3 John 1:11
New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
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.

English Standard Version
Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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.

New American Standard Bible
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.

NASB 1995
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.

NASB 1977
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.

Legacy Standard Bible
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.

Amplified Bible
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].

Christian Standard Bible
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.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
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.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
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.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
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.

Good News Translation
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.

International Standard Version
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.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
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.

New Heart English Bible
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.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
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.

World English Bible
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.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
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;

Berean Literal Bible
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.

Young's Literal Translation
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;

Smith's Literal Translation
Dearly beloved, imitate not evil, but good. He doing good is of God: and he doing evil has not seen God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
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.

New American Bible
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.

New Revised Standard Version
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.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
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.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Our beloved, do not imitate evil, but the good. One who does good is from God. One who does evil has not seen God.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
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.

Godbey New Testament
Beloved, imitate not the evil, but the good. The one doing good is of God: the one doing evil has not seen God.

Haweis New Testament
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.

Mace New Testament
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.

Weymouth New Testament
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.

Worrell New Testament
Beloved, do not imitate the evil, but the good. He that does good is of God; the evil-doer has not seen God.

Worsley New Testament
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.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Diotrephes and Demetrius
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. 11Beloved, 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. 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.…

Cross References
1 John 3:6-10
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. ...

1 Peter 3:11-12
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.”

John 8:47
Whoever belongs to God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”

Matthew 7:16-20
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. ...

1 John 2:29
If you know that He is righteous, you also know that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him.

1 John 4:7-8
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.

1 John 5:18
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.

James 4:17
Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin.

Romans 12:9
Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.

1 Corinthians 11:1
You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

Ephesians 5:1-2
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.

1 Thessalonians 5:15
Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.

Proverbs 3:7
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

Psalm 34:14
Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Isaiah 1:16-17
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.”


Treasury of Scripture

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.

Exodus 23:2
Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:

Psalm 37:27
Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.

Proverbs 12:11
He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

He that doeth good.

1 Peter 3:11
Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

See on

1 John 2:29
If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

1 John 3:6-9
Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him…

he that doeth evil.

John 3:20
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

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3 John 1
1. He commends Gaius for his piety,
5. and hospitality,
7. to true preachers;
9. complaining of the unkind dealing of ambitious Diotrephes on the contrary side;
11. whose evil example is not to be followed;
12. and gives special testimony to the good report of Demetrius.














Beloved
This term of endearment, "Beloved," is translated from the Greek word "ἀγαπητός" (agapētos), which signifies someone who is dearly loved or cherished. In the context of early Christian communities, it reflects the deep, familial love that believers are to have for one another, rooted in the love of Christ. This word sets the tone for the exhortation that follows, reminding the reader of their identity as loved ones in the faith.

do not imitate
The Greek word "μιμέομαι" (mimeomai) is used here, meaning to mimic or follow as an example. In the Greco-Roman world, imitation was a common method of learning and moral development. John is urging his readers to be discerning in whom they choose to emulate, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's actions with the teachings of Christ rather than the corrupt practices of the world.

what is evil
The term "evil" is translated from the Greek "κακός" (kakos), which refers to that which is morally wrong or wicked. In the biblical context, evil is often associated with actions and attitudes that are contrary to God's nature and commandments. The early church faced many challenges from false teachers and immoral influences, making this warning particularly relevant.

but what is good
The word "good" comes from the Greek "ἀγαθός" (agathos), which denotes that which is inherently good, beneficial, or virtuous. This aligns with the biblical understanding of goodness as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and a reflection of God's character. Believers are called to pursue goodness as a testimony to their faith and as a witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.

The one who does good
This phrase emphasizes action, indicating that true faith is demonstrated through righteous deeds. The Greek verb "ποιέω" (poieō) implies ongoing, habitual action. In the Christian life, doing good is not a one-time event but a continuous practice that stems from a heart transformed by God's grace.

is of God
The phrase "is of God" signifies a relationship and origin. The Greek preposition "ἐκ" (ek) indicates source or origin, suggesting that those who do good are born of God and reflect His nature. This echoes the Johannine theme of being born again (John 3:3) and living as children of God (1 John 3:1).

the one who does evil
In contrast, this phrase highlights the actions of those who are not aligned with God's will. The repetition of the verb "ποιέω" (poieō) underscores the habitual nature of their actions. In the biblical worldview, consistent evil behavior is indicative of a life not submitted to God's authority.

has not seen God
The phrase "has not seen God" uses the Greek verb "ὁράω" (horaō), which can mean to see with the eyes or to perceive and understand. In this context, it implies a lack of spiritual insight or relationship with God. To "see" God is to know Him intimately and to be transformed by that knowledge. Those who persist in evil demonstrate that they have not truly encountered the living God.

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).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Beloved,
Ἀγαπητέ (Agapēte)
Adjective - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 27: From agapao; beloved.

{do} not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: 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
Strong's 3401: To imitate, follow. Middle voice from mimos; to imitate.

what [is]
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: 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
Strong's 2556: Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

what [is]
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: 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
Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'.

The [one who]
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: 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
Strong's 15: To do that which is good. From agathopoios; to be a well-doer.

is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

of
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: 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
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

the [one who]
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: 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
Strong's 2554: 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
Strong's 3708: 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
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.


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NT Letters: 3 John 1:11 Beloved don't imitate that which is evil (3J iiiJ 3Jn iii jn 3 jo)
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