Meaning, commentary and cross references
3 John 1:2
“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.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
NIV · New International Version
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.
WEB · World English Bible
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.
What does 3 John 1:2 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on 3 John 1:2
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper,.... Or succeed in all temporal affairs, in the business of life, in which he was; and as success of this sort depends upon the blessing of God, which maketh rich, it is to be wished and prayed for from him: and be in health; that is, of body, which above all things above all outward mercies, is the most desirable; for without this, what are the richest dainties, the largest possessions, or the best of friends? without this there can be no comfortable enjoyment of either of them; and therefore of this sort of mercies, it is in the first place, and above all others, to be wished for, and desired by one friend for another. The rule and…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: 3 John 1:1–5 (WEB)
1The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth. 2Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers. 3For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth. 4I have no greater joy than this: to hear about my children walking in truth. 5Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers.
Cross references
- 2 Peter 1:3–9
seeing that his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and virtue,
- 2 Peter 3:18
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
- Colossians 1:4–6
having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love which you have toward all the saints,
- 1 Peter 4:8
And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:13–14
For this cause we also thank God without ceasing that when you received from us the word of the message of God, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, God’s word, which also works in you who believe.
- Psalms 20:1–5
- 2 Thessalonians 1:3
We are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers, even as it is appropriate, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of each and every one of you toward one another abounds,
- 1 Thessalonians 1:3–10
remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and perseverance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father.