In this warm commendation, the apostle John praises Gaius for his ongoing hospitality and support. The verse — ἀγαπητέ, πιστὸν ποιεῖς ὃ ἐὰν ἐργάσῃ εἰς τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς καὶ εἰς τοὺς ξένους — reveals a refined use of participial address, conditional relative clauses, and dative prepositional phrases. The grammar tightly connects faith with deed, and reminds readers that even unseen labors toward strangers reflect the truth of Christian love.
The Greek Text in Focus
Ἀγαπητέ, πιστὸν ποιεῖς ὃ ἐὰν ἐργάσῃ εἰς τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς καὶ εἰς τοὺς ξένους (3 John 1:5)
“Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you do for the brothers and even for strangers.”
Grammatical Highlights
- Ἀγαπητέ — vocative masculine singular; “Beloved,” a term of personal address.
- πιστὸν ποιεῖς — present indicative active, 2nd singular + adjective as predicate accusative; “you are doing faithfully.”
- ὃ ἐὰν ἐργάσῃ — relative pronoun + indefinite particle + aorist subjunctive middle, 2nd singular; “whatever you might do / work.”
- εἰς τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς — preposition + accusative masculine plural; “toward the brothers.”
- καὶ εἰς τοὺς ξένους — preposition + accusative masculine plural; “and toward the strangers.”
Vocative and Encouragement: Ἀγαπητέ
The vocative ἀγαπητέ (from ἀγαπητός) is used five times in 3 John — always as a tender address to Gaius. It establishes warmth and pastoral tone, framing the commendation that follows. This is not cold exhortation; it is affection shaped in grammar.
Predicate Accusative: πιστὸν ποιεῖς
The phrase πιστὸν ποιεῖς literally means “you do a faithful thing.” This construction uses the adjective πιστόν as a predicate accusative, describing the action (what is done) rather than the person. It affirms the quality of Gaius’s actions as trustworthy and faithful in God’s sight.
Conditional Relative Clause: ὃ ἐὰν ἐργάσῃ
This is a classic indefinite relative clause: ὃ ἐὰν (“whatever”) + subjunctive. The verb ἐργάσῃ is middle voice, suggesting personal engagement or benefit in the labor. The clause refers to any act of service Gaius performs — it is not limited by scope or audience.
Scope of Love: εἰς τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς καὶ τοὺς ξένους
John affirms Gaius’s actions both toward fellow believers (τοὺς ἀδελφούς) and toward strangers (τοὺς ξένους), likely itinerant missionaries or unknown Christians. The repeated preposition εἰς stresses intentionality and direction. The phrase emphasizes the universality of Christian charity — extended beyond familiarity.
| Phrase | Form | Function | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ἀγαπητέ | Vocative Singular | Address | Beloved |
| πιστὸν ποιεῖς | Present Indicative + Adjective | Commendation | You are doing a faithful thing |
| ὃ ἐὰν ἐργάσῃ | Relative Clause with Subjunctive | Indefinite condition | Whatever you do |
| εἰς τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς | Preposition + Accusative | Object of ministry | Toward the brothers |
| καὶ εἰς τοὺς ξένους | Preposition + Accusative | Extension of ministry | And toward the strangers |
The Grammar of Love Without Partiality
3 John 1:5 shows how Greek grammar can commend both quality and scope of Christian service. The predicate adjective praises the faithfulness of the deed, not just the doer. The indefinite clause opens the door to every good work, and the prepositional expansion reminds us that love must overflow boundaries — from familiar brethren to unknown strangers. In the syntax of Gaius’s ministry, we glimpse the grammar of gospel hospitality.
