3 John 1:12

Authorized King James Version

Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Δημητρίῳ
G1216
Demetrius
demetrius, the name of an ephesian and of a christian
#2
μαρτυροῦμεν
G3140
also bear record
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
#3
ὑπ'
G5259
of
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
#4
πάντων
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#5
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
ὑπ'
G5259
of
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
#7
αὐτῆς
G846
itself
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
#8
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἀληθείας·
G225
the truth
truth
#10
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
ἡμεῖς
G2249
we
we (only used when emphatic)
#12
δὲ
G1161
yea
but, and, etc
#13
μαρτυροῦμεν
G3140
also bear record
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
#14
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
οἴδατε
G1492
ye know
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#16
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#17
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
μαρτυρία
G3141
record
evidence given (judicially or genitive case)
#19
ἡμῶν
G2257
our
of (or from) us
#20
ἀληθής
G227
true
true (as not concealing)
#21
ἐστιν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing truth contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 truth. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection