King James Version

What Does 3 John 1:5 Mean?

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

Context

For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

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

Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: after: Gr. worthy of God

Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

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Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**17. Honour all men--**according to whatever honor is due in each case. Equals have a respect due to them. Christ has dignified our humanity by assuming it; therefore we should not dishonor, but be considerate to and honor our common humanity, even in the very humblest. The first "honor" is in the Greek aorist imperative, implying, "In every case render promptly every man's due" [Alford]. The second is in the present tense, implying, Habitually and continually honor the king. Thus the first is the general precept; the three following are its three great divisions. **Love--**present: Habitually love with the special and congenial affection that you ought to feel to brethren, besides the general love to all men. **Fear God ... the king--**The king is to be honored; but God alone, in the highest sense, feared.

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

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 3 John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

3 John 1:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.