3 John 1 12

3 John 1:12 kjv

Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.

3 John 1:12 nkjv

Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.

3 John 1:12 niv

Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone?and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.

3 John 1:12 esv

Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.

3 John 1:12 nlt

Everyone speaks highly of Demetrius, as does the truth itself. We ourselves can say the same for him, and you know we speak the truth.

3 John 1 verses

3 John 1 12 Meaning

Third John 1:12 presents Demetrius as a figure of exemplary character and trustworthiness. His integrity is established through a powerful threefold witness: first, he has a consistently good reputation among all believers; second, his life and actions bear witness to the inherent truth of God's Word and Christ's character; and third, the Apostle John, an authoritative figure, personally vouches for him. This commendation assures Gaius, the recipient of the letter, of Demetrius's complete reliability and worthiness of support.

3 John 1 12 Context

Third John is a brief, intensely personal letter written by "the elder" (traditionally the Apostle John) to his beloved friend, Gaius. The central theme revolves around hospitality shown to traveling missionaries and maintaining fidelity to the truth within the Christian community. John contrasts two figures: Diotrephes, who is self-seeking, rejects apostolic authority, and refuses to show hospitality to faithful workers (v. 9-10), and Demetrius, who embodies the positive example. The letter strongly encourages Gaius to continue his generous support for genuine Gospel messengers. Verse 12 serves to emphatically endorse Demetrius as such a messenger, perhaps even the bearer of the letter, reassuring Gaius of his trustworthiness in direct opposition to Diotrephes's harmful influence. It establishes clear criteria for discerning true Christian workers.

3 John 1 12 Word analysis

• Demetrius (Δημήτριος - Dēmētrios): A common Greek name, meaning "belonging to Demeter" (the Greek goddess of agriculture). His identity is uncertain beyond this verse, but he is clearly an honorable Christian whom John intends Gaius to receive and support. He stands in stark contrast to the prideful Diotrephes mentioned previously in the letter.
• has good testimony (μεμαρτύρηται - memartyrētai): This is a perfect passive verb. The perfect tense signifies a completed action with lasting results; his good reputation is not recent but has been long-established and continues. The passive voice emphasizes that the testimony is given to him by others, implying objective validation. It's an enduring commendation, reflecting a proven life.
• from everyone (ὑπὸ πάντων - hypo pantōn): Signifies a universal consensus regarding Demetrius's character within the Christian community. His uprightness is widely acknowledged, not just by a select few. This speaks to a blameless and evident life, perhaps even outside the church in his secular interactions.
• and from the truth itself (καὶ ὑπὸ αὐτῆς τῆς ἀληθείας - kai hypo autēs tēs alētheias): This is the deepest and most profound source of testimony. It implies that Demetrius's life, actions, and character are so aligned with divine truth—the very essence of God's Word and the person of Christ (Jn 14:6)—that truth itself, as if personified, bears witness to him. His walk is consistent with the Gospel, indicating spiritual integrity beyond human observation alone.
• we also testify (καὶ ἡμεῖς δὲ μαρτυροῦμεν - kai hēmeis de martyroumen): "We" likely refers to John himself, possibly including those associated with his apostolic circle. This adds the crucial apostolic witness to the universal human testimony and the divine testimony of truth itself. It provides ultimate, authoritative validation from John, "the elder." This tripartite witness creates an unassailable commendation for Demetrius.
• and you know (οἶδας - oidas): Refers directly to Gaius. The verb "know" in Greek (oida) suggests an intuitive or experiential knowledge, implying that Gaius already recognized John's integrity and the reliability of his witness. It builds on an established relationship of trust. John is appealing to Gaius's existing understanding and faith.
• that our testimony is true (ὅτι ἡ μαρτυρία ἡμῶν ἀληθής ἐστιν - hoti hē martyria hēmōn alēthēs estin): A strong declaration of the veracity and absolute reliability of John's apostolic witness. In an era of emerging false teachers and disputes (as seen with Diotrephes), affirming the truthfulness of his endorsement was vital for Gaius and for the broader church.

3 John 1 12 Bonus section

The "threefold cord" of testimony for Demetrius in this verse is highly significant. It goes beyond human subjective opinion and incorporates divine verification and apostolic authority. This robust verification of character sets a high bar for Christian service and contrasts sharply with Diotrephes, whose lack of good reputation, disregard for truth, and opposition to apostolic authority expose him as one not "of God" (v. 11). This pattern of assessment would have been crucial for Gaius in an environment where true Christian hospitality and sound doctrine were under attack, and discerning genuine messengers from self-serving individuals was essential for the purity and growth of the early church. The verse also implicitly reinforces the reliability of apostolic teaching and endorsement as a safeguard against error.

3 John 1 12 Commentary

Third John 1:12 provides a comprehensive and compelling blueprint for discerning a truly commendable Christian leader or worker, especially against the backdrop of opposition and false teaching. Demetrius's character is not merely praised; it is meticulously validated by a threefold standard: his good public reputation (from everyone), his inner conformity to God's divine principles and Christ's character (from the truth itself), and the authoritative seal of approval from an apostle of Jesus Christ (we also testify).

This layering of testimony elevates Demetrius beyond mere human favor. The commendation "from the truth itself" is paramount; it suggests that his life implicitly proclaims Gospel truth, a powerful contrast to Diotrephes whose actions were contrary to it. John's personal endorsement serves as the apostolic assurance that Gaius can trust Demetrius unreservedly, highlighting the critical role of authoritative leadership in authenticating legitimate ministries and ministries in times of controversy. The verse implies that Gaius, knowing John's integrity, will recognize the unchallengeable nature of this testimony.

Practically, this verse guides believers in evaluating those who claim to represent Christ: Do they have a good reputation among their fellow believers? Does their life and doctrine genuinely align with biblical truth? Are they affirmed by proven spiritual leadership who walk in the truth? For instance, when evaluating a new pastor or missionary, believers should consider their character as seen by the church, the evident fruits of their life aligning with the Scriptures, and their consistent testimony to Christ's teachings.