Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we testify too, and you know that our testimony is true.
Parallel translations
- WEB Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
- KJV Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
- BSB Demetrius 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.
- NKJV Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.
- NLT Everyone speaks highly of Demetrius, as does the truth itself. We ourselves can say the same for him, and you know we speak the truth.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Demetrius, by contrast, is well attested by everyone, by the truth itself, and by John. A consistent, godly reputation is a powerful commendation of a believer.
Overview
Demetrius, possibly the bearer of this letter, stands as a positive counterexample to Diotrephes. His character is confirmed by the testimony of all who knew him, by the truth his life embodied, and by John's own trustworthy witness. Such genuine commendation reflects the fruit that abiding in the truth of Christ produces in a life worth imitating.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 6
- 1 Tim 3:7Moreover he must have good testimony from those who are outside, to avoid falling into reproach and the snare of the devil.
- John 21:24This is the disciple who testifies about these things, and wrote these things. We know that his witness is true.
- Acts 22:12One Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well reported of by all the Jews who lived in Damascus,
- Acts 10:22They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and one who fears God, and well spoken of by all the nation of the Jews, was directed by a holy angel to invite you to his house, and to listen to what you say.”
- John 19:35He who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, that you may believe.
- 1 Th 4:12that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and may have need of nothing.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Faithful love shown for the sake of 'the Name' is service rendered to Christ, who is the truth in which his people walk.
How 3 John 1:12 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.