3 John 1:8
What does 3 John 1:8 mean?
A plain-English look at 3 John 1:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 3 John 1:8 means
John concludes that believers “ought” to receive and support such workers so that, through practical help, they become “fellow-workers for the truth.” Hospitality is not secondary to the mission; it is participation in it. Those who give lodging, food, funds, and encouragement share in the advance of the Gospel. The verse dignifies every quiet act that sustains Christ’s servants, reminding the church that partnership is multi-layered. Not all preach, but all can help, and in doing so truly labor together for truth. This duty flows from love for Christ and respect for the message, knitting local believers to the wider work of God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000We therefore ought to welcome such, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth.
KJV
King James Version · 1611We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901We therefore ought to welcome such, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So it is right for us to take in such men as guests, so that we may take our part in the work of the true faith.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862we, then, ought to receive such, that fellow-workers we may become to the truth.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752We therefore ought to receive such: that we may be fellow helpers of the truth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow-workers with the truth.
Context
Having shown that the missionaries serve the Name and avoid pagan sponsorship (v. 7), John draws the practical inference: Christians must support them and thus share in their labor (v. 8). This commendation of partnership sets a bright backdrop for the rebuke to come. The next verses expose Diotrephes, who not only rejects John’s authority but also disrupts such hospitality (vv. 9–10). The contrast highlights the difference between gospel-shaped leadership and self-serving control that hinders the truth’s advance.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 11:7
and he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee?
- Matthew 10:14
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, as ye go forth out of that house or that city, shake off the dust of your feet.
- Philippians 4:3
Yea, I beseech thee also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
- 2 Corinthians 6:1
And working together with him we entreat also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain
- Philemon 1:2
and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in thy house:
- Matthew 10:40
He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
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