The Meaning of 3 John 1:10 Explained

3 John 1:10

KJV: 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.

YLT: 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.

Darby: For this reason, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he does, babbling against us with wicked words; and not content with these, neither does he himself receive the brethren; and those who would he prevents, and casts them out of the assembly.

ASV: 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.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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. 

What does 3 John 1:10 Mean?

Verse Meaning

The apostle promised and warned that whenever he might visit that congregation he would point out Diotrephes" sinful behavior, assuming it continued. Specifically, Diotrephes was charging John falsely to elevate himself. Worse than that he was not giving hospitality to visiting brethren, as Gaius was, perhaps because he saw them as a threat to himself. Third, he intimidated others in the church and forced them to stop welcoming these men.
"Diotrephes was condemned not because he violated sound teaching regarding the person and nature of Jesus Christ but because his "life" was a contradiction to the truth of the gospel." [1]
"The verb ekballei, in the present tense again (literally, "he throws out"), need not imply formal excommunication from the Church, as this became known later. Cf. Matthew 18:17; Luke 6:22; John 9:34-35; 1 Corinthians 5:2. On the other hand, it seems as if Diotrephes had already arrogated to himself the task of "expulsion," and was actually driving people out of the congregation (as he had refused to welcome the brothers) rather than merely desiring to do so ..." [2]
Obviously Gaius did not bow to his wishes, showing that he had strength of character and probably influence in the church. With this epistle John threw his support behind Gaius and against Diotrephes.

Context Summary

3 John 1:1-14 - The Apostle's Joy
Again we meet the words love and truth. Transparency of speech and life is an essential condition of soul health. It would not be desirable to express the wish of 3 John 1:2 to all our friends, because if their bodies were to correspond to the condition of their souls, they would suddenly fall into ill-health. In the old legend mirrors were blurred with mist when any approached who were out of harmony with truth, 3 John 1:4.
The Christian must always act worthily of God, especially toward strangers, 3 John 1:5-6. "For the sake of the Name," 3 John 1:7, r.v.-as children we must maintain the family honor. Such hospitality makes us fellow-workers with the truth. There is a Boanergic touch in 3 John 1:10. The threefold witness to Demetrius should stir our desire to emulate his character. What will it not be when the dimness of earthly converse is exchanged for the face-to-face intercourse of eternity! 3 John 1:14 [source]

Chapter Summary: 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

Greek Commentary for 3 John 1:10

If I come [εαν ελτω]
Condition of third class with εαν — ean and second aorist active subjunctive of ερχομαι — erchomai He hopes to come (3 John 1:14), as he had said in 2 John 1:12 (one argument for identifying 2 John with the letter in 3 John 1:9). [source]
I will bring to remembrance [υπομνησω]
Future active indicative of υπομιμνησκω — hupomimnēskō old compound (John 14:26; 2 Peter 1:12). The aged apostle is not afraid of Diotrephes and here defies him.Which he doeth (α ποιει — ha poiei). Present active indicative, “which he keeps on doing.”Prating against us Present active participle of old verb (from πλυαρος — phluaros babbling 1 Timothy 5:13), to accuse idly and so falsely, here only in N.T. with accusative ημας — hēmās (us).With wicked words (λογοις πονηροις — logois ponērois). Instrumental case. Not simply foolish chatter, but malevolent words.Not content Present passive participle of αρκεω — arkeō with usual negative μη — mē For this verb in this sense see 1 Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5, only there επι — epi is absent. John knows that the conduct of Diotrephes will not stand the light. See Paul‘s threats of exposure (1 Corinthians 4:21; 2 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Corinthians 13:1-3). And John is the apostle of love all the same.He himself (αυτος — autos). That was bad enough.Them that would “Those willing or wishing or receive the brethren” from John.He forbiddeth (κωλυει — kōluei). “He hinders.” Present active indicative of κωλυω — kōluō and means either actual success in one case (punctiliar use of the present indicative) or repetition in several instances (linear action) or conative action attempted, but not successful as in Matthew 3:14 (this same verb) and John 10:32.Casteth them out of the church Here again εκβαλλει — ekballei can be understood in various ways, like κωλυει — kōluei This verb occurs in John 2:15 for casting out of the temple the profaners of it and for casting the blind man out of the synagogue (John 9:34.). If this ancient “church-boss” did not succeed in expelling John‘s adherents from the church, he certainly tried to do it. [source]
Which he doeth [α ποιει]
Present active indicative, “which he keeps on doing.” [source]
Prating against us [πλυαρων ημας]
Present active participle of old verb (from πλυαρος — phluaros babbling 1 Timothy 5:13), to accuse idly and so falsely, here only in N.T. with accusative ημας — hēmās (us).With wicked words (λογοις πονηροις — logois ponērois). Instrumental case. Not simply foolish chatter, but malevolent words.Not content Present passive participle of αρκεω — arkeō with usual negative μη — mē For this verb in this sense see 1 Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5, only there επι — epi is absent. John knows that the conduct of Diotrephes will not stand the light. See Paul‘s threats of exposure (1 Corinthians 4:21; 2 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Corinthians 13:1-3). And John is the apostle of love all the same.He himself (αυτος — autos). That was bad enough.Them that would “Those willing or wishing or receive the brethren” from John.He forbiddeth (κωλυει — kōluei). “He hinders.” Present active indicative of κωλυω — kōluō and means either actual success in one case (punctiliar use of the present indicative) or repetition in several instances (linear action) or conative action attempted, but not successful as in Matthew 3:14 (this same verb) and John 10:32.Casteth them out of the church Here again εκβαλλει — ekballei can be understood in various ways, like κωλυει — kōluei This verb occurs in John 2:15 for casting out of the temple the profaners of it and for casting the blind man out of the synagogue (John 9:34.). If this ancient “church-boss” did not succeed in expelling John‘s adherents from the church, he certainly tried to do it. [source]
With wicked words [λογοις πονηροις]
Instrumental case. Not simply foolish chatter, but malevolent words. [source]
Not content [μη αρκουμενος]
Present passive participle of αρκεω — arkeō with usual negative μη — mē For this verb in this sense see 1 Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5, only there επι — epi is absent. John knows that the conduct of Diotrephes will not stand the light. See Paul‘s threats of exposure (1 Corinthians 4:21; 2 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Corinthians 13:1-3). And John is the apostle of love all the same.He himself (αυτος — autos). That was bad enough.Them that would “Those willing or wishing or receive the brethren” from John.He forbiddeth (κωλυει — kōluei). “He hinders.” Present active indicative of κωλυω — kōluō and means either actual success in one case (punctiliar use of the present indicative) or repetition in several instances (linear action) or conative action attempted, but not successful as in Matthew 3:14 (this same verb) and John 10:32.Casteth them out of the church Here again εκβαλλει — ekballei can be understood in various ways, like κωλυει — kōluei This verb occurs in John 2:15 for casting out of the temple the profaners of it and for casting the blind man out of the synagogue (John 9:34.). If this ancient “church-boss” did not succeed in expelling John‘s adherents from the church, he certainly tried to do it. [source]
He himself [αυτος]
That was bad enough. [source]
Them that would [τους βουλομενους]
“Those willing or wishing or receive the brethren” from John.He forbiddeth (κωλυει — kōluei). “He hinders.” Present active indicative of κωλυω — kōluō and means either actual success in one case (punctiliar use of the present indicative) or repetition in several instances (linear action) or conative action attempted, but not successful as in Matthew 3:14 (this same verb) and John 10:32.Casteth them out of the church Here again εκβαλλει — ekballei can be understood in various ways, like κωλυει — kōluei This verb occurs in John 2:15 for casting out of the temple the profaners of it and for casting the blind man out of the synagogue (John 9:34.). If this ancient “church-boss” did not succeed in expelling John‘s adherents from the church, he certainly tried to do it. [source]
He forbiddeth [κωλυει]
“He hinders.” Present active indicative of κωλυω — kōluō and means either actual success in one case (punctiliar use of the present indicative) or repetition in several instances (linear action) or conative action attempted, but not successful as in Matthew 3:14 (this same verb) and John 10:32. [source]
Casteth them out of the church [εκ της εκκλησιας εκβαλλει]
Here again εκβαλλει — ekballei can be understood in various ways, like κωλυει — kōluei This verb occurs in John 2:15 for casting out of the temple the profaners of it and for casting the blind man out of the synagogue (John 9:34.). If this ancient “church-boss” did not succeed in expelling John‘s adherents from the church, he certainly tried to do it. [source]
Prating [φλυαρῶν]
From φλύω tobubble up or boil over. Hence of talk which is both fluent and empty. Compare the kindred adjective φλύαροι tattlers 1 Timothy 5:13. [source]
Them that would []
Those who were disposed to receive the strangers. [source]
Casteth them out []
By excommunication, which, through his influence, he had power to bring about. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 3 John 1:10

John 12:31 Shall be cast out [ἐκβληθήσεται ἔξω]
In every case but one where the word ἐκβάλλω occurs in John, it is used of casting out from a holy place or society. See John 2:15; John 9:34, John 9:3; 3 John 1:10; Revelation 12:2. Compare John 10:4. [source]
John 4:11 Sir [Κυριε]
So it has to mean here in the mouth of the Samaritan woman, not Lord. Thou hast nothing to draw with and the well is deep This broken construction of ουτεκαι — oute -Αντλημα — kai (neither - and) occurs in N.T. elsewhere only in 3 John 1:10. αντλεω — Antlēma (from πρεαρ — antleō to draw) is a late word for that which is drawn, then (Plutarch) for the act of drawing, and then for the rope as here to draw with. This well “The water the living,” with the article referring to the language of Jesus in John 4:10. She is still thinking only of literal water. [source]
John 14:26 Whom [ο]
Grammatical neuter, but “whom” is correct translation. The Father will send the Holy Spirit (John 14:16; Luke 24:49; Acts 2:33), but so will the Son (John 15:26; John 16:7) as Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit upon the disciples (John 20:22). There is no contradiction in this relation of the Persons in the Trinity (the Procession of the Holy Spirit). Here the Holy Spirit (full title as in Mark 3:29; Matthew 12:32; Luke 12:10) is identified with the Paraclete. He Emphatic demonstrative pronoun and masculine like παρακλητος — paraklētos Shall teach you all things The Holy Spirit knows “the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10) and he is our Teacher in the Dispensation of the Holy Spirit of both new truth (John 14:25) and old. Bring to your remembrance Future active indicative of υπομιμνησκω — hupomimnēskō old verb to remind, to recall, here only in this Gospel (cf. 3 John 1:10; 2 Timothy 2:14) and with two accusatives (person and thing). After pentecost the disciples will be able better to recall and to understand what Jesus had said (how dull they had been at times) and to be open to new revelations from God (cf. Peter at Joppa and Caesarea). [source]
1 Timothy 5:13 Tattlers [φλύαροι]
N.T.oComp. 4Macc. 5:10. The verb φλυαρεῖν toprate, 3 John 1:10. [source]
1 Timothy 5:13 They learn to be idle [αργαι μαντανουσιν]
There is no ειναι — einai (to be) in the Greek. This very idiom without ειναι — einai after μαντανω — manthanō occurs in Plato and Dio Chrysostom, though unusual. Αργαι — Argai (idle) is old adjective See note on Matthew 20:3 and note on Titus 1:12. Going about (περιερχομεναι — perierchomenai). Present middle participle of περιερχομαι — perierchomai old compound verb. See note on Acts 19:13 of strollers. From house to house Literally “the houses,” “wandering around the houses.” Vivid picture of idle tattlers and gossipers. But tattlers also (αλλα και πλυαροι — alla kai phluaroi). Old word from πλυω — phluō (to boil up, to throw up bubbles, like blowing soap bubbles). Only here in N.T. Πλυαρεω — Phluareō in 3 John 1:10 only in N.T. And busybodies Old word (from περι εργον — periπεριεργαζομαι — ergon), busy about trifles to the neglect of important matters. In N.T. only here and Acts 19:19. See note on 2 Thessalonians 3:11 for τα μη δεοντα — periergazomai Things which they ought not (α μη δει — ta mē deonta). “The not necessary things,” and, as a result, often harmful. See note on Titus 1:11 ha mē dei (which things are not necessary). [source]
1 Timothy 5:13 From house to house [τας οικιας]
Literally “the houses,” “wandering around the houses.” Vivid picture of idle tattlers and gossipers. But tattlers also (αλλα και πλυαροι — alla kai phluaroi). Old word from πλυω — phluō (to boil up, to throw up bubbles, like blowing soap bubbles). Only here in N.T. Πλυαρεω — Phluareō in 3 John 1:10 only in N.T. And busybodies Old word (from περι εργον — periπεριεργαζομαι — ergon), busy about trifles to the neglect of important matters. In N.T. only here and Acts 19:19. See note on 2 Thessalonians 3:11 for τα μη δεοντα — periergazomai Things which they ought not (α μη δει — ta mē deonta). “The not necessary things,” and, as a result, often harmful. See note on Titus 1:11 ha mē dei (which things are not necessary). [source]
1 Timothy 5:13 But tattlers also [αλλα και πλυαροι]
Old word from πλυω — phluō (to boil up, to throw up bubbles, like blowing soap bubbles). Only here in N.T. Πλυαρεω — Phluareō in 3 John 1:10 only in N.T. [source]
1 John 2:9 His brother [τὸν ἀδελφόν]
His fellow-Christian. The singular, brother, is characteristic of this Epistle. See 1 John 2:10, 1 John 2:11; 1 John 3:10, 1 John 3:15, 1 John 3:17; 1 John 4:20, 1 John 4:21; 1 John 5:16. Christians are called in the New Testament, Christians (Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16), mainly by those outside of the Christian circle. Disciples, applied to all followers of Christ (John 2:11; John 6:61) and strictly to the twelve (John 13:5sqq.). In Acts 19:1, to those who had received only John's baptism. Not found in John's Epistles nor in Revelation. Brethren. The first title given to the body of believers after the Ascension (Acts 1:15, where the true reading is ἀδελφῶν brethrenfor μαθητῶν disciples). See Acts 9:30; Acts 10:23; Acts 11:29; 1 Thessalonians 4:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 1 John 3:14; 3 John 1:5, 3 John 1:10; John 21:23. Peter has ἡ ἀδελφότης thebrotherhood (1 Peter 2:17; 1 Peter 5:9). The believers. Under three forms: The believers ( οἱ πιστοί ; Acts 10:45; 1 Timothy 4:12); they that believe ( οἱ πιστεύοντες ; 1 Peter 2:7; 1 Thessalonians 1:7; Ephesians 1:19); they that believed ( οἱ πιστεύσαντες ; Acts 2:44; Acts 4:32; Hebrews 4:3). The saints ( οἱ ἅγιοι ); characteristic of Paul and Revelation. Four times in the Acts (Acts 9:13, Acts 9:32, Acts 9:41; Acts 26:10), and once in Jude (Judges 1:3). Also Hebrews 6:10; Hebrews 13:24. In Paul, 1 Corinthians 6:1; 1 Corinthians 14:33; Ephesians 1:1, Ephesians 1:15, etc. In Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:3, Revelation 8:4; Revelation 11:18, etc.|Until now ( ἕως ἄρτι )|Though the light has been increasing, and though he may claim that he has been in the light from the first. The phrase occurs in John 2:10; John 5:17; John 16:24; and is used by Paul, 1 Corinthians 4:13; 1 Corinthians 8:7; 1 Corinthians 15:6.| [source]
3 John 1:9 Receiveth us not [ουκ επιδεχεται ημας]
Present active indicative of this old compound, in N.T. only here and 3 John 1:10. Diotrephes refused to accept John‘s authority or those who sided with him, John‘s missionaries or delegates (cf. Matthew 10:40). [source]
3 John 1:9 Who loveth to have the preeminence among them [ο πιλοπρωτευων αυτων]
Present active articular participle of a late verb, so far found only here and in ecclesiastical writers (the example cited by Blass being an error, Deissmann, Light etc., p. 76), from πιλοπρωτος — philoprōtos fond of being first (Plutarch), and made like πιλοπονεω — philoponeō (papyri), to be fond of toil. This ambition of Diotrephes does not prove that he was a bishop over elders, as was true in the second century (as Ignatius shows). He may have been an elder (bishop) or deacon, but clearly desired to rule the whole church. Some forty years ago I wrote an article on Diotrephes for a denominational paper. The editor told me that twenty-five deacons stopped the paper to show their resentment against being personally attacked in the paper.Receiveth us not (ουκ επιδεχεται ημας — ouk epidechetai hēmās). Present active indicative of this old compound, in N.T. only here and 3 John 1:10. Diotrephes refused to accept John‘s authority or those who sided with him, John‘s missionaries or delegates (cf. Matthew 10:40). [source]

What do the individual words in 3 John 1:10 mean?

Because of this if I might come I will bring to remembrance of him the works which he is doing with words evil prating against us and not being satisfied with these neither himself he receives the brothers those purposing he forbids from the church he casts [them] out
διὰ τοῦτο ἐὰν ἔλθω ὑπομνήσω αὐτοῦ τὰ ἔργα ποιεῖ λόγοις πονηροῖς φλυαρῶν ἡμᾶς καὶ μὴ ἀρκούμενος ἐπὶ τούτοις οὔτε αὐτὸς ἐπιδέχεται τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς τοὺς βουλομένους κωλύει ἐκ τῆς ἐκκλησίας ἐκβάλλει

διὰ  Because  of 
Parse: Preposition
Root: διά  
Sense: through.
τοῦτο  this 
Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: οὗτος  
Sense: this.
ἔλθω  I  might  come 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: ἔρχομαι  
Sense: to come.
ὑπομνήσω  I  will  bring  to  remembrance 
Parse: Verb, Future Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: ὑπομιμνῄσκω  
Sense: to cause one to remember, bring to remembrance, recall to mind: to another.
αὐτοῦ  of  him 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
ἔργα  works 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root: ἔργον  
Sense: business, employment, that which any one is occupied.
ποιεῖ  he  is  doing 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ποιέω  
Sense: to make.
λόγοις  with  words 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: λόγος  
Sense: of speech.
πονηροῖς  evil 
Parse: Adjective, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: πονηρός  
Sense: full of labours, annoyances, hardships.
φλυαρῶν  prating  against 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: φλυαρέω  
Sense: to utter nonsense, talk idly, prate.
ἡμᾶς  us 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Accusative 1st Person Plural
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
ἀρκούμενος  being  satisfied 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ἀρκέω  
Sense: to be possessed of unfailing strength.
τούτοις  these 
Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Dative Neuter Plural
Root: οὗτος  
Sense: this.
οὔτε  neither 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: οὔτε  
Sense: neither, and not.
αὐτὸς  himself 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
ἐπιδέχεται  he  receives 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἐπιδέχομαι  
Sense: to receive hospitality.
ἀδελφοὺς  brothers 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀδελφός  
Sense: a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother.
τοὺς  those 
Parse: Article, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
βουλομένους  purposing 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: βούλομαι  
Sense: to will deliberately, have a purpose, be minded.
κωλύει  he  forbids 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: κωλύω  
Sense: to hinder, prevent forbid.
ἐκκλησίας  church 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: ἐκκλησία  
Sense: a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly.
ἐκβάλλει  he  casts  [them]  out 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἐκβάλλω  
Sense: to cast out, drive out, to send out.