3 John 1 14

3 John 1:14 kjv

But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

3 John 1:14 nkjv

but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face. Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.

3 John 1:14 niv

I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.

3 John 1:14 esv

I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.

3 John 1:14 nlt

For I hope to see you soon, and then we will talk face to face.

3 John 1 verses

3 John 1 14 Meaning

The Apostle John concludes his personal letter by expressing a strong desire to meet Gaius face-to-face soon, emphasizing the importance of direct fellowship and intimate conversation over written communication. He extends a heartfelt blessing of peace to Gaius and conveys greetings from the local believers whom he affectionately calls "the friends." In return, John instructs Gaius to reciprocate these greetings personally, specifically mentioning the "friends" by name, highlighting a deeply personal and caring pastoral relationship within the community of faith.

3 John 1 14 Context

This verse serves as the concluding expression of the brief letter of 3 John, penned by "the Elder," traditionally identified as the Apostle John. The entire letter is addressed to Gaius, a faithful Christian commendable for his hospitality towards traveling ministers and missionaries who uphold the truth (vv. 3-8). John contrasts Gaius's commendable behavior with the arrogant and disobedient actions of Diotrephes, who rejects John's authority, spreads malicious gossip, refuses hospitality, and expels those who show it (vv. 9-10). The apostle then commends Demetrius as an exemplary figure (vv. 11-12), promising to deal with Diotrephes upon his anticipated visit. Therefore, verse 14 wraps up the personal communication, reinforcing John's paternal affection and his preference for personal interaction, not only to correct issues like Diotrephes but also to foster mutual encouragement and loving fellowship within the burgeoning house church networks. Historically, such letters were vital for maintaining apostolic oversight and doctrinal unity, as well as nurturing interpersonal bonds among geographically dispersed believers.

3 John 1 14 Word analysis

• I hope (ἐλπίζω - elpizō): This is more than a mere wish; it signifies an expectation rooted in trust and confidence. It suggests a firm anticipation of fulfilling the desire, implying God's will is aligned with this reunion.
• to see you (ἰδεῖν σε - idein se): "Idein" implies physical sight and direct personal presence, distinguishing it from communication through intermediaries or letters. It speaks to the deep value placed on face-to-face interaction for nurturing spiritual relationships and conveying the fullness of truth and love.
• soon (ἐν τάχει - en tachei): Literally "in quickness" or "shortly." It conveys John's earnest desire for a swift reunion, indicating the urgency he felt about various matters, including correcting Diotrephes and encouraging Gaius.
• and we will talk (λαλήσομεν - lalēsomēn): "We will speak" or "we will talk." It implies conversation, communication of thoughts and feelings, and the sharing of fellowship. This speaking is the outcome of the desired meeting.
• face to face (στόμα πρὸς στόμα - stoma pros stoma): Literally "mouth toward mouth." This idiomatic phrase powerfully denotes direct, intimate, unmediated conversation. It emphasizes the profound difference between written correspondence and the depth of personal, relational communication. This mirrors similar expressions in other apostolic writings.
• Peace to you (Εἰρήνη σοι - Eirēnē soi): A customary and significant Hellenistic-Jewish greeting. "Eirēnē" translates the Hebrew "shalom," encompassing wholeness, well-being, completeness, and flourishing in every aspect of life – spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical. It is a profound blessing for comprehensive divine favor and harmony.
• The friends (οἱ φίλοι - hoi philoi): This term, meaning "the beloved ones" or "those who are loved," is characteristic of Johannine usage. While "brethren" (adelphoi) is common, "friends" often indicates an even closer bond of affection and intimate relationship, mirroring Christ's description of His disciples as "friends" (Jn 15:14-15). It points to the affectionate, familial atmosphere among believers.
• greet you (ἀσπάζονται σε - aspazontai se): "Greet" means to salute, embrace, or welcome. It indicates a warm, respectful, and affectionate expression of regard from one party to another, demonstrating communal solidarity and Christian love.
• Greet (ἀσπάζου - aspazou): Here it is an imperative, a command or instruction from John to Gaius to perform the action of greeting. It reflects John's pastoral guidance and desire for the reciprocal nature of fellowship.
• by name (κατ’ ὄνομα - kat’ onoma): Literally "according to name." This phrase implies individually, personally, one by one, acknowledging each person specifically. It underscores the importance of personal recognition and care within the Christian community, contrasting with impersonal or general greetings. It demonstrates a genuine, thoughtful approach to brotherly love.

Words-Group Analysis:

• I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face: This entire phrase articulates John's profound yearning for genuine, unhindered fellowship. It signifies his apostolic commitment to personal oversight and care, recognizing that some matters are best addressed, and relationships best nurtured, through direct interaction rather than written correspondence. It's a hallmark of pastoral heart that prioritizes intimate communion.
• Peace to you: More than a mere formality, this conveys a powerful spiritual blessing and wish for Gaius's holistic well-being. It is a declaration of divine favor and inner tranquility, reminding the recipient of God's sustaining grace in challenging circumstances, especially relevant amidst issues with Diotrephes.
• The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name: This segment highlights the robust and personal nature of Christian community. It speaks volumes about the interconnectedness and mutual care among believers. The dual emphasis on "friends" and greeting "by name" elevates the warmth of general greetings to a level of deeply personal acknowledgment and relational intentionality within the body of Christ.

3 John 1 14 Bonus section

The strong emphasis on personal encounter and direct communication in 3 John 1:14 stands in stark contrast to the modern reliance on digital communication, serving as a timeless reminder of the sanctity and irreplaceable nature of in-person fellowship within the church. It suggests that while various mediums can facilitate communication, genuine spiritual flourishing and deep relational bonds often require shared presence. The term "friends" (φίλοι) used by John throughout this verse aligns uniquely with his Gospel's portrayal of believers as "friends" of Jesus, indicating a profound and intimate bond between believers and with Christ Himself. This choice of word reinforces the theological depth of community as characterized by love, faithfulness, and shared intimacy, not just by shared belief or adherence to a hierarchical structure. This personal care "by name" is also echoed in prophetic literature and the Gospels, where God or Jesus demonstrate intimate knowledge of individuals (Isa 43:1, Lk 12:7), affirming the value and identity of each person within the larger communal fabric.

3 John 1 14 Commentary

3 John 1:14 succinctly encapsulates the heart of apostolic ministry: a blend of truth, love, and genuine personal relationship. John's ardent desire for a face-to-face meeting with Gaius underscores the irreplaceable value of direct fellowship and unmediated communication for resolving conflicts, imparting guidance, and strengthening spiritual bonds. It teaches that while written words are vital, the full warmth of Christian love and truth is often best conveyed in personal presence, fostering true unity and encouragement. The profound blessing of "peace" further enriches the relationship, invoking God's comprehensive well-being upon Gaius. The mutual greetings involving "the friends," particularly the instruction to greet them "by name," exemplifies the meticulous care, personal recognition, and authentic love that should characterize relationships within the body of Christ. It suggests that Christian community thrives not merely on shared beliefs but on genuine, individualized affection and remembrance of each member, a direct antithesis to Diotrephes's dismissive and power-seeking behavior.