3 John 1:10
New International Version
So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.

New Living Translation
When I come, I will report some of the things he is doing and the evil accusations he is making against us. Not only does he refuse to welcome the traveling teachers, he also tells others not to help them. And when they do help, he puts them out of the church.

English Standard Version
So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.

Berean Standard Bible
So if I come, I will call attention to his malicious slander against us. And unsatisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and forbids those who want to do so, even putting them out of the church.

Berean Literal Bible
Because of this, if I might come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he is doing, speaking against us with evil words; and not being satisfied with these, neither he receives the brothers himself, and he forbids those purposing, and he casts them out from the church.

King James Bible
Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

New King James Version
Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.

New American Standard Bible
For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with malicious words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brothers either, and he forbids those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.

NASB 1995
For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church.

NASB 1977
For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, neither does he himself receive the brethren, and he forbids those who desire to do so, and puts them out of the church.

Legacy Standard Bible
For this reason, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his deeds which he does, unjustly disparaging us with wicked words. And not satisfied with this, he himself does not welcome the brothers either, and he forbids those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.

Amplified Bible
For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, unjustly accusing us with wicked words and unjustified charges. And not satisfied with this, he refuses to receive the [missionary] brothers himself, and also forbids those who want to [welcome them] and puts them out of the church.

Christian Standard Bible
This is why, if I come, I will remind him of the works he is doing, slandering us with malicious words. And he is not satisfied with that! He not only refuses to welcome fellow believers, but he even stops those who want to do so and expels them from the church.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
This is why, if I come, I will remind him of the works he is doing, slandering us with malicious words. And he is not satisfied with that! He not only refuses to welcome the brothers himself, but he even stops those who want to do so and expels them from the church.

American Standard Version
Therefore, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he doeth, prating against us with wicked words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and them that would he forbiddeth and casteth them out of the church.

Contemporary English Version
So if I come, I will remind him of how he has been attacking us with gossip. Not only has he been doing this, but he refuses to welcome any of the Lord's followers who come by. And when other church members want to welcome them, he puts them out of the church.

English Revised Version
Therefore, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he doeth, prating against us with wicked words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and them that would he forbiddeth, and casteth them out of the church.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
For this reason, when I come I will bring up what he's doing. He's not satisfied with saying malicious things about us. He also refuses to accept the believers [we send] as guests. He even tries to stop others who want to accept them and attempts to throw those people out of the congregation.

Good News Translation
When I come, then, I will bring up everything he has done: the terrible things he says about us and the lies he tells! But that is not enough for him; he will not receive the Christians when they come, and even stops those who want to receive them and tries to drive them out of the church!

International Standard Version
For this reason, when I come I will call attention to what he is doing in spreading false charges against us. And not content with that, he refuses to receive the brothers. He even tries to stop those who want to accept them and throws them out of the church.

Majority Standard Bible
So if I come, I will call attention to his malicious slander against us. And unsatisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and forbids those who want to do so, even putting them out of the church.

NET Bible
Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to the deeds he is doing--the bringing of unjustified charges against us with evil words! And not being content with that, he not only refuses to welcome the brothers himself, but hinders the people who want to do so and throws them out of the church!

New Heart English Bible
Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, neither does he himself receive the brothers, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the church.

Webster's Bible Translation
Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content with that, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

Weymouth New Testament
For this reason, if I come, I shall not forget his conduct, nor his idle and mischievous talk against us. And he does not stop there: he not only will not receive the brethren, but those who desire to do this he hinders, and excludes them from the Church.

World English Bible
Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, he doesn’t receive the brothers himself, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
because of this, if I may come, I will cause him to remember his works that he does, talking nonsense against us with evil words; and not content with these, neither does he himself receive the brothers, and he forbids those intending [to receive them], and he casts [them] out of the assembly.

Berean Literal Bible
Because of this, if I might come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he is doing, speaking against us with evil words; and not being satisfied with these, neither he receives the brothers himself, and he forbids those purposing, and he casts them out from the church.

Young's Literal Translation
because of this, if I may come, I will cause him to remember his works that he doth, with evil words prating against us; and not content with these, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and those intending he doth forbid, and out of the assembly he doth cast.

Smith's Literal Translation
Therefore, if I should come, I will put him in mind of his works which he does, talking silly against us with evil words: and not being satisfied in these, neither does he himself receive the brethren, and hinders those being willing, and casts out of the church.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For this cause, if I come, I will advertise his works which he doth, with malicious words prating against us. And as if these things were not enough for him, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and them that do receive them he forbiddeth, and casteth out of the church.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Because of this, when I come, I will admonish his works which he does, babbling against us with malicious words. And as if this were not sufficient for him, he himself does not receive the brothers. And those who do receive them, he hinders, and he ejects them from the church.

New American Bible
Therefore, if I come, I will draw attention to what he is doing, spreading evil nonsense about us. And not content with that, he will not receive the brothers, hindering those who wish to do so and expelling them from the church.

New Revised Standard Version
So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing in spreading false charges against us. And not content with those charges, he refuses to welcome the friends, and even prevents those who want to do so and expels them from the church.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Therefore, if I come, I will mention the things which he did, gossiping against us with malicious words: and not content with this, he not only did not receive the brethren, but also forbade those who would like to receive them, and cast them out of the church.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Therefore, if I come, I will remember his works, which he did when he slandered us with wicked words; and when that was not enough for him, he did not receive the brethren, and those who do receive them, he forbids and throws out of the church.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Therefore, if I come, I will remember his works which he does, prating against us with malicious words: and not content with these things, he does not himself receive the brethren, but both for bids those who are willing, and casts them out of the church.

Godbey New Testament
On account of this, if I may come, I will remember his works which he is doing, berating us with wicked speeches: and not content with these, he does not receive the brethren, and he prohibits them wishing to receive them, and casts them out of the church.

Haweis New Testament
Therefore if I come I will remember his works which he doth, with wicked words prating against us; and not content with these things, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and those who are willing he hindereth, and casteth them out of the church.

Mace New Testament
for which reason, when I come, I shall animadvert upon his conduct, and the malicious aspersions he casts upon us: not contented with this, he will neither receive the brethren himself, nor suffer those who are better inclin'd, to do it; but drives them out of the church.

Weymouth New Testament
For this reason, if I come, I shall not forget his conduct, nor his idle and mischievous talk against us. And he does not stop there: he not only will not receive the brethren, but those who desire to do this he hinders, and excludes them from the Church.

Worrell New Testament
On this account, if I come, I will remember his works which he is doing, prating against us with evil words; and not content with these things, he neither himself receives the brethren, and those wishing to do so he forbids, and casts them out of the assembly.

Worsley New Testament
Therefore when I come, I will remember his deeds, prating against us with wicked words: and not content with these, he neither receiveth the brethren himself, nor suffers those that would; and casteth them out of the church.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Diotrephes and Demetrius
9I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction. 10So if I come, I will call attention to his malicious slander against us. And unsatisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and forbids those who want to do so, even putting them out of the church. 11Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.…

Cross References
Matthew 18:15-17
If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. / But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ / If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

1 Corinthians 5:11-13
But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. / What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? / God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”

Titus 3:10-11
Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition, / knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned.

2 Thessalonians 3:14-15
Take note of anyone who does not obey the instructions we have given in this letter. Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. / Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

1 Timothy 5:19-20
Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses. / But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin.

Romans 16:17-18
Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. / For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

2 John 1:9-11
Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son. / If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him. / Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.

Galatians 2:11-14
When Cephas came to Antioch, however, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. / For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself, for fear of those in the circumcision group. / The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. ...

1 Corinthians 4:18-21
Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. / But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only what these arrogant people are saying, but what power they have. / For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. ...

2 Timothy 4:14-15
Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds. / You too should beware of him, for he has vigorously opposed our message.

Acts 20:29-31
I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. / Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them. / Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

Matthew 7:15-20
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. / By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? / Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ...

1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: / haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, / a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, ...

Proverbs 10:18
The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.


Treasury of Scripture

Why, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither does he himself receive the brothers, and forbids them that would, and casts them out of the church.

I will.

1 Corinthians 5:1-5
It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife…

2 Corinthians 10:1-11
Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: …

2 Corinthians 13:2
I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:

prating.

Proverbs 10:8,10
The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall…

and casteth.

Isaiah 66:5
Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

Luke 6:22
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

John 9:22,34,35
These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue…

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Accusing Assembly Attention Casteth Church Conduct Content Deeds Desire Either Forbids Forget Idle Malicious Mischievous Prating Puts Reason Receive Remember Satisfied Stop Talk Therewith Throws Unjustly Wherefore Wicked Words
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Accusing Assembly Attention Casteth Church Conduct Content Deeds Desire Either Forbids Forget Idle Malicious Mischievous Prating Puts Reason Receive Remember Satisfied Stop Talk Therewith Throws Unjustly Wherefore Wicked Words
3 John 1
1. He commends Gaius for his piety,
5. and hospitality,
7. to true preachers;
9. complaining of the unkind dealing of ambitious Diotrephes on the contrary side;
11. whose evil example is not to be followed;
12. and gives special testimony to the good report of Demetrius.














So if I come
This phrase indicates the Apostle John's intention and authority as a leader in the early church. The Greek word for "come" (ἔρχομαι, erchomai) suggests a personal visit, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face confrontation in resolving issues within the church. Historically, this reflects the apostolic practice of direct involvement in church matters, underscoring the personal responsibility leaders have in maintaining doctrinal purity and community harmony.

I will call attention
The Greek term here (ὑπομνήσω, hypomnēsō) means to remind or bring to mind. John is asserting his role as a corrective force, highlighting the necessity of addressing sin and falsehood directly. This reflects the biblical principle of accountability within the church, where leaders are tasked with safeguarding the truth and ensuring that the community adheres to the teachings of Christ.

to what he is doing
This phrase points to specific actions that are contrary to Christian conduct. The Greek verb (ποιέω, poieō) implies ongoing behavior, suggesting that the individual in question is persistently engaging in harmful activities. This serves as a reminder of the destructive nature of unchecked sin within the church and the need for vigilance in addressing such issues.

spreading malicious rumors about us
The Greek word for "spreading" (φλυαρέω, phlyareō) conveys the idea of babbling or speaking nonsense. This highlights the destructive power of false speech and the importance of guarding one's tongue. Historically, the early church faced many challenges from false teachers and divisive individuals, making it crucial for leaders to protect the integrity of the community through truth and love.

Not content with that
This phrase indicates a deeper level of malice and dissatisfaction. The Greek word (ἀρκέω, arkeō) for "content" suggests sufficiency or satisfaction. The individual's actions go beyond mere gossip, revealing a heart that is restless and rebellious. This serves as a warning against the dangers of allowing discontentment to fester, leading to further sin and division.

he refuses to welcome the brothers
The refusal to offer hospitality (δέχομαι, dechomai) to fellow believers is a serious breach of Christian duty. In the early church, hospitality was a vital expression of love and unity, especially for traveling missionaries and teachers. This refusal not only hinders the spread of the Gospel but also disrupts the fellowship and support that believers are called to provide for one another.

and he stops those who want to do so
The Greek word for "stops" (κωλύω, kōlyō) implies active prevention. This action demonstrates a willful obstruction of good deeds, reflecting a heart opposed to the work of God. It serves as a cautionary tale about the influence one individual can have in hindering the mission of the church and the importance of standing firm against such opposition.

and puts them out of the church
The act of expulsion (ἐκβάλλω, ekballō) from the church community is a severe measure, typically reserved for unrepentant sin. This phrase underscores the gravity of the situation and the misuse of authority by the individual in question. It highlights the need for church leaders to exercise discernment and justice, ensuring that discipline is administered in accordance with biblical principles and always with the goal of restoration and reconciliation.

Ver. 10. - For this cause, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he doeth. The apostle is proceeding on the lines prescribed by Christ. He has remonstrated with Diotrephes privately; he has sent messengers to him to speak in his name, and Diotrephes has declined to receive them. There remains one step more, and St. John means to take it. "If he refuse to hear them, tell it unto the Church: and if he refuse to hear the Church also, let him be unto thee as the Gentile [ὁ ἐθνικός, as in verse 7] and the publican" (Matthew 18:17). Just as the missionary brethren bore witness before the Church to the Christian love of Gains, so the elder will bear witness before the Church to the arrogant hostility of Diotrephes. Once more we see that words may be works. He who sanctions teachers of false doctrine shares in their "evil works" (2 John 1:11); and the "works" of Diotrephes partly consist in "prating against us with evil words." The same word for "evil" is used in both cases πονηρός - the word used to express "the evil one;" the coincidence is significant. The insolent opposition to the apostle on the part of Diotrephes, and the severe language used by St. John in condemning him, stand almost alone in the New Testament. For a parallel to the latter we must look to our Lord's denunciation of the arrogant and hypocritical Pharisees who opposed him. The Pharisees, like Diotrephes, not merely refused to walk in the right path themselves, but hindered those who were entering upon it (Luke 11:52). They also "cast out" those who presumed to take a less narrow view than themselves (John 9:34, 35).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
So
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

if
ἐὰν (ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

I come,
ἔλθω (elthō)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

I will call attention to
ὑπομνήσω (hypomnēsō)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 5279: To remind, remember, call to mind. From hupo and mimnesko; to remind quietly, i.e. Suggest to the memory.

[his]
(ha)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

malicious
πονηροῖς (ponērois)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4190: Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful.

slander
φλυαρῶν (phlyarōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5396: From phluaros; to be a babbler or trifler, i.e. to berate idly or mischievously.

[against] us.
ἡμᾶς (hēmas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

unsatisfied
ἀρκούμενος (arkoumenos)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 714: To keep off, assist; I suffice; pass: To be satisfied. Apparently a primary verb; properly, to ward off, i.e. to avail.

with
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

that,
τούτοις (toutois)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

he refuses to welcome
ἐπιδέχεται (epidechetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1926: To accept, admit, welcome. From epi and dechomai; to admit (figuratively) teacher.

the
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

brothers
ἀδελφοὺς (adelphous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

forbids
κωλύει (kōlyei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2967: To prevent, debar, hinder; with infin: from doing so and so. From the base of kolazo; to estop, i.e. Prevent.

those who
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

want to do so,
βουλομένους (boulomenous)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1014: To will, intend, desire, wish. Middle voice of a primary verb; to 'will, ' i.e. be willing.

even
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

putting [them]
ἐκβάλλει (ekballei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1544: To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject.

out of
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

church.
ἐκκλησίας (ekklēsias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1577: From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.


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NT Letters: 3 John 1:10 Therefore if I come I will call (3J iiiJ 3Jn iii jn 3 jo)
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