Lexical Summary Diotrephés: Diotrephes Original Word: Διοτρέφης Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Diotrephes. From the alternate of Zeus and trepho; Jove-nourished; Diotrephes, an opponent of Christianity -- Diotrephes. see GREEK Zeus see GREEK trepho NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Dios (see diopetés) and trephó Definition "cherished by Zeus," Diotrephes, an opponent of the apostle John NASB Translation Diotrephes (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1361: ΔιοτρέφηςΔιοτρέφης (L WH Διοτρέφης; cf. Chandler §§ 634, 637), ὁ (from Διός and τρέφω, nourished by Zeus, or foster-child of Zeus), Diotrephes, a Christian man, but proud and arrogant: 3 John 1:9f (Cf. B. D. (especially American edition) under the word.) Topical Lexicon Identity and Occurrence Diotrephes appears once in the New Testament, in 3 John 9–10, as a local church leader whose conduct John openly condemns. Though the text does not specify his office, the authority he exerted—refusing apostolic correspondence, rejecting traveling ministers, and expelling dissenters—indicates a position of significant influence. Historical Setting in 3 John John’s third letter was dispatched to “the beloved Gaius” (3 John 1) to encourage continued hospitality toward itinerant believers who proclaimed the gospel. Such missionaries depended on local congregations for lodging and provisions (3 John 6–8). In this context, Diotrephes emerged as an obstacle, seeking to control the assembly and sever it from wider apostolic fellowship. Character and Behavior Diotrephes is described as one “who loves to be first” (3 John 9). His actions display four intertwined sins: These traits align with other New Testament warnings against self-willed leaders (Acts 20:30; 1 Peter 5:3). Contrast With Faithful Servants Immediately after exposing Diotrephes, John commends Demetrius, “well spoken of by everyone, and even by the truth itself” (3 John 12). The juxtaposition highlights two models of leadership: prideful dominance versus servant-hearted integrity. Gaius likewise embodies the latter through his “faithfulness in whatever you do for the brothers” (3 John 5). Implications for Church Leadership Diotrephes underscores the perennial danger of unchecked authority. Biblical oversight is meant to be servant-oriented, accountable to apostolic teaching, and hospitable toward fellow laborers (Matthew 20:25–28; Titus 1:7). When personal ambition overrides submission to Scripture, the church’s mission and unity suffer. Lessons for Hospitality and Mission Support John’s commendation of Gaius (3 John 6–8) stresses that tangible support for gospel messengers makes believers “fellow workers for the truth.” Diotrephes, by contrast, obstructed that partnership. The passage therefore calls congregations to discern leaders who foster, not forbid, cooperative mission. Warnings Against Sectarian Control Diotrephes illustrates how sectarianism can arise even in the apostolic era. By silencing outside voices and isolating the flock, he jeopardized doctrinal purity and communal love. John’s promise, “If I come, I will call attention to what he is doing” (3 John 10), models firm corrective action against divisive control. Later Patristic Reflections Early Christian writers cite 3 John to warn that ecclesial titles do not guarantee spiritual health. Ignatius of Antioch and others exhorted bishops to imitate apostolic humility, implicitly contrasting faithful oversight with figures like Diotrephes. Applicational Summary The single reference to Diotrephes offers a timeless caution: leadership divorced from humility, hospitality, and apostolic truth breeds discord. Churches safeguard their witness by selecting elders who exemplify servant leadership, by maintaining openness to sound gospel workers, and by confronting prideful dominance whenever it appears. Forms and Transliterations Διοτρεφης Διοτρέφης δίπηχυ διπλασιαζόντων διπλασιασμόν διπλασιάσον διπλοϊδα διπλοϊδι διπλοϊδος Diotrephes Diotrephēs Diotréphes DiotréphēsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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