3 John 1 · Verse 2

3 John 1:2

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

3 John 1:2, King James Version

3 John 1:2 in other translations

BSB	Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.
WEB	Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.
ASV	Beloved, I pray that in all things thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
YLT	beloved, concerning all things I desire thee to prosper, and to be in health, even as thy soul doth prosper,
DARBY	Beloved, I desire that in all things thou shouldest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers.
BBE	My loved one, it is my prayer that you may do well in all things, and be healthy in body, even as your soul does well.
Webster	Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

What does 3 John 1:2 mean?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

2. above all things--Greek, "concerning all things": so Alford: in all respects. But Wahl justifies English Version (compare 1Pe 4:8). Of course, since his soul's prosperity is presupposed, "above all things" does not imply that John wishes Gaius' bodily health above that of his soul, but as the first object to be desired next after spiritual health. I know you are prospering in the concerns of your soul. I wish you similar prosperity in your body. Perhaps John had heard from the brethren (3Jo 3) that Gaius was in bad health, and was tried in other ways (3Jo 10), to which the wish, 3Jo 2, refers. prosper--in general. be in health--in particular.

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Barnes' Notes

Verse 2. Beloved, I wish above all things. Marg., pray. The word used here commonly means in the New Testament to pray; but it is also employed to express a strong and earnest desire for anything, Acts 27:29, Rom 9:3, 2Cor 13:9. This is probably all that is implied here. The phrase rendered "above all things"--περιπαντων --would be more correctly rendered here "concerning, or in respect to all things ;" and the idea is, that John wished earnestly that in all respects he might have the same kind of prosperity which his soul had. The common translation "above all things" would seem to mean that John valued health and outward prosperity more than he did anything else; that he wished that more than his usefulness or salvation. This cannot be the meaning, and is not demanded by the proper interpretation of the original. See this shown by Locke, in loc. The sense is, "In every respect, I wish that it may go as well with you as it does with your soul; that in your worldly prosperity, your comfort, and your bodily health, you may be as prosperous as you are in your religion." This is the reverse of the wish which we are commonly constrained to express for our friends; for such is usually the comparative want of prosperity and advancement in their spiritual interests, that it is an expression of benevolence to desire that they might prosper in that respect as much as they do in others.

That thou mayest prosper, ευοδουσθαι. This word occurs in the New Testament only in the following places: Rom 1:10, rendered have a prosperous journey; 1Cor 16:2, rendered hath prospered; and in the passage before us. It means, properly, to lead in a good way; to prosper one's journey; and then to make prosperous; to give success to; to be prospered. It would apply here to any plan or purpose entertained. It would include success in business, happiness in domestic relations, or prosperity in any of the engagements and transactions in which a Christian might lawfully engage. It shows that it is right to wish that our friends may have success in the works of their hands and their plans of life.

And be in health. To enjoy bodily health. It is not necessary to suppose, in order to a correct interpretation of this, that Gaius was at that time suffering from bodily indisposition, though perhaps it is most natural to suppose that, as John makes the wish for his health so prominent. But it is common, in all circumstances, to wish for the health and prosperity of our friends; and it is as proper as it is common, if we do not give that a degree of prominence above the welfare of the soul.

Even as thy soul prospereth. John had learned, it would seem, from the "brethren" who had come to him, (3Jn 1:3,) that Gaius was living as became a Christian; that he was advancing in the knowledge of the truth, and was exemplary in the duties of the Christian life; and he prays that in all other respects he might be prospered as much as he was in that. It is not very common that a man is more prospered in his spiritual interests than he is in his other interests, or that we can, in our wishes for the welfare of our friends, make the prosperity of the soul, and the practice and enjoyment of religion, the standard of our wishes in regard to other things. It argues a high state of piety when we can, as the expression of our highest desire for the welfare of our friends, express the hope that they may be in all respects as much prospered as they are in their spiritual concerns.

(2) "I wish" "I pray"

Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Verse 2 I wish above all things - Περι παντων ευχομαι· Above all things I pray that thou mayest prosper, and be in health, και ὑγιαινειν· to which one MS. adds εν αληθεια, which gives it a different meaning, viz., that thou mayest be sound in the truth. The prayer of St. John for Caius includes three particulars: 1. Health of body; 2. Health of soul; and 3. Prosperity in secular affairs. That thou mayest Prosper and be in Health, as thy Soul Prospereth. These three things, so necessary to the comfort of life, every Christian may in a certain measure expect, and for them every Christian is authorized to pray; and we should have more of all three if we devoutly prayed for them. It appears from the last clause that the soul of Caius was in a very prosperous state.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on 3 John 1:1-8

Those who are beloved of Christ, will love the brethren for his sake. Soul prosperity is the greatest blessing on this side heaven. Grace and health are rich companions. Grace will employ health. A rich soul may be lodged in a weak body; and grace must then be exercised in submitting to such a dispensation. But we may wish and pray that those who have prosperous souls, may have healthful bodies; that their grace may…

Read the full comment on 3 John 1:1-8 →

3 John 1:2 in the original Greek

Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.

ἀγαπητέ,agapēteBeloved,G27

περὶpericoncerningG4012

πάντωνpantōnall thingsG3956

εὔχομαίeuchomaiI prayG2172

σεseyouG4771

εὐοδοῦσθαιeuodousthaito do wellG2137

καὶkaiandG2532

ὑγιαίνεινhugiaineinto be in good healthG5198

καθὼςkathōseven asG2531

εὐοδοῦταίeuodoutaidoes wellG2137

σουsouyourG4771

ἡhē<the>G3588

ψυχή.psuchēsoul.G5590

Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).

Cross references for 3 John 1:2

2 Peter 1:3-9
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; …
2 Peter 3:18
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Colossians 1:4-6
Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
1 Peter 4:8
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
Psalms 20:1-5
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion; Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah. Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel. …
1 Thessalonians 2:13-14
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
2 Thessalonians 1:3
We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
1 Thessalonians 1:3-10
Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: …
Philemon 1:5-7
Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
Philippians 2:4
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
James 5:12
But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
Revelation 2:9
I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

wish. or, pray. above.
Jas 5:12; 1Pe 4:8
that.
Ps 20:1-5; Php 2:4,27
even.
3-6; Col 1:4-6; 1Th 1:3-10; 2:13,14,19,20; 3:6-9; 2Th 1:3; 2:13
Phm 1:5-7; 2Pe 1:3-9; 3:18; Re 2:9

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain

Context

3 John 1:1
The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
3 John 1:2
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3 John 1:3
For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

Read all of 3 John 1

3 John 1:2 in other languages

Spanish Reina-Valera 1909	Amado, yo deseo que tú seas prosperado en todas cosas, y que tengas salud, así como tu alma está en prosperidad.
French Bible J.N. Darby 1885	Bien-aimé, je souhaite qu’à tous égards tu prospères et que tu sois en bonne santé, comme ton âme prospère;
German Elberfelder 1871	Geliebter, ich wünsche, daß es dir in allem wohlgehe und du gesund seiest, gleichwie es deiner Seele wohlgeht.
Latin Clementine Vulgate	Carissime, de omnibus orationem facio prospere te ingredi, et valere sicut prospere agit anima tua.