3 John 1:11

Authorized King James Version

Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ἀγαπητέ,

G27

Beloved

beloved

μὴ

G3361

not

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

μιμοῦ

G3401

to imitate

τὸ

G3588

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

κακὸν

G2556

that which is evil

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τὸ

G3588

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

ἀγαθόν

G18

that which is good

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

ὁ

G3588

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

#10

ἀγαθοποιῶν

G15

He that doeth good

to be a well-doer (as a favor or a duty)

#11

ἐκ

G1537

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

#12

τοῦ

G3588

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

#13

Θεόν

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#14

ἐστιν·

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#15

ὁ

G3588

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

#16

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

#17

κακοποιῶν

G2554

he that doeth evil

to be a bad-doer, i.e., (objectively) to injure, or (genitive) to sin

#18

οὐχ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#19

ἑώρακεν

G3708

hath

by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear

#20

τὸν

G3588

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

#21

Θεόν

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 3 John, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to 3 John's theological argument.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood love. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on love address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?