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◄ 2 John 1:8►

New International Version
Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.

New Living Translation
Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward.

English Standard Version
Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.

Berean Standard Bible
Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded.

Berean Literal Bible
Watch yourselves, so that you should not lose what things we have worked for, but you may receive a full reward.

King James Bible
Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

New King James Version
Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, butthat we may receive a full reward.

New American Standard Bible
Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, butthat you may receive a full reward.

NASB 1995
Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.

NASB 1977
Watch yourselves, that you might not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.

Legacy Standard Bible
See to yourselves, that you do not lose what we accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.

Amplified Bible
Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have accomplished together, but that you may receive a fulland perfect reward [when He grants rewards to faithful believers].

Christian Standard Bible
Watch yourselves so that you don’t lose what we have worked for, but that you may receive a full reward.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Watch yourselves so you don’t lose what we have worked for, but that you may receive a full reward.

American Standard Version
Look to yourselves, that ye lose not the things which we have wrought, but that ye receive a full reward.

Contemporary English Version
So be sure not to lose what we have worked for. If you do, you won't be given your full reward.

English Revised Version
Look to yourselves, that ye lose not the things which we have wrought, but that ye receive a full reward.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Be careful that you don't destroy what we've worked for, but that you receive your full reward.

Good News Translation
Be on your guard, then, so that you will not lose what we have worked for, but will receive your reward in full.

International Standard Version
See to it that you don't destroy what we have worked for, but that you receive your full reward.

NET Bible
Watch out, so that you do not lose the things we have worked for, but receive a full reward.

New Heart English Bible
Watch yourselves, that you do not lose the things which we have accomplished, but that you receive a full reward.

Webster's Bible Translation
Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

Weymouth New Testament
Keep guard over yourselves, so that you may not lose the results of your good deeds, but may receive back a full reward.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded.

World English Bible
Watch yourselves, that we don’t lose the things which we have accomplished, but that we receive a full reward.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
See to yourselves that you may not lose the things that we worked for, but may receive a full reward;

Berean Literal Bible
Watch yourselves, so that you should not lose what things we have worked for, but you may receive a full reward.

Young's Literal Translation
See to yourselves that ye may not lose the things that we wrought, but a full reward may receive;

Smith's Literal Translation
Look to yourselves, lest we should destroy what things we have wrought, but we should receive a full reward.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Look to yourselves, that you lose not the things which you have wrought: but that you may receive a full reward.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Be cautious for yourselves, lest you lose what you have accomplished, and so that, instead, you may receive a full reward.

New American Bible
Look to yourselves that you do not lose what we worked for but may receive a full recompense.

New Revised Standard Version
Be on your guard, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but may receive a full reward.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Look to yourselves, that you lose not those things which you have accomplished, but that you receive a full reward.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Pay attention to your souls, that you do not lose anything which you have cultivated, but that you may receive a full reward.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
Look to yourselves, that we lose not the things that we have gained, but that we receive a full reward.

Godbey New Testament
Take heed to yourselves, that you may not destroy those things which you have wrought, but may receive a full reward.

Haweis New Testament
Take heed to yourselves that we lose not the things which we have wrought, but receive a full reward.

Mace New Testament
be upon your guard, that we may not lose the fruit of our labours, but that we may receive our full reward.

Weymouth New Testament
Keep guard over yourselves, so that you may not lose the results of your good deeds, but may receive back a full reward.

Worrell New Testament
Take heed to yourselves, that ye lose not the things which we wrought, but that ye receive a full reward.

Worsley New Testament
Look to yourselves, that ye lose not the things which ye have wrought, butthatye may receive a full reward.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Beware of Deceivers
7For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.8Watch yourselves,so that you do not lose what we have worked for,but that you may be fully rewarded.9Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

1 John 2:28
And now, little children, remain in Christ, so that when He appears, we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.

Galatians 6:9
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Hebrews 10:35
So do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward.

1 Corinthians 3:8-15
He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. / For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. / By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds. ...

Revelation 3:11
I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.

Matthew 10:41-42
Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. / And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.”

2 Timothy 4:7-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. / From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.

Philippians 2:16
as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.

Colossians 2:18
Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you with speculation about what he has seen. Such a person is puffed up without basis by his unspiritual mind.

1 Peter 5:4
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. / Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. / Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. ...

Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. / Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Matthew 25:21
His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’

Luke 19:17
His master replied, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you shall have authority over ten cities.’

Isaiah 40:10
Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and His arm establishes His rule. His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him.

Treasury of Scripture

Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have worked, but that we receive a full reward.

Look.

Matthew 24:4,24,25
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you…

Mark 13:5,6,9,23
And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest anyman deceive you: …

Luke 21:8
And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I amChrist; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.

that we lose.

Galatians 3:4
Have ye suffered so many things in vain? ifit be yet in vain.

Galatians 4:11
I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

Philippians 2:15,16
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; …

wrought.

that we receive.

Daniel 12:3
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

John 4:36
And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

1 Corinthians 3:8,14
Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour…

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Accomplished Deeds Effect Full Fully Good Guard Lose Receive Results Reward Rewarded Wages Watch Win Work Worked Wrought Yourselves

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Accomplished Deeds Effect Full Fully Good Guard Lose Receive Results Reward Rewarded Wages Watch Win Work Worked Wrought Yourselves

2 John 1

1.He exhorts a certain honorable matron, with her children, to persevere in Christian love and belief,
8.lest they lose the reward of their former profession;
10.and to have nothing to do with those seducers that bring not the true doctrine of Christ Jesus.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

Watch yourselves
This phrase serves as a warning and an exhortation to vigilance. In the context of the early church, false teachings and deceptive doctrines were prevalent, threatening the integrity of the Christian faith. The call to "watch" is reminiscent of Jesus' own warnings to His disciples to be alert and discerning (Matthew 24:42). The Greek term used here implies a continuous, active vigilance, suggesting that believers must constantly guard against spiritual complacency and deception.

so that you do not lose what we have worked for
The apostle John emphasizes the collective effort and investment made in the spiritual growth and doctrinal purity of the church. The "work" refers to the apostolic teaching and the establishment of the church's foundation in truth. This echoes Paul's concern inGalatians 4:11, where he fears that his labor might be in vain if the Galatians turn away from the gospel. The potential loss here is not just personal but communal, affecting the entire body of believers.

but that you may be fully rewarded
The concept of reward is a recurring theme in the New Testament, often linked to faithfulness and perseverance in the Christian life (1 Corinthians 3:14,Revelation 22:12). The "full reward" suggests a complete and abundant recompense, possibly referring to eternal rewards in the presence of Christ. This phrase underscores the importance of steadfastness in faith and doctrine, as the ultimate reward is contingent upon remaining true to the teachings of Christ and the apostles. The idea of reward also connects to the parables of Jesus, where faithful servants are commended and rewarded by their master (Matthew 25:21).

Persons / Places / Events

1.John the Apostle
The author of this epistle, John was one of Jesus' closest disciples and a key leader in the early church. He wrote this letter to encourage and warn believers about false teachings.

2.The Elect Lady and Her Children
The recipients of the letter, possibly a specific woman and her family or a metaphor for a local church and its members.

3.False Teachers
Individuals who were spreading deceptive doctrines contrary to the teachings of Christ, which John warns against in this letter.

Teaching Points

Vigilance in Faith
Believers must be watchful and discerning, guarding against false teachings that can lead them astray from the truth of the Gospel.

Perseverance in Doctrine
Holding fast to the teachings of Christ is crucial. This perseverance ensures that the work done in faith is not in vain and leads to a full reward.

Community Accountability
The call to "watch yourselves" implies a communal responsibility. Believers should encourage and hold each other accountable in maintaining sound doctrine.

Eternal Perspective
The concept of being "fully rewarded" reminds believers to focus on eternal rewards rather than temporary gains, motivating them to live faithfully.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of 2 John 1:8?

2.How can we "watch ourselves" to avoid losing our spiritual progress today?

3.What does "full reward" mean in the context of 2 John 1:8?

4.How does 2 John 1:8 connect with Paul's teachings on perseverance?

5.What practical steps ensure we "receive a full reward" in our lives?

6.How can we encourage others to remain vigilant in their faith journey?

7.What does 2 John 1:8 mean by "full reward" in a Christian's life?

8.How does 2 John 1:8 emphasize the importance of perseverance in faith?

9.What historical context influenced the writing of 2 John 1:8?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 John 1?

11.Is the doctrine of eternal security supported by the Bible?

12.What does 'Paradise Lost' symbolize?

13.Do all men sin? Yes, as per I Kings 8:46 and others. No, true Christians, as children of God, cannot sin (I John 3:9). Yet, claiming sinlessness is self-deception (I John 1:8).

14.Why does Proverbs 6:16-19 say God hates certain behaviors if 'God is love' elsewhere (e.g., 1 John 4:8)?

What Does 2 John 1:8 Mean

Watch yourselves

“Watch yourselves” (2 John 1:8) is a call to constant spiritual vigilance. John writes to believers who are already walking in truth (v. 4), yet he knows deception is always near.

• Personal alertness—echoing Paul’s “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching” (1 Timothy 4:16) and Peter’s “Be sober-minded and alert” (1 Peter 5:8).

• Doctrinal alertness—similar to Paul’s warning to the Ephesian elders, “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock” because false teachers will arise (Acts 20:28–30).

• Relational alertness—guarding the fellowship so that love is practiced without compromising truth (2 John 1:5-6).

Watching ourselves means daily self-examination, submitting to Scripture, and leaning on the Spirit so the enemy finds no foothold.

so that you do not lose what we have worked for

John shifts from individual vigilance to shared investment. Apostolic labor and congregational perseverance are intertwined.

• The apostles’ labor—Paul feared his work might be “in vain” if believers drifted (Galatians 4:11;Philippians 2:16). John voices the same concern.

• The believers’ labor—each disciple’s obedience contributes to the church’s witness (1 Corinthians 3:8-9). When someone embraces error, that collective progress is set back.

• What can be lost? Not the gift of salvation itself (John 10:28), but the fruitfulness, testimony, and reward attached to faithful service (1 Corinthians 3:15).

In context, deceivers “who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh” (2 John 1:7) threatened the flock. Rejecting such error protects everything the church has built together.

but that you may be fully rewarded

Scripture promises a future evaluation for believers: “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ…to receive what is due” (2 Corinthians 5:10). John wants his readers to receive the whole reward, not a diminished one.

• Reward is certain—Jesus says, “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me” (Revelation 22:12).

• Reward is proportionate—“If anyone’s work remains, he will receive a reward” (1 Corinthians 3:14).

• Reward is joyous—“Great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:12).

Abiding in sound doctrine and love safeguards the fullness of that reward. Compromise erodes it; perseverance enriches it.

summary

John’s brief exhortation urges believers to stay spiritually awake, guard the truth they have received, and cling to it together so that none of the fruit of their collective labor is forfeited. Vigilant hearts and steadfast doctrine keep the church on course for the richest reward Christ delights to give His faithful servants.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 8. - The authorities vary much as to the persons of the three verbs, "lose," "have wrought," "receive," some reading "we," and some "ye," in each case. The best reading seems to be, "Thatye lose not the things whichwe have wrought, but that ye receive a full reward,i.e., beware of allowing our work in you to be undone to your grievous loss. Through not seeing the meaning of the passage, some scribes changed" ye" into "we," and others changed" we" into "ye," thus making all three verbs in the same person. There is a similar case inJohn 9:4, where the true reading seems to be, "We must work the works of him that sent me;" but in order to produce uniformity some scribes altered "we" into "I," while others turned "me" into "us." The next verse explains the nature of the "full reward" which the lady and some of her children are in danger of losing, - it is nothing less than God himself.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

Watch
βλέπετε(blepete)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 991:(primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.

yourselves,
ἑαυτούς(heautous)
Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1438:Himself, herself, itself.

so that
ἵνα(hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

you do not lose
ἀπολέσητε(apolesēte)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 622:From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively.

what
ἃ(ha)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.

we have worked for,
εἰργασάμεθα(eirgasametha)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2038:To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor.

[that]
ἀλλὰ(alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235:But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

you may be fully rewarded.
ἀπολάβητε(apolabēte)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 618:From apo and lambano; to receive; also to take aside.

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NT Letters: 2 John 1:8 Watch yourselves that we don't lose (2J iiJ 2Jn ii jn 2 jo)