3 John 1:12 
Context| NET © | Demetrius 1 has been testified to by all, even by the truth itself. We also testify to him, 2 and you know that our testimony is true. |
| NIV © | Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone—and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true. |
| NASB © | Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true. |
| NLT © | But everyone speaks highly of Demetrius, even truth itself. We ourselves can say the same for him, and you know we speak the truth. |
| MSG © | Everyone has a good word for Demetrius--the Truth itself stands up for Demetrius! We concur, and you know we don't hand out endorsements lightly. |
| BBE © | Demetrius has the approval of all men and of what is true: and we give the same witness, and you are certain that our witness is true. |
| NRSV © | Everyone has testified favorably about Demetrius, and so has 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. |
| KJV | |
| NASB © | |
| GREEK | |
| NET © [draft] ITL | |
| NET © | Demetrius 1 has been testified to by all, even by the truth itself. We also testify to him, 2 and you know that our testimony is true. |
| NET © Notes |
1 sn Demetrius is apparently someone Gaius would have heard about, but whose character was not known to him. Thus the author is writing to Gaius to attest to Demetrius’ good character. It appears that Demetrius is coming to Gaius’ church and needs hospitality and assistance, so the author is writing to commend him to Gaius and vouch for him. It is difficult to know more about Demetrius with any certainty, but the author is willing to give him a powerful personal endorsement (We testify to him too). Demetrius may well have been the leader of a delegation of traveling missionaries, and may even have been the bearer of this letter to Gaius. The writing of letters of introduction to be carried along by representatives or missionaries in NT times is also attested in Paul’s writings (1 Cor 16:3). 2 tn The words “to him” are not in the Greek text, but are implied. |
