3 John 1:8

3 John 1:8 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
• English Standard Version (ESV)Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
• New King James Version (NKJV)We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.
• New Living Translation (NLT)So we ourselves should support them so that we can be their partners as they teach the truth.

Context of 3 John 1:8

6They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. 7It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth. 9I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. 10So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.

3 John 1:8 word by word

ἡμεῖς οὖν ὀφείλομεν ὑπολαμβάνειν τοὺς τοιούτους ἵνα συνεργοὶ γινώμεθα τῇ ἀληθείᾳ.¶Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• ·ὁho hē to · the/this/whoG3588
• Weἐγώegō · I/weG1473
• thereforeοὖνoun · therefore/thenG3767
• oughtὀφείλωopheilō opheileō · to oweG3784
• to receiveἀπολαμβάνωapolambanō · to get backG618
• suchτοιοῦτοςtoioutos · such as thisG5108
• thatἵναhina · in order that/toG2443
• we might beγίνομαιginomai · to beG1096
• fellowhelpersσυνεργόςsunergos · co-workerG4904
• the truthἀλήθειαalētheia · truthG225

Cross-references for 3 John 1:8

• 3 John 1:10So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.
• Matthew 10:14If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.
• Luke 11:7And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’
• 2 Corinthians 7:2Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one.
• 1 Corinthians 3:5What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task.
• 1 Corinthians 16:10When Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am.
• 2 Corinthians 6:1As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.
• 2 Corinthians 8:23As for Titus, he is my partner and co-worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ.
• Philippians 4:3Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
• Colossians 4:11Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.
• 1 Thessalonians 3:2We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,
• Philemon 1:2also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home:

Commentaries on 3 John 1:8

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 8We therefore ought to receive such - Those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, and have professed the truth at the hazard of their lives, and the loss of all their worldly substance. Instead of , to receive, the most ancient and reputable MSS. have ̔, to take up, undertake for, or kindly receive. Fellow helpers to the truth - And thus encourage the persecuted, and contribute to the spread and maintenance of the Gospel.Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 8We therefore ought to receive such - All of us ought hospitably to entertain and help such persons. The work in which they are engaged is one of pure benevolence. They have no selfish aims and ends in it. They do not even look for the supplies of their own needs among the people to whom they go to minister; and we ought, therefore, to help them in their work, and to contribute to their support. Doubtless, the apostle meant to urge this duty particularly…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 7-8On behalf of the Name: John did not need to specify whose name this was because early Christians understood that the Name referred to Jesus Christ (see Acts 5:41). The traveling teachers had chosen to accept nothing offered to them from people who are not Christians. Instead, they relied on the churches for support. Christians who give support to trustworthy traveling teachers share in their work as those teachers spread the truth (see Matthew 10:41–42…Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 88. We--in contradistinction to "the Gentiles" or "heathen" referred to, 3Jo 7. therefore--as they take nothing from the Gentiles or heathen. receive--The oldest manuscripts read, "take up." As they "take" nothing from the Gentiles, we ought to take them up so as to support them. fellow helpers--with them. to the truth--that is, to promote the truth.Read the comment

Topics related to 3 John 1:8

• Hospitality

In the dictionaries

• Church Government

Commentaries on 3 John 1

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Illustrated New Testament
• Burkitt’s Expository Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Family Bible Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• The People’s New Testament
• Robertson’s Word Pictures
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings