New Testament
3 John 1:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Dear friend, I pray that everything goes well for you and that you are in good health, just as your soul is doing well.
Compare translations
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
What 3 John 1:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this heartfelt message, the writer expresses a deep concern for a friend’s well-being. He wishes for his friend to thrive in every aspect of life, including health and happiness. The writer connects physical health with spiritual health, suggesting that a flourishing soul leads to a flourishing life. This shows the importance of caring for both our inner and outer selves. The prayer reflects a genuine desire for the friend to experience prosperity, not just materially but holistically. It emphasizes that true well-being encompasses emotional, spiritual, and physical health. This message encourages us to support one another in our journeys, reminding us that our well-being is interconnected. It’s a call to nurture our relationships and to wish the best for those we care about, fostering a community of love and support. Ultimately, it highlights the significance of holistic health and the power of sincere wishes for others’ happiness and success, urging us to be mindful of how we uplift those around us.
How to apply 3 John 1:2 to your life
Take a moment to reach out to someone you care about. Send them a message or call them to express your wishes for their well-being. Consider how you can support their health and happiness in practical ways. Remember, your encouragement can make a significant difference in their life. Foster a spirit of care and connection in your relationships!
Curated for this public verse page. 3 John Summary · 3 John 1:2 Meaning
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Paul's story: The Stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:57–8:2)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Paul
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 3 John 1:2
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Fuller verse explanations
Explore what a verse means, what was happening around it, and how it connects to other Bible passages.
Plain Meaning
The writer opens by wishing Gaius well. He hopes Gaius's daily life and body are doing as well as his soul already is. The soul of Gaius is in good shape. The writer uses that as the measure and hopes everything else in Gaius's life matches it.
Read It in Context
This is the opening of a short personal letter to a man named Gaius. Verse 3 explains the writer's confidence: other believers had visited and reported that Gaius was living faithfully.
The full Clear view adds what to notice, common misreadings, and the passage that best explains this one — for 3 John 1:2 and any verse in the Bible.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 3 John 1:2
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 3 John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Gaius, a church leader
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 3 John 1:2 mean?
3 John 1:2 expresses a wish for a friend's overall well-being, linking physical health to spiritual health. The writer hopes for prosperity in all areas of life, emphasizing the importance of caring for both the inner and outer self.
What is the meaning of prosperity in 3 John 1:2?
In 3 John 1:2, prosperity refers to thriving in various aspects of life, including health, happiness, and spiritual growth. It highlights the desire for a holistic sense of well-being, not just material success.
How does 3 John 1:2 relate to friendship?
3 John 1:2 illustrates the essence of friendship by showing a deep concern for a friend's health and happiness. It encourages friends to uplift each other and wish for each other's overall prosperity.
What themes are present in 3 John 1:2?
The themes in 3 John 1:2 include well-being, friendship, holistic health, spiritual growth, and support. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships and wishing the best for others.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.