It is safe to say that for many Christians, 3 John 1:2 is one of those “favorite” verses in the Bible. But the reason this is case, as this short study will attempt to demonstrate, is that it is often misinterpreted.
3 John 1:2 – Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
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We hope that you will join us in studying the scriptures for yourself, and examining this article. We look forward to your comments based on your own study of the scriptures, telling us whether or not we have misinterpreted the verses we are using in this study.
[Note: We are using the New King James Version of the Bible]
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What makes 3 John 1:2 so appealing is the “…I wish above ALL things…” segment, which appears to reveal God’s utmost desire for you and me. And that desire, which is above everything else, is that we prosper in everything, whether it be in our health, our finances, or anything else in between. How can one not love this declaration? Indeed, this interpretation is one favored by many churches. But we have reason to believe that this interpretation is simply wrong.
We submit to you three arguments, using the same verse and its immediate context to show why we believe the interpretation of 3 John 1:2 above is simply wrong!
Argument 1: …even as thy soul prospereth
The Greek word translated “even” is the word kathos which means “just as” or “to the degree that”. Therefore the Apostle’s wish above all things is that Gaius (the person he is writing to) would prosper and be in health “to the degree that or just as” his soul is prospering. The syntax of the statement shows clearly that what John wishes above all things “depends first” on the prosperity of his soul. The verse makes it clear that “all things” is NOT all inclusive since it does NOT include the prosperity of his soul. In stark contrast, what the verse makes clear is that it is the fact that his soul was prospering that the wish for him to prosper “equally” in other areas of his life was expressed.
Argument 2: …3 John 1:3
We believe Argument 1 is supported further by the very next verse. In verse 3, the Apostle explains why he wishes above all things that Gaius may prosper and be in health. It is because he heard how greatly his soul was prospering!
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.
The conjunction “for” at the beginning of the verse links this verse to the previous one. Gaius walked in the truth. People testified of his faith, of his godly life. And John was exceedingly (that is the Greek word lian translated greatly in 3 John 1:3) joyful about the testimony of the people about Gaius.
Think about it: Given that Gaius had such exemplary walk in the truth, how could John not wish that the rest of his life (such as his health) would also experience the “same” level of prosperity? Indeed, “given” what I am hearing about you Gaius, how you contend for the truth, and how you live it; how you walk the walk and honor our Lord Jesus-Christ, and God our Father, I have no greater wish for you Gaius, that in every single other aspect of your life, you will experience the same degree of prosperity, be it health or anything else!
Argument 3: …3 John 1:4
The next verse in the passage, leaves – in our opinion – absolutely NO room for misinterpreting 3 John 1:2 as we believe we usually do. 3 John 1:4 states that there is nothing, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING that brings more joy to God than to hear that his children walk in truth.
3 John 1:4 – I have NO GREATER JOY than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Could this verse be any clearer? What the Apostle heard from everyone regarding Gaius, as he stated in 3 John 1:3, was exactly the kind of things that brings him the most joy…Gaius was walking in truth!
Now, let us think: If nothing can bring greater joy to John than hearing that we walk in truth, how could his “greatest” wish for us be anything other than walking in the truth? It simply cannot be!
Conclusion:
The way 3 John 1:2 is often interpreted may sound good, and may make us feel good, but it is NOT the truth, at least if our interpretation is correct. The truth is that the greatest wish of God, His utmost desire for us is…for us to walk in the truth! There is NO way around it! We have to walk the walk of Christ. Nothing brings God more joy. And this truth is in the period of Grace! Even in this Grace period, there are certain things that have not changed, and will never change: There is nothing greater than walking in truth! This is how we honor the Father, and this is what brings Him the most joy!
My friends, we believe this short study demonstrates the need to study the scriptures for ourselves. If you are not in the habit of doing so, I pray that you will start reading and meditating on the scriptures for yourselves? Do not let yourself be conditioned and sometimes deceived by your “spiritual” leader? Roll your own sleeves, take your own bible, pray to the Father, and then my friend…start reading…just read! Your Father in heaver WILL guide you, if you genuinely seek to understand and walk in the truth. Remember, there is nothing than brings Him more joy than to know that you walk in truth. He will help you if you call Him and ask. Call Him, ask Him without doubt, and the Father will respond.
Glory to His highest, our Father in heaven. Glory to the Son, our Lord Jesus-Christ. Glory, honor and dominion forever, to the Father and the Son. The Son is King of kings and Lord and lords, for His Father has willed it. Father, may you teach us to walk in truth, for in this you delight, in Jesus name. Amen.
BiblicalDiagnosis 
Even in the Grace period, he calls us to walk in truth. He equips us to walk in truth via his manifold grace. How great though art!
Originally, I saw this verse and equated it to how we begin many letters. We say I hope this finds you well. Here we see that God wants so much for us. He is calling us.
Try this: 3 John 1:4 – I have NO GREATER JOY than to hear that my children walk in truth.
What truth? …
This truth: 3 John 1:2 I John, moved by the Holy Ghost, fervently wish, will, and want above all things, for you My Beloved, that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
God is not the author of confusion…
No word of God is of private interpretation…
All the promises of God in him are Yes and Amen …
When there is a relationship with God, He will guide you into all truths. Then the scriptures can be used or fulfilling in one´s life.
Amen Sonja…I really like this emphasis of God guiding those who are in a relationship with Him.
I think its unfair for you to say others misinterprete this passage. Having gone through what you wrote, it appears your interpretation of the verse for me is an addendum to the general interpretation. You simply threw more light into it. felixoleka
Hi Felix. God bless you in Jesus Name. I really appreciated your comment. And while I do still think the difference in how this is often interpreted and how I presented here is significant, your comment led me to make an edit, by removing a section that was unnecessary and not editifying. I remove this statement “, and that in some cases, those who teach it usually take pleasure in twisting God’s position regarding prosperity.”
Thank you brother for your comment! Even 6 years later after I posted it, God in His mercy continues to teach me through people like you!
I do agree that this passage is highlighting that our physical progress is dependent on our spiritual growth. I would like to point out that God is interested in both our physical need as well as the spiritual needs. God is not afraid of prospering us, whether in health, spiritual growth, financial
or materialise blessings. It is always his will to provide all these. However,
it’s always about seeking his kingdom first, then other things are added.
I am not understanding how others misinterprete the chapter. I only see that you are focusing on the premise on which other things such as health, as in this chapter may prosper! Putting it in another way is that, we must live, walk in the truth of God’s word so that our soul may prosper, there and then can we experience the prosperity of our health.
Thank you for making us pause and think.
Amen Victoria. Much appreciate your comment. May the Lord Himself continue to guide you in all things.
I learned a lot from interpretation and I pray that all will come to know the truth one day.
God bless you
May God bless you Isaiah as well!
I have read this message and it has blessed me a great deal, I wish to see more of this. God bless you
Hi ,
(3 John 1:2) states : – ‘Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you & that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.’
How can we get good health ?
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These explanatory verses beautifully answer :_
1) By fearing The Lord :
(Proverbs 3:7-8) says: ‘Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord & turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh & refreshment to your bones.’
( Pro.14:30) states :”A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.”
2) !) By praying with a broken heart & waiting onThe Lord :
(Psa.147 :3 ) states : ‘He heals the broken hearted & binds up their wounds.’
(Psa. 30:2) states, “O Lord my God, I cried to you for help & you have healed me.”
(Isaiah 40:29-31)says,“They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength. ‘
!!) Or, with prayer & oil anointing of the elders.
(James 5:14-16)states: “Is any one among you sick?Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them & anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord & the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise
them up.Confess your sins to each other & pray for each other so that you may be healed.The prayer of a righteous person is powerful & effective.”
3) By keeping faith.’
(Acts 14:9) states, “He listened to Paul speaking.& Paul, looking intently at him, seeing that he had
faith to be made well,”
(Lk 8:50) states,”Jesus on hearing this answered him, ‘Do not fear; only believe & she will be well.'”
4) By keeping The word of God in heart :
(Pro. 4:20-22) says: ‘My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them & health to one’s whole body.’
5) And , keeping the heart joyful:
(Pro.17:22) Says :’A joyful heart is good medicine but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.’
6) Serving God :
(Exodus 23:25) states : ‘You shall serve the Lord your God & he will bless your bread & your water,&
I will take sickness away from among you.’
7) By helping others.
(Isaiah 58:6-8) states,“Is it not to share yourbread with the hungry & bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him & not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn & your healing shall spring up speedily.”
8)Talking gracious words :
(Pro.12:25) says,”A good word makes man glad.”
‘Gracious words are like a honey comb, sweetness to the soul & health to the body.’ (Proverbs 16:24)
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