Keraia
3 John 1

3 John 1:14

Conclusion · 3 John 1:13–14
Read 3 John 1

Translations

Modern
Instead, I hope to see you soon and speak with you face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send you greetings. Greet each of our friends there by name.
Traditional
But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
Literal
…but I hope to see you soon, and we will speak mouth to mouth. Peace to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
Latin
Spero autem protinus te videre, et os ad os loquemur. Pax tibi. Salutant te amici. Saluta amicos nominatim.

Original

Greek
English
Instead, I hope to see you soon and speak with you face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send you greetings. Greet each of our friends there by name.

Notes

3 John 1:14

The English expression face to face is similar in meaning to the Greek expression used here, which means “mouth to mouth” (literally) (see also 2 John 1:12). In Greek, the phrase “mouth to mouth” is an idiom that means close, direct, and personal communication. It pictures two people speaking to each other without anything in between.

3 John 1:14–15

  • John closes his letter with his farewell and with greetings to others.

  • Peace to you: This was a traditional Jewish greeting (Matthew 10:12; Luke 10:5–6). It became more meaningful for Christians because Jesus used it after his resurrection (John 20:19–21, 26).

  • Greet each of our friends there by name: John expected Gaius to greet the friends. This meant those who accept the good news about Jesus taught by the apostles and live according to the truth (compare 3 John 1:3–4).

3 John 1:13–15

As in 2 John, the end of 3 John shows John’s desire to visit in person and make sure the instructions in this letter are followed.

Parallels

2 John 1:12–13

Topics

Gaius: Man to Whom John's Third Epistle Was Addressed Salutations by Letter