3 John 1:4

4 I have no greater joy than ^[a]this, to hear of ¹my children ²walking in the truth.

3 John 1:4 Meaning and Commentary

3 John 1:4

I have no greater joy
Nothing that causes greater joy. The Vulgate Latin version reads "grace" or "thanks"; and then the sense is, that he had nothing to be more thankful for:

than to hear that my children walk in truth;
meaning his spiritual children, those whose conversion he had been the instrument of; and among these it seems Gaius was one.

3 John 1:4 In-Context

2 Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.

3 For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth.

4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.

5 Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brethren, and especially when they are strangers;

6 and they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.

Cross References

• 1. 1 Corinthians 4:14; 2 Corinthians 6:13; Galatians 4:19; 1 Thessalonians 2:11; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; Philemon 10; 1 John 2:1
• 2. 2 John 4

Footnotes

• [a] Lit "these things, that I hear"