2 John 1:10

KJV

¶ If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into [your] house, neither bid him God speed:

KJV (with Strong's)

If {G1536} there come {G2064} any {G1536}{G5100} unto {G4314} you {G5209}, and {G2532} bring {G5342} not {G3756} this {G5026} doctrine {G1322}, receive {G2983} him {G846} not {G3361} into {G1519} your house {G3614}, neither {G2532}{G3361} bid {G3004} him {G846} God speed {G5463}:

Complete Jewish Bible

If someone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, don’t welcome him into your home. Don’t even say, “Shalom!” to him;

Berean Standard Bible

If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him.

American Standard Version

If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into your house, and give him no greeting:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second John 1:10 delivers a stark warning to believers regarding the reception of individuals who propagate false doctrine. It instructs the recipient, likely a Christian woman or a local church, to deny hospitality and any form of endorsement to those who do not adhere to the foundational truth of Christ's incarnation. This command underscores the critical importance of doctrinal purity and spiritual discernment in safeguarding the integrity of the Christian faith and community against deceptive influences.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Second John is a brief but potent epistle, likely addressed to an "elect lady" and her children, which could refer to a prominent Christian woman and her household, or symbolically, to a specific local church and its members. The letter's primary concern, articulated throughout, is the threat posed by "deceivers" and "antichrists" who deny the full humanity and deity of Jesus Christ, specifically that He "has come in the flesh" ([2 John 1:7](/2_john/1-7 "2 John 1:7 - The Deceivers Denying Christ's Incarnation")). John emphasizes the need to "abide in the doctrine of Christ" ([2 John 1:9](/2_john/1-9 "2 John 1:9 - Abiding in the Doctrine of Christ")) and warns against those who "do not abide in the doctrine of Christ" but "go beyond" it. Verse 10 directly follows these warnings, providing a concrete instruction on how to respond to such individuals, making it a practical application of the preceding theological principles concerning truth and error.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the first century, hospitality was not merely a social nicety but a deeply ingrained cultural and practical necessity, particularly for travelers. Christians, including itinerant teachers and missionaries, relied heavily on the open homes of fellow believers for lodging, food, and support. This practice, while vital for the spread of the Gospel and the strengthening of community bonds, also presented a significant vulnerability. False teachers, often indistinguishable from genuine ones in their initial approach, could exploit this system to gain access, influence, and resources within Christian households and nascent church communities. The specific "doctrine" being denied likely refers to Docetism or early forms of Gnosticism, which posited that Jesus only *seemed* to have a physical body, thereby undermining the reality of His incarnation, suffering, and atonement. John's instruction reflects a need to protect the vulnerable Christian community from spiritual contagion and theological compromise.
* **Key Themes:** The verse profoundly contributes to several key themes prevalent in John's epistles. Foremost is **Doctrinal Purity**, emphasizing that the truth about Jesus Christ's person and work is non-negotiable and must be guarded zealously. This aligns with John's broader concern for "truth" (ἀλήθεια) as a defining characteristic of genuine faith and fellowship ([2 John 1:1-4](/2_john/1-1-4 "2 John 1:1-4 - Truth and Love")). Another crucial theme is **Discernment and Protection**, as believers are called to be vigilant and wise in evaluating those who claim to teach in Christ's name. The command to deny hospitality is a protective measure, preventing false teachers from gaining a platform or legitimacy within the Christian household or church, thereby safeguarding the spiritual well-being of the community. This also highlights the theme of **Separation from Error**, indicating that while love is paramount, it does not extend to endorsing or enabling teachings that undermine the core of the Gospel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **doctrine (Greek, _didachḗ'_):** From the verb διδάσκω (didaskō), meaning "to teach," this noun refers to instruction, teaching, or the content of what is taught. In this context, "this doctrine" specifically refers to the foundational truth about Jesus Christ, particularly His incarnation and the reality of His coming in the flesh, as emphasized in [2 John 1:7](/2_john/1-7 "2 John 1:7 - Christ Come in the Flesh"). It signifies the authentic, apostolic teaching concerning Christ, which is the standard against which all other teachings must be measured.
* **receive (Greek, _lambánō'_):** This verb means "to take," "to get hold of," or "to receive." Here, it implies an active choice to admit someone into one's home or fellowship. The negative command "receive him not" indicates a deliberate refusal of hospitality and, by extension, a rejection of their message and mission. It's not merely a passive withholding but an active denial of entry and support that would otherwise be extended to a fellow believer.
* **God speed (Greek, _chaírō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to be cheerful," "to be happy," or "to be well off." It was a common Greek greeting or farewell, akin to "rejoice!" or "farewell!" By forbidding the customary greeting "God speed" (literally, "rejoice" or "be well"), John prohibits any expression of goodwill, blessing, or endorsement that might imply solidarity with the false teacher's mission. It signifies a complete disassociation from their enterprise, denying them even the politeness of a customary salutation that could be misconstrued as support.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine,"**: This conditional clause sets the premise for the subsequent commands. It identifies the specific type of individual to be avoided: anyone who arrives purporting to be a teacher or messenger but whose message deviates from "this doctrine"—the core truth of Christ's incarnation and the apostolic teaching. The emphasis is on the content of their teaching, not merely their presence or personality.
* **"receive him not into [your] house,"**: This is the first, direct imperative. It forbids extending hospitality, which in the first century would have included lodging, food, and general support. To "receive into your house" was to offer fellowship and endorsement. Denying this was a significant act of rejection, preventing false teachers from gaining a platform, resources, or legitimacy within the Christian community centered in the home.
* **"neither bid him God speed:"**: This is the second, equally strong imperative. It prohibits even a polite greeting or blessing. The phrase "God speed" (Greek _chaírō_) was a common salutation. By forbidding even this, John underscores the severity of the false doctrine and the need for complete disassociation. Offering such a greeting could be interpreted as wishing the false teacher success in their mission, thereby implicating the believer in their error.

#### Literary Devices
Second John 1:10 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood**, used in "receive him not" and "neither bid him God speed." These are direct, non-negotiable commands, underscoring the seriousness and necessity of the prescribed action. The "house" functions as a **Metonymy** or **Symbolism**, representing not only the physical dwelling but also the spiritual community, the family of faith, and the sphere of Christian influence. To admit a false teacher into the house is to admit their doctrine into the community. Furthermore, the phrase "bid him God speed" functions as a **Synecdoche**, where a part (a common greeting) stands for the whole (any form of endorsement, encouragement, or complicity with their mission). By forbidding even this seemingly minor act, John emphasizes the complete and unequivocal rejection required.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a powerful testament to the New Testament's unwavering commitment to doctrinal purity and the safeguarding of the Gospel. It stands in continuity with broader biblical warnings against false prophets and teachers, emphasizing that truth is not relative and that genuine love for God and His people necessitates a firm stand against error. The commands here highlight the responsibility of individual believers and the church collectively to exercise discernment, protecting the flock from wolves in sheep's clothing. This protective stance is not born of hatred but of a profound love for Christ and His truth, recognizing that false doctrine can lead to spiritual ruin and undermine the very foundation of salvation.

* [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")
* [Galatians 1:8-9](/galatians/1-8-9 "Galatians 1:8-9 - The Anathema on False Gospels")
* [Romans 16:17-18](/romans/16-17-18 "Romans 16:17-18 - Avoid Those Who Cause Divisions")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the immediate context of first-century itinerant teachers and hospitality might seem distant, the principles of 2 John 1:10 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. In an age saturated with information and diverse spiritual claims, the call to discernment is more critical than ever. We are challenged to be vigilant guardians of biblical truth, not only within our personal lives but also within our families and church communities. This means actively studying God's Word to know "this doctrine" intimately, so we can recognize deviations from it. It also means exercising wisdom in our associations, particularly concerning those who claim to teach Christian truth. While we are called to love all people and share the Gospel with them, this love does not extend to endorsing or providing a platform for teachings that undermine the person and work of Jesus Christ. Protecting the spiritual health of our "house"—be it our physical home, our local church, or the broader Christian community—requires a courageous commitment to truth, even when it means making difficult choices about fellowship and support.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How well do I know "this doctrine" (the core truths about Jesus Christ) so that I can discern false teachings?**
* **In what ways might I, perhaps unknowingly, be giving "God speed" (endorsement or platform) to teachings or ministries that do not align with biblical truth?**
* **What practical steps can I take to guard my home and my church community from spiritual deception, while still extending genuine Christian love to all?**
* **How can I balance the biblical command to love all people with the equally important command to contend earnestly for the faith and protect against false doctrine?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse prohibit all hospitality to non-believers or those with differing views?**

Answer: No, this verse does not prohibit all hospitality to non-believers or those with differing views. The specific context of [2 John 1:10](/2_john/1-10 "2 John 1:10 - Warning Against False Teachers") targets individuals who "come unto you, and bring not this doctrine." This refers to those who *claim* to be Christian teachers or messengers but actively propagate false doctrine, specifically denying the incarnation of Christ ([2 John 1:7](/2_john/1-7 "2 John 1:7 - Deceivers Denying Christ's Incarnation")). The prohibition is not against general evangelistic hospitality or kindness to those who are lost or seeking truth, but against providing a platform or endorsement to those who are actively undermining the foundational truths of the Gospel within the Christian community. Believers are still called to love their neighbors and engage with the world, but with discernment regarding those who intentionally spread spiritual poison.

**What is "this doctrine" that is so crucial to the message of 2 John?**

Answer: "This doctrine" (Greek: _didachḗ_) refers to the core, foundational teaching about Jesus Christ, particularly His full humanity and deity as expressed in His incarnation. John explicitly states earlier in the letter that "many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh" ([2 John 1:7](/2_john/1-7 "2 John 1:7 - Christ Come in the Flesh")). Therefore, "this doctrine" is the apostolic teaching that Jesus Christ is truly God manifest in human flesh, the Son who came to die for sins and rise again. It is the essential truth of the Gospel, upon which all Christian faith and salvation depend. To deny this doctrine, or to "go beyond" it ([2 John 1:9](/2_john/1-9 "2 John 1:9 - Abiding in the Doctrine of Christ")), is to depart from Christ Himself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second John 1:10, with its stern warning against false doctrine, finds its ultimate fulfillment and grounding in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. Christ is the embodiment of "this doctrine" – He is the Truth incarnate ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). His coming "in the flesh" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")) is the central, non-negotiable truth that false teachers denied, and it is the very reality that makes salvation possible. Christ Himself warned His disciples to "beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves" ([Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")), demonstrating His own vigilance in protecting His flock from spiritual deception. His entire ministry was characterized by the clear proclamation of truth that exposed and contrasted with the errors of His day. The call to deny hospitality and endorsement to those who do not bring "this doctrine" is, therefore, a call to uphold the honor and truth of Christ. By guarding the purity of the Gospel, believers protect the very message of redemption that Christ accomplished, ensuring that His sheep are nourished by the true Bread of Life and not poisoned by deceptive teachings that would lead them astray from the Good Shepherd ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Titus 3:10

A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

Romans 16:17

¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Romans 16:18

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

2 Thessalonians 3:6

¶ Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

2 Timothy 3:5

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

2 Timothy 3:6

For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

2 Thessalonians 3:14

And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.