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

2 JOHN 1:10KJV
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2 John 1:10 (KJV)

What does 2 John 1:10 mean?

2 John 1:10 warns believers not to welcome or show support to anyone who comes to them but does not teach the same message about Christ that the apostles taught. The verse specifically says not to receive such a person into your home or even give them a greeting of blessing.

The writer, traditionally understood as the apostle John, is addressing a Christian community or possibly a respected woman and her household. The situation involves traveling teachers or preachers, some of whom were spreading teachings that did not match the core Christian message. John is urging his readers to be careful not to give hospitality or encouragement to those promoting a different doctrine, since doing so could be seen as supporting or sharing in their message.

The Greek behind 2 John 1:10

  • διδάχη (didachē, "doctrine"): This word means "teaching" or "instruction." Here, it refers specifically to the teaching about Christ that the apostles delivered. The emphasis is on the content of what is being taught, not just the act of teaching.
  • λαμβάνω (lambanō, "receive"): The Greek word for "receive" carries the sense of welcoming someone into your home or circle. In the early church, hospitality was a way to support and endorse traveling teachers, so refusing to "receive" someone was a strong statement.
  • χαίρω (chairō, "God speed" or "greeting"): This word means to rejoice or to wish well. In this context, it refers to offering a greeting that implies approval or blessing, not just a casual hello.

Why 2 John 1:10 matters

  • This verse clarifies that early Christians were expected to be discerning about whom they supported, especially when it came to traveling teachers who claimed to represent the faith.
  • It shows the importance placed on correct teaching about Jesus, highlighting that not all who claimed to be Christian teachers were accepted without question.
  • The instruction connects to the surrounding verses, which warn about deceivers and false teachers, emphasizing the need for both truth and love in the Christian community.