from “the Gentiles,” meaning unbelievers, so that the Gospel is not confused with profit-seeking or indebted to pagan patronage. This practice safeguards the message’s integrity and the missionaries’ credibility. Therefore, it falls to believers to supply their needs. The verse elevates Christian hospitality into strategic partnership with Christ’s mission, aligning practical generosity with the honor of Jesus’ Name and the purity of the church’s witness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000because that for the sake of the Name they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901because that for the sake of the Name they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For they went out for love of the Name, taking nothing from the Gentiles.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862because for <FI>His<Fi> name they went forth, nothing receiving from the nations;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Because, for his name they went out, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for for the name have they gone forth, taking nothing of those of the nations.
Context
After urging Gaius to send the traveling brethren forward in a God-worthy manner (v. 6), John provides the theological and practical reason: their mission is for Christ’s Name and intentionally free from unbelieving support (v. 7). This rationale naturally leads to a corporate obligation in verse 8, where John broadens the responsibility to the church at large. The flow builds a case for intentional, discerning support of Gospel workers, setting up a striking contrast with Diotrephes’s hostile refusal (vv. 9–10).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 5:41
They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.
- 2 Corinthians 11:7
Or did I commit a sin in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I preached to you the gospel of God for nought?
- 2 Corinthians 12:13
For what is there wherein ye were made inferior to the rest of the churches, except it be that I myself was not a burden to you? forgive me this wrong.
- 1 Corinthians 9:18
What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel without charge, so as not to use to the full my right in the gospel.
- Acts 9:16
for I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
- Acts 8:4
They therefore that were scattered abroad went about preaching the word.
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