King James Version

What Does 2 John 1:8 Mean?

“Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. wrought: or, gained, some copies read, ye have gained, but that ye, etc.”

Context

And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. wrought: or, gained, some copies read, ye have gained, but that ye, etc.

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

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Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

7. Application of the Scripture just quoted first to the believer, then to the unbeliever. On the opposite effects of the same Gospel on different classes, compare Joh 9:39; 2Co 2:15, 16. **precious--**Greek, "THE preciousness" (1Pe 2:6). To you believers belongs the preciousness of Christ just mentioned. **disobedient--**to the faith, and so disobedient in practice. **the stone which ... head of ... corner--**(Psa 118:22). Those who rejected the STONE were all the while in spite of themselves unconsciously contributing to its becoming Head of the corner. The same magnet has two poles, the one repulsive, the other attractive; so the Gospel has opposite effects on believers and unbelievers respectively.

Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 John 1:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.