3 John 1:10 (KJV)

What does 3 John 1:10 mean?

3 John 1:10 describes how the writer, John, plans to confront a man named Diotrephes for his harmful actions: spreading malicious talk about John and his companions, refusing to welcome fellow believers, stopping others from doing so, and even expelling them from the church. John makes it clear he will address these issues personally if he visits.

John is writing to Gaius about problems caused by Diotrephes, a leader in the local church who is acting in a controlling and unkind way. The verse highlights specific wrongs: Diotrephes uses harsh words against John ("prating against us with malicious words"), does not welcome traveling believers ("receive the brethren"), forbids others from helping them, and removes those who try from the church. John’s intent to "remember his deeds" means he will hold Diotrephes accountable.

The Greek behind 3 John 1:10

• "Prating against us with malicious words": The Greek word for "prating" (φλυαρῶν, phlyarōn) means to talk nonsense or spread harmful gossip. This shows Diotrephes is not just disagreeing but actively slandering John and his group.
• "Casteth them out of the church": The Greek word (ἐκβάλλει, ekballei) means to throw out or expel. This is a strong action, showing Diotrephes is not just refusing hospitality but actually removing people from the church community.
• "Forbiddeth them that would": The Greek (κωλύει, kōlyei) means to prevent or hinder. Diotrephes is stopping others from showing kindness, not just failing to do it himself.

Why 3 John 1:10 matters

• This verse clarifies that church problems and power struggles existed even in the earliest Christian communities, and leaders could misuse their authority.
• John’s willingness to confront Diotrephes shows that accountability and correction were important values, even among leaders.
• The verse connects to the rest of the letter, where John encourages hospitality and warns against those who act out of pride or selfishness, making the contrast between Gaius’s good example and Diotrephes’s bad one even clearer.