Movatterモバイル変換

◄ 3 John 1:11►

New International Version
Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

New Living Translation
Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.

English Standard Version
Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.

Berean Standard Bible
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.

Berean Literal Bible
Beloved, do not imitate whatis evil, but whatis good. Theone doing good is of God; theone doing evil has not seen God.

King James Bible
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

New King James Version
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.

New American Standard Bible
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does what is good is of God; the one who does what is evil has not seen God.

NASB 1995
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.

NASB 1977
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.

Legacy Standard Bible
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.

Amplified Bible
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but [imitate] what is good. The one who practices good [exhibiting godly character, moral courage and personal integrity] is of God; the one who practices [or permits or tolerates] evil has not seen God [he has no personal experience with Him and does not know Him at all].

Christian Standard Bible
Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.

American Standard Version
Beloved, imitate not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

Contemporary English Version
Dear friend, don't imitate the evil deeds of others, but follow the example of people who do kind deeds. They are God's children, but those who are always doing evil have never seen God.

English Revised Version
Beloved, imitate not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Dear friend, never imitate evil, but imitate good. The person who does good is from God. The person who does evil has never seen God.

Good News Translation
My dear friend, do not imitate what is bad, but imitate what is good. Whoever does good belongs to God; whoever does what is bad has not seen God.

International Standard Version
Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The person who does what is good is from God. The person who does what is evil has never seen God.

NET Bible
Dear friend, do not imitate what is bad but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does what is bad has not seen God.

New Heart English Bible
Beloved, do not imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn't seen God.

Webster's Bible Translation
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

Weymouth New Testament
My dear friend, do not follow wrong examples, but right ones. He who habitually does what is right is a child of God: he who habitually does what is wrong has not seen God.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.

World English Bible
Beloved, don’t imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn’t seen God.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
Beloved, do not be following that which is evil, but that which is good; he who is doing good, he is of God, [but] he who is doing evil has not seen God;

Berean Literal Bible
Beloved, do not imitate whatis evil, but whatis good. Theone doing good is of God; theone doing evil has not seen God.

Young's Literal Translation
Beloved, be not thou following that which is evil, but that which is good; he who is doing good, of God he is, and he who is doing evil hath not seen God;

Smith's Literal Translation
Dearly beloved, imitate not evil, but good. He doing good is of God: and he doing evil has not seen God.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Dearly beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doth good, is of God: he that doth evil, hath not seen God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Most beloved, do not be willing to imitate what is evil; instead imitate what is good. Whoever does good is of God. Whoever does evil has not seen God.

New American Bible
Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does what is good is of God; whoever does what is evil has never seen God.

New Revised Standard Version
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil but imitate what is good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Our beloved, do not follow that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God: but he who does evil has not seen God.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Our beloved, do not imitate evil, but the good. One who does good is from God. One who does evil has not seen God.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
Beloved, do not imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He that does good is of God: he that does evil has not seen God.

Godbey New Testament
Beloved, imitate not the evil, but the good. The one doing good is of God: the one doing evil has not seen God.

Haweis New Testament
Beloved, be not an imitator of what is evil, but of that which is good. He that doeth good is of God, but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

Mace New Testament
my beloved, don't imitate vice, but virtue, he that does good, is a child of God: he that does evil, is not acquainted with God.

Weymouth New Testament
My dear friend, do not follow wrong examples, but right ones. He who habitually does what is right is a child of God: he who habitually does what is wrong has not seen God.

Worrell New Testament
Beloved, do not imitate the evil, but the good. He that does good is of God; the evil-doer has not seen God.

Worsley New Testament
Beloved, do not thou follow that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doth good is of God: but he, that doth evil, hath not seen God.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Diotrephes and Demetrius
…10So if I come, I will call attention to his malicious slander against us. And unsatisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and forbids those who want to do so, even putting them out of the church.11Beloved,do not imitate what is evil,but what is good.The one who does good is of God;the one who does evil has not seen God.12Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

1 John 3:6-10
No one who remains in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him. / Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous. / The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil. ...

1 Peter 3:11-12
He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. / For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

John 8:47
Whoever belongs to God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”

Matthew 7:16-20
By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? / Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. / A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. ...

1 John 2:29
If you know that He is righteous, you also know that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him.

1 John 4:7-8
Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. / Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 John 5:18
We know that anyone born of God does not keep on sinning; the One who was born of God protects him, and the evil one cannot touch him.

James 4:17
Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin.

Romans 12:9
Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.

1 Corinthians 11:1
You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

Ephesians 5:1-2
Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, / and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.

1 Thessalonians 5:15
Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.

Proverbs 3:7
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

Psalm 34:14
Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Isaiah 1:16-17
Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! / Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”

Treasury of Scripture

Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that does good is of God: but he that does evil has not seen God.

Beloved.

follow.

Exodus 23:2
Thou shalt not follow a multitude todo evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrestjudgment:

Psalm 37:27
Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.

Proverbs 12:11
He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vainpersons is void of understanding.

He that doeth good.

1 Peter 3:11
Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

See on

1 John 2:29
If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

1 John 3:6-9
Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him…

he that doeth evil.

John 3:20
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

Jump to Previous

Beloved Child Dear Evil Examples Follow Following Friend Good Habitually Hasn't Imitate Loved Ones Right Wrong

Jump to Next

Beloved Child Dear Evil Examples Follow Following Friend Good Habitually Hasn't Imitate Loved Ones Right Wrong

3 John 1

1.He commends Gaius for his piety,
5.and hospitality,
7.to true preachers;
9.complaining of the unkind dealing of ambitious Diotrephes on the contrary side;
11.whose evil example is not to be followed;
12.and gives special testimony to the good report of Demetrius.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

Beloved
The term "beloved" is a common address in the New Testament, often used by the Apostle John to express deep affection and spiritual kinship. It reflects the close relationship between John and the recipients of his letters, emphasizing the love and unity that should characterize the Christian community. This term is also used by other apostles, such as Paul, to convey a sense of familial love among believers (e.g.,Romans 12:19,1 Corinthians 4:14).

Do not imitate what is evil
The exhortation to avoid imitating evil is a recurring theme in Scripture. The concept of imitation is significant in the biblical context, as discipleship often involves emulating the character and actions of Christ and other godly examples (1 Corinthians 11:1). The warning against imitating evil suggests the presence of negative influences within the community, possibly referring to individuals like Diotrephes mentioned earlier in the letter, who were acting contrary to the teachings of Christ.

But what is good
The call to imitate what is good aligns with the biblical emphasis on righteousness and holiness. Goodness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is often associated with God's nature (Psalm 34:8). The pursuit of goodness involves aligning one's actions with God's will and commands, reflecting His character in daily life. This directive encourages believers to seek out and follow godly examples within their community.

The one who does good is of God
This phrase underscores the connection between righteous actions and one's relationship with God. Doing good is evidence of a transformed life and a genuine relationship with God (Matthew 7:16-20). It reflects the biblical principle that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). The phrase suggests that those who consistently practice goodness demonstrate their divine origin and connection to God.

The one who does evil has not seen God
The assertion that those who do evil have not seen God highlights the incompatibility of sin with a true knowledge of God. In biblical terms, "seeing" God often implies a deep, experiential knowledge of Him (John 1:18, 1 John 3:6). This phrase suggests that persistent evil behavior indicates a lack of genuine relationship with God, as true knowledge of Him results in transformation and a departure from sin. The contrast between good and evil here serves as a test of authentic faith and spiritual insight.

Persons / Places / Events

1.John the Apostle
The author of the letter, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Christ and his emphasis on love and truth.

2.Gaius
The recipient of the letter, a beloved member of the early Christian community, commended for his faithfulness and hospitality.

3.Diotrephes
Mentioned earlier in the letter as someone who loves to be first and does not acknowledge the authority of John, representing the "evil" that should not be imitated.

4.Demetrius
Another individual mentioned in the letter, who is well spoken of and serves as an example of someone doing good.

5.The Early Church
The broader context in which this letter was written, dealing with issues of leadership, authority, and the behavior of believers.

Teaching Points

Imitation as a Form of Discipleship
As believers, we are called to imitate Christ and those who exemplify His character. This involves a conscious choice to follow good examples and reject evil influences.

Discernment in Leadership
The early church faced challenges with leaders like Diotrephes. We must discern and follow leaders who align with biblical truth and demonstrate godly character.

The Evidence of True Faith
Doing good is evidence of being "of God." Our actions reflect our relationship with God and our understanding of His nature.

The Danger of Spiritual Blindness
Those who do evil have "not seen God," indicating a lack of spiritual insight and relationship with Him. We must seek to know God deeply to avoid spiritual blindness.

Community and Accountability
The Christian community plays a vital role in encouraging good and holding each other accountable. We should foster environments where good is celebrated and evil is challenged.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of 3 John 1:11?

2.How can we "imitate what is good" in our daily lives?

3.What does "anyone who does good is from God" mean for believers?

4.How does 3 John 1:11 connect with Matthew 5:16 about good deeds?

5.In what ways can we avoid imitating evil in today's culture?

6.How can we discern what is truly good according to biblical standards?

7.How does 3 John 1:11 define the difference between good and evil actions?

8.What does 3 John 1:11 suggest about the nature of imitation in Christian life?

9.How does 3 John 1:11 relate to the concept of divine approval?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 3 John 1?

11.Why does Christianity demand faith when critical thinking and evidence are more reliable ways of knowing truth?

12.Is the Antichrist's sexual orientation homosexual?

13.John 6:35: Does Jesus's claim to be the 'bread of life' conflict with other biblical teachings or Jewish beliefs about divine provision?

14.Why does God permit deception?

What Does 3 John 1:11 Mean

Beloved

• John opens with affection, reminding his reader of their place in God’s family (1 John 3:1–2), just as Paul often addressed believers as “brothers and sisters” (Romans 1:13).

• Being called “beloved” grounds every command that follows in God’s love, not mere duty (John 15:9).

do not imitate what is evil

• Imitation shapes character; John warns against copying conduct that dishonors God (Romans 12:9;1 Corinthians 10:6).

• Evil is not neutral—its patterns pull hearts away from holiness (Ephesians 5:11).

• The command is proactive: refuse to model your life on anything that contradicts God’s revealed righteousness.

but what is good

• Scripture consistently calls believers to choose good over evil (Psalm 34:14;Galatians 6:9).

• Goodness is defined by God’s nature, seen perfectly in Christ (Acts 10:38;Philippians 4:8).

• Choosing good involves both attitudes and actions—serving, giving, speaking truth, showing mercy (Micah 6:8;Colossians 3:12).

The one who does good is of God

• Ongoing goodness evidences new birth and union with Christ (1 John 2:29;Matthew 7:17–18).

• Good works do not earn salvation, but they verify it (Ephesians 2:10;Titus 2:14).

• “Of God” underlines source: true goodness flows from God’s indwelling Spirit (John 15:5;Galatians 5:22).

the one who does evil has not seen God

• Persistent evil reveals an unregenerate heart that has not truly encountered God (1 John 3:6;John 3:20).

• “Seen God” refers to experiential knowledge—a life-transforming sight through faith (John 1:18;2 Corinthians 4:6).

• Habitual sin exposes blindness to God’s holiness and love (Isaiah 6:5;Hebrews 12:14).

summary

John’s brief exhortation divides life into two clear patterns: imitating good, proving kinship with God; or imitating evil, proving spiritual blindness. Because we are beloved, we’re empowered to reject evil and reflect God’s goodness, letting our actions testify that we truly know Him.

Pulpit Commentary

Ver. 11. - This is the moral to which St. John has been leading up. Diotrephes will at least serve as a warning. A Christian gentleman will note such behaviour in order to avoid it. Strengthened by his own previous walk in the truth (verse 3), and encouraged by the apostle (verses 5-8), with Diotrephes as a warning on the one hand, and Demetrius as an example on the other, he ought not to fail in proving his heavenly birth by doing good and avoiding evil (see on 1 John 3:6).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

Beloved,
Ἀγαπητέ(Agapēte)
Adjective - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 27:From agapao; beloved.

{do} not
μὴ(mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361:Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

imitate
μιμοῦ(mimou)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3401:To imitate, follow. Middle voice from mimos; to imitate.

what [is]
τὸ(to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

evil,
κακὸν(kakon)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2556:Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.

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

what [is]
τὸ(to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

good.
ἀγαθόν(agathon)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 18:A primary word; 'good'.

The [one who]
ὁ(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

does good
ἀγαθοποιῶν(agathopoiōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 15:To do that which is good. From agathopoios; to be a well-doer.

is
ἐστιν(estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

of
ἐκ(ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537:From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

God;
Θεοῦ(Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

the [one who]
ὁ(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

does evil
κακοποιῶν(kakopoiōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2554:To do harm, do wrong, do evil, commit sin. From kakopoios; to be a bad-doer, i.e. to injure, or to sin.

has not seen
ἑώρακεν(heōraken)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3708:Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

God.
Θεόν(Theon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

Links

3 John 1:11 NIV
3 John 1:11 NLT
3 John 1:11 ESV
3 John 1:11 NASB
3 John 1:11 KJV

3 John 1:11 BibleApps.com
3 John 1:11 Biblia Paralela
3 John 1:11 Chinese Bible
3 John 1:11 French Bible
3 John 1:11 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: 3 John 1:11 Beloved don't imitate that which is evil (3J iiiJ 3Jn iii jn 3 jo)