3 John 1:10

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

διὰ

G1223

Wherefore

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦτο

G5124

that thing

ἐὰν

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

ἔλθω

G2064

I come

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ὑπομνήσω

G5279

I will remember

to remind quietly, i.e., suggest to the (middle voice, one's own) memory

αὐτὸς

G846

he himself

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔργα

G2041

deeds

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

ἃ

G3739

which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#10

ποιεῖ

G4160

he doeth

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#11

λόγοις

G3056

with

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

#12

πονηροῖς

G4190

malicious words

hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455

#13

φλυαρῶν

G5396

prating against

to be a babbler or trifler, i.e., (by implication) to berate idly or mischievously

#14

ἡμᾶς

G2248

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#16

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#17

ἀρκούμενος

G714

content

properly, to ward off, i.e., (by implication) to avail (figuratively, be satisfactory)

#18

ἐπὶ

G1909

therewith

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#19

τούτοις

G5125

to (for, in, with or by) these (persons or things)

#20

οὔτε

G3777

neither

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

#21

αὐτὸς

G846

he himself

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#22

ἐπιδέχεται

G1926

doth

to admit (as a guest or (figuratively) teacher)

#23

τοὺς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#24

ἀδελφοὺς

G80

the brethren

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

#25

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#26

τοὺς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#27

βουλομένους

G1014

them that would

to "will," i.e., (reflexively) be willing

#28

κωλύει

G2967

forbiddeth

to estop, i.e., prevent (by word or act)

#29

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#30

ἐκ

G1537

them out of

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#31

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#32

ἐκκλησίας

G1577

the church

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

#33

ἐκβάλλει

G1544

casteth

to eject (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 3 John. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?