3 John 1:5

Authorized King James Version

Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἀγαπητέ,
G27
Beloved
beloved
#2
πιστὸν
G4103
faithfully
objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful
#3
ποιεῖς
G4160
thou doest
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#4
ὃ
G3739
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#5
ἐὰν
G1437
whatsoever
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#6
ἐργάσῃ
G2038
thou doest
to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc
#7
εἰς
G1519
to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#8
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἀδελφοὺς
G80
the brethren
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
#10
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
εἰς
G1519
to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#12
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ξένους
G3581
strangers
foreign (literally, alien, or figuratively, novel); by implication, a guest or (vice-versa) entertainer

Analysis

Within the broader context of 3 John, this passage highlights covenant through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of faith connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about faith, 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

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 covenant 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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