3 John 1:2 kjv
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3 John 1:2 nkjv
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
3 John 1:2 niv
Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
3 John 1:2 esv
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.
3 John 1:2 nlt
Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.
3 John 1 2 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Psa 20:4 | May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans! | God grants desires/prosperity. |
| Psa 35:27 | Let those who favor my vindication shout for joy and be glad, and say evermore, "Great is the LORD, who delights in the prosperity of his servant!" | God's delight in His servant's prosperity. |
| Psa 73:27 | For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. | Importance of spiritual closeness. |
| Prov 3:2 | For length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. | Blessings for living by wisdom. |
| Prov 4:22 | For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. | Wisdom leading to life and health. |
| Isa 58:11 | And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a well-watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. | God's comprehensive provision and refreshment. |
| Jer 29:7 | But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. | Seeking prosperity of others/community. |
| 1 Chr 29:28 | Then he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honor. | Holistic blessing as a sign of God's favor. |
| Josh 1:8 | ...then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. | Prosperity linked to obedience to God's word. |
| Php 4:19 | And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. | God's comprehensive provision. |
| 2 Cor 9:8 | And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. | God enabling sufficiency and good works. |
| Psa 118:25 | Save us, we pray, O LORD! O LORD, we pray, give us success! | Prayer for salvation and success. |
| 1 Cor 16:2 | On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper... | Prosperity enabling generosity. |
| Rom 15:30-32 | I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me... that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. | Paul's prayer for safe and refreshing journey. |
| 1 Thes 5:23 | Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. | Prayer for sanctification of spirit, soul, and body. |
| Heb 12:13 | and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. | Importance of spiritual walk and healing. |
| Psa 42:1-2 | As a deer longs for flowing streams, so longs my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God... | Soul's desire for God. |
| Matt 6:33 | But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. | Prioritizing spiritual over material. |
| John 10:10 | The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. | Abundant life offered by Christ. |
| Rom 8:6 | For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. | Importance of spiritual mindset. |
| Phil 2:25-27 | I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus... He was ill, near to death. | Concern and prayer for physical healing. |
| Gen 39:2-3 | The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man... and the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand. | God's presence brings success/prosperity. |
| 2 Tim 1:2 | To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. | Apostolic greeting with desire for well-being. |
| 1 Pet 3:12 | For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer... | God hears prayers of the righteous. |
3 John 1 verses
3 John 1 2 Meaning
This verse expresses a heartfelt prayer and wish from John, the Elder, to his beloved co-worker, Gaius. John desires Gaius's total well-being—physical health and material prosperity—to align with the spiritual flourishing of his soul, which is already evident. It emphasizes a balanced and holistic view of human flourishing rooted in spiritual vitality.
3 John 1 2 Context
The Third Epistle of John is a concise letter addressing specific issues within the early Christian community, particularly regarding hospitality and authority. Written by "The Elder" (traditionally John the Apostle) to Gaius, a faithful believer known for welcoming itinerant Christian missionaries, the letter commends Gaius for his truthfulness and hospitality (v. 3-6). The background also involves a leader named Diotrephes, who was opposing John's authority, refusing hospitality, and expelling those who showed it (v. 9-10). In contrast, Demetrius is presented as one who has a good testimony from all, including from the truth itself (v. 12). Verse 2 functions as an opening affectionate greeting and sincere prayer for Gaius's comprehensive well-being, specifically desiring that his external circumstances (health and material prosperity) would mirror the evident and commendable prosperity of his inner spiritual life. It sets a tone of encouragement and affirmation before delving into the more challenging topics of church conduct.
3 John 1 2 Word analysis
- Beloved (ἀγαπητέ - agapēte): A deeply affectionate term of endearment, characteristic of John's writings, emphasizing genuine Christian love (agape) between fellow believers. It sets a warm, personal tone for the letter and signifies Gaius's spiritual state as someone loved by God and by John.
- I pray (εὔχομαι - euchomai): Not merely a wish, but a sincere, earnest prayer. It indicates a fervent desire directed towards God on Gaius's behalf, reflecting the intercessory nature of Christian fellowship.
- that you may prosper (εὐοδόω - euodoo): Literally, "to have a good journey" or "to go well with one." It implies success and a favorable outcome in one's undertakings. In broader Hellenistic use, it covered material well-being, financial success, and overall good fortune. Here, it refers to practical success and circumstances that ease ministry and life.
- in all things (περὶ πάντων - peri pantōn): This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive scope of John's desire for Gaius – encompassing all aspects of life, whether spiritual, material, relational, or vocational. It leaves no area untouched by John's desire for Gaius's flourishing.
- and be in health (ὑγιαίνω - hygiainō): To be sound, whole, physically well. This directly addresses physical well-being. The root word gives us "hygiene" and reflects the desire for a sound body. This was crucial for ancient travel and ministry.
- just as (καθὼς - kathōs): This comparative conjunction establishes a direct link or correspondence. It indicates that the standard or model for the desired external prosperity and health is the existing internal condition of Gaius's soul.
- your soul (ἡ ψυχή σου - hē psychē sou): Refers to the innermost being of a person—their spiritual life, mind, character, will, and emotions. It's the core of who Gaius is in Christ. It's a holistic term for the inner life and spirit, not merely emotion.
- prospers (εὐοδοῦται - euodoutai): The same verb as "may prosper" but in the present tense. This implies that Gaius's soul is currently prospering and is in good spiritual condition. This is a foundational affirmation before the prayer for external prosperity. Gaius’s hospitality and commitment to truth (v. 3-8) are clear signs of this spiritual prosperity.
3 John 1 2 Bonus section
- Balance in ancient greetings: While seemingly a standard epistolary greeting for good health and prosperity, John uniquely infuses it with spiritual depth by tying it to the "soul's prosperity." This elevates it from a mere social pleasantry to a theological statement about integrated well-being under God, rooted in spiritual vitality.
- Implications for "prosperity gospel": This verse is sometimes misapplied to advocate for an imbalanced "prosperity gospel" where physical health and material wealth are guaranteed signs of God's favor for all believers at all times. However, the verse sets the soul's prosperity as the prerequisite and ideal, not simply an outcome. It suggests that outward circumstances should align with a prior inner spiritual vitality, rather than material gain being the primary goal or definition of God's blessing. John desires Gaius's prosperity because of his evident spiritual soundness and generosity (v. 3-8), not as a condition for earning it.
- The ideal of wholeness (Shalom): The prayer reflects a broader biblical concept of "shalom" (Hebrew), which denotes comprehensive peace, completeness, and wholeness in every aspect of life – spiritual, physical, communal, and material. It's not just the absence of conflict but a positive, flourishing state in every sphere of one's existence under God.
3 John 1 2 Commentary
3 John 1:2 stands as a beautiful testament to the Apostle John's deep affection and holistic concern for his brother in Christ, Gaius. Far from advocating a narrow view of prosperity, this verse encapsulates a comprehensive well-being that ideally permeates every aspect of a believer's life. John expresses a fervent prayer that Gaius's physical health and material circumstances would mirror the robust and thriving state of his soul. The phrase "just as your soul prospers" is key; it implies that Gaius’s spiritual life is already a model of health and vitality, characterized by walking in truth and extending hospitality (as seen in the surrounding verses). This spiritual prosperity is presented as the primary and foundational state. It suggests that while God desires our well-being in all areas, true and lasting prosperity stems from an intimate, thriving relationship with Him and a walk in His truth. The prayer, then, is for an alignment—for outward blessings and good health to complement and enable the fruitful service that flows from an abundant inner spiritual life. It serves as a reminder that material blessings, when granted, should enable greater acts of righteousness and hospitality, rather than becoming ends in themselves.
- Example: A strong believer whose inner peace (soul's prosperity) helps them remain calm and resourceful amidst financial difficulties or health challenges, seeking to bless others even then.
- Example: A physically healthy believer (desired prosperity) uses their energy and strength to serve the community and spread the Gospel, demonstrating God's blessing as an enablement for good works.