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The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/3_john/1-11.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/3_john/1-11.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/3_john/">3 John</a> > <a href="/3_john/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 11</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/3_john/1-10.htm" title="3 John 1:10">◄</a> 3 John 1:11 <a href="/3_john/1-12.htm" title="3 John 1:12">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/3_john/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/3_john/1.htm">New International Version</a> 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. <a href="/nlt/3_john/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> 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. <a href="/esv/3_john/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. <a href="/bsb/3_john/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/3_john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one doing good is of God; the one doing evil has not seen God. <a href="/kjv/3_john/1.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/3_john/1.htm">New King James Version</a> 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. <a href="/nasb_/3_john/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nasb/3_john/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> 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. <a href="/nasb77/3_john/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> 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. <a href="/lsb/3_john/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> 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. <a href="/amp/3_john/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> 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]. <a href="/csb/3_john/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/hcsb/3_john/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/asv/3_john/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/3_john/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> 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. <a href="/erv/3_john/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/3_john/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> 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. <a href="/gnt/3_john/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> 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. <a href="/isv/3_john/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/msb/3_john/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/3_john/1.htm">NET Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nheb/3_john/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 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. <a href="/wbt/3_john/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/wey/3_john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/web/3_john/1.htm">World English Bible</a> 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. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/3_john/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> 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; <a href="/blb/3_john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one doing good is of God; the one doing evil has not seen God. <a href="/ylt/3_john/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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; <a href="/slt/3_john/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Dearly beloved, imitate not evil, but good. He doing good is of God: and he doing evil has not seen God.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/3_john/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/3_john/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> 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. <a href="/nabre/3_john/1.htm">New American Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nrsvce/3_john/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> 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.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/3_john/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> 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. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/3_john/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Our beloved, do not imitate evil, but the good. One who does good is from God. One who does evil has not seen God.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/3_john/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/godbey/3_john/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Beloved, imitate not the evil, but the good. The one doing good is of God: the one doing evil has not seen God. <a href="/haweis/3_john/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> 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.<CM> <a href="/mace/3_john/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/wey/3_john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/worrell/3_john/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Beloved, do not imitate the evil, but the good. He that does good is of God; the evil-doer has not seen God. <a href="/worsley/3_john/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/parallel/3_john/1-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9HTsCnSVEbc?start=89" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/3_john/1.htm">Diotrephes and Demetrius</a> …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. 11<a href="/greek/27.htm" title="27: Agapēte (Adj-VMS) -- From agapao; beloved.">Beloved,</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">do not</a> <a href="/greek/3401.htm" title="3401: mimou (V-PMM/P-2S) -- To imitate, follow. Middle voice from mimos; to imitate.">imitate</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">what is</a> <a href="/greek/2556.htm" title="2556: kakon (Adj-ANS) -- Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.">evil,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">what is</a> <a href="/greek/18.htm" title="18: agathon (Adj-ANS) -- A primary word; good.">good.</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">The one who</a> <a href="/greek/15.htm" title="15: agathopoiōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To do that which is good. From agathopoios; to be a well-doer.">does good</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God;</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the one who</a> <a href="/greek/2554.htm" title="2554: kakopoiōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To do harm, do wrong, do evil, commit sin. From kakopoios; to be a bad-doer, i.e. to injure, or to sin.">does evil</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouch (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: heōraken (V-RIA-3S) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">has not seen</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theon (N-AMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God.</a> 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_john/3-6.htm">1 John 3:6-10</a> 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. ... <a href="/1_peter/3-11.htm">1 Peter 3:11-12</a> 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.” <a href="/john/8-47.htm">John 8:47</a> Whoever belongs to God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” <a href="/matthew/7-16.htm">Matthew 7:16-20</a> 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. ... <a href="/1_john/2-29.htm">1 John 2:29</a> If you know that He is righteous, you also know that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him. <a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">1 John 4:7-8</a> 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. <a href="/1_john/5-18.htm">1 John 5:18</a> 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. <a href="/james/4-17.htm">James 4:17</a> Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin. <a href="/romans/12-9.htm">Romans 12:9</a> Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. <a href="/1_corinthians/11-1.htm">1 Corinthians 11:1</a> You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. <a href="/ephesians/5-1.htm">Ephesians 5:1-2</a> 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. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-15.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:15</a> Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people. <a href="/proverbs/3-7.htm">Proverbs 3:7</a> Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. <a href="/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14</a> Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. <a href="/isaiah/1-16.htm">Isaiah 1:16-17</a> 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.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.<a href="/exodus/23-2.htm">Exodus 23:2</a> Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:<a href="/psalms/37-27.htm">Psalm 37:27</a> Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.<a href="/proverbs/12-11.htm">Proverbs 12:11</a> He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.He that doeth good.<a href="/1_peter/3-11.htm">1 Peter 3:11</a> Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.See on<a href="/1_john/2-29.htm">1 John 2:29</a> If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.<a href="/1_john/3-6.htm">1 John 3:6-9</a> Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him… he that doeth evil.<a href="/john/3-20.htm">John 3:20</a> For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/3_john/1-5.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/1_john/5-18.htm">Child</a> <a href="/3_john/1-5.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/2_john/1-11.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-3.htm">Examples</a> <a href="/3_john/1-4.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/2_john/1-4.htm">Following</a> <a href="/3_john/1-5.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/3_john/1-5.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_john/3-9.htm">Habitually</a> <a href="/1_john/3-6.htm">Hasn't</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-3.htm">Imitate</a> <a href="/3_john/1-2.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/1_john/4-11.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/3_john/1-8.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_john/3-21.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jude/1-1.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/revelation/12-1.htm">Child</a> <a href="/jude/1-3.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/jude/1-8.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-6.htm">Examples</a> <a href="/jude/1-18.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/jude/1-16.htm">Following</a> <a href="/revelation/2-13.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/3_john/1-12.htm">Good</a> <a href="/genesis/5-22.htm">Habitually</a> <a href="/genesis/38-21.htm">Hasn't</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-9.htm">Imitate</a> <a href="/jude/1-17.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/jude/1-1.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/revelation/1-16.htm">Right</a> <a href="/revelation/22-11.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">3 John 1</div>1. <a href="/3_john/1-1.htm">He commends Gaius for his piety,</a> 5. <a href="/3_john/1-5.htm">and hospitality,</a> 7. <a href="/3_john/1-7.htm">to true preachers;</a> 9. <a href="/3_john/1-9.htm">complaining of the unkind dealing of ambitious Diotrephes on the contrary side;</a> 11. <a href="/3_john/1-11.htm">whose evil example is not to be followed;</a> 12. <a href="/3_john/1-12.htm">and gives special testimony to the good report of Demetrius.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/3_john/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/3_john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/3_john/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>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., <a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a>, <a href="/1_corinthians/4-14.htm">1 Corinthians 4:14</a>).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 (<a href="/1_corinthians/11.htm">1 Corinthians 11:1</a>). 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 (<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22</a>) and is often associated with God's nature (<a href="/psalms/34-8.htm">Psalm 34:8</a>). 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 (<a href="/matthew/7-16.htm">Matthew 7:16-20</a>). It reflects the biblical principle that faith without works is dead (<a href="/james/2-26.htm">James 2:26</a>). 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 (<a href="/john/1-18.htm">John 1:18, 1</a> <a href="/john/3-6.htm">John 3:6</a>). 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.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_apostle.htm">John the Apostle</a> 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. <a href="/topical/g/gaius.htm">Gaius</a> The recipient of the letter, a beloved member of the early Christian community, commended for his faithfulness and hospitality. 3. <a href="/topical/d/diotrephes.htm">Diotrephes</a> 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. <a href="/topical/d/demetrius.htm">Demetrius</a> Another individual mentioned in the letter, who is well spoken of and serves as an example of someone doing good. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a> The broader context in which this letter was written, dealing with issues of leadership, authority, and the behavior of believers.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/i/imitation_as_a_form_of_discipleship.htm">Imitation as a Form of Discipleship</a> 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. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_leadership.htm">Discernment in Leadership</a> The early church faced challenges with leaders like Diotrephes. We must discern and follow leaders who align with biblical truth and demonstrate godly character. <a href="/topical/t/the_evidence_of_true_faith.htm">The Evidence of True Faith</a> Doing good is evidence of being "of God." Our actions reflect our relationship with God and our understanding of His nature. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_spiritual_blindness.htm">The Danger of Spiritual Blindness</a> 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. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a> 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.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_3_john_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 3 John 1</a> <a href="/q/why_does_christianity_prioritize_faith.htm">Why does Christianity demand faith when critical thinking and evidence are more reliable ways of knowing truth?</a> <a href="/q/is_finding_a_wife_a_good_thing.htm">Is the Antichrist's sexual orientation homosexual?</a> <a href="/q/does_'bread_of_life'_conflict_beliefs.htm">John 6:35: Does Jesus's claim to be the 'bread of life' conflict with other biblical teachings or Jewish beliefs about divine provision?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_god_permit_deception.htm">Why does God permit deception?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/3_john/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>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). <a href="/commentaries/3_john/1-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Beloved, Ἀγαπητέ (Agapēte) Adjective - Vocative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_27.htm">Strong's 27: </a> From agapao; beloved. {do} not μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_3401.htm">Strong's 3401: </a> To imitate, follow. Middle voice from mimos; to imitate. what [is] τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_2556.htm">Strong's 2556: </a> Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. what [is] τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_18.htm">Strong's 18: </a> A primary word; 'good'. The [one who] ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_15.htm">Strong's 15: </a> To do that which is good. From agathopoios; to be a well-doer. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. of ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. the [one who] ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_2554.htm">Strong's 2554: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/3_john/1-11.htm">3 John 1:11 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/3_john/1-11.htm">3 John 1:11 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/3_john/1-11.htm">3 John 1:11 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/3_john/1-11.htm">3 John 1:11 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/3_john/1-11.htm">3 John 1:11 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/3_john/1-11.htm">3 John 1:11 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/3_john/1-11.htm">3 John 1:11 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/3_john/1-11.htm">3 John 1:11 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/3_john/1-11.htm">3 John 1:11 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/3_john/1-11.htm">3 John 1:11 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/3_john/1-11.htm">NT Letters: 3 John 1:11 Beloved don't imitate that which is evil (3J iiiJ 3Jn iii jn 3 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/3_john/1-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="3 John 1:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="3 John 1:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/3_john/1-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="3 John 1:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="3 John 1:12" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>