2 John 1:11

KJV

For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} he that biddeth {G3004} him {G846} God speed {G5463} is partaker {G2841} of his {G846} evil {G4190} deeds {G2041}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for the person who says, “Shalom!” to him shares in his evil deeds.

Berean Standard Bible

Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.

American Standard Version

for he that giveth him greeting partaketh in his evil works.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second John 1:11 serves as a stark warning from the Apostle John, emphasizing the grave spiritual danger of extending hospitality or endorsement to those who propagate false doctrine. It asserts that to offer a welcoming greeting or wish "God speed" to a false teacher is to become complicit in their "evil deeds," thereby sharing in the spiritual culpability and negative consequences of their deceptive ministry. This verse underscores the critical importance of discernment and separation for the preservation of truth within the Christian community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic warning in a short epistle primarily focused on combating itinerating false teachers who deny the full humanity of Jesus Christ. It immediately follows [2 John 1:10](/2_john/1-10 "2 John 1:10 - Do Not Receive False Teachers"), which explicitly instructs believers not to receive such individuals into their homes or even greet them. Verse 11 provides the theological rationale and severe consequence for disobeying this command, explaining *why* such separation is necessary. The letter as a whole balances the command to "walk in truth" ([2 John 1:4](/2_john/1-4 "2 John 1:4 - Walking in Truth")) with the command to "walk in love" ([2 John 1:5](/2_john/1-5 "2 John 1:5 - Walking in Love")), demonstrating that true love for God and His people necessitates a firm stand against error.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the first century, hospitality was not merely a social courtesy but a vital practice for travelers, especially for missionaries and teachers who relied on the generosity of believers for lodging and sustenance. However, this also created a vulnerability to those who would exploit such hospitality to spread erroneous doctrines. The specific false teachers John addresses were likely proto-Gnostics or Docetists, who denied the physical incarnation of Jesus, claiming He only *appeared* to have a body. This denial struck at the heart of the gospel message, undermining the atonement and resurrection. John's warning in [2 John 1:7-9](/2_john/1-7-9 "2 John 1:7-9 - The Deceivers and the Doctrine of Christ") directly confronts these "deceivers" who "do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh." Therefore, extending customary greetings or hospitality to such individuals was not a neutral act but a tacit endorsement of their message, providing them a platform and legitimacy within the community.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes woven throughout [2 John](/2_john/1 "The Second Epistle of John") and particularly highlighted in this verse include the **importance of discernment** in an age of spiritual deception, the **necessity of protecting the truth** of the gospel, and the **danger of complicity** with false teaching. John emphasizes that genuine Christian love is not sentimental but is tethered to truth, as seen in his call to "walk in truth" and "love one another" while simultaneously warning against those who "do not abide in the teaching of Christ" ([2 John 1:9](/2_john/1-9 "2 John 1:9 - Abiding in the Doctrine of Christ")). The letter also reinforces the **authority of apostolic teaching** as the standard against which all other doctrines must be measured.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **biddeth (Greek, _légō'_):** This verb, G3004, means "to lay forth," "to relate in words," or "to speak." In this context, it refers to the act of speaking a greeting or offering a welcome. It's not merely a casual nod but an intentional verbal expression of goodwill or endorsement, akin to wishing someone success or prosperity in their endeavors.
* **God speed (Greek, _chaírō'_):** This word, G5463, is a primary verb meaning "to be cheerful," "calmly happy," or "well-off." It was a common salutation, much like "hello" or "farewell," often translated as "rejoice" or "hail." However, in the specific context of wishing someone "God speed," it conveys a desire for their success and well-being, implying an endorsement of their mission or journey. To wish "God speed" to a false teacher is to implicitly sanction their "evil deeds."
* **partaker (Greek, _koinōnéō'_):** Derived from _koinōnos_ (partner), this verb, G2841, means "to share with others," "to communicate," or "to be a partaker." It signifies a deep level of association and shared responsibility. By extending a greeting that implies endorsement, one enters into a partnership with the false teacher, becoming complicit in their destructive work and sharing in the spiritual consequences of their error.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he that biddeth him God speed":** This clause provides the immediate context for the warning. The "him" refers to the "transgressor" who "abideth not in the doctrine of Christ" mentioned in the preceding verse ([2 John 1:9](/2_john/1-9 "2 John 1:9 - The Doctrine of Christ")). To "bid him God speed" means to offer a welcoming greeting, a wish for success, or an endorsement of his ministry. It goes beyond mere politeness to an act that could be interpreted as approval or support for the false teacher's mission and message.
* **"is partaker of his evil deeds":** This is the severe consequence. The term "partaker" (G2841, _koinōnéō_) emphasizes shared responsibility and complicity. The "evil deeds" (G4190 _ponērós_ and G2041 _érgon_) refer not merely to immoral actions but specifically to the destructive work of propagating false doctrine, which corrupts the truth, misleads believers, and undermines the foundation of the Christian faith. By offering a greeting of endorsement, the believer effectively joins the false teacher in their destructive work, becoming accountable for the spiritual harm they inflict.

#### Literary Devices
John employs **Cause and Effect** to powerfully convey his warning. The action of "bidding him God speed" is presented as the direct cause, leading inevitably to the effect of becoming a "partaker of his evil deeds." This clear logical progression underscores the gravity of the initial action. Furthermore, there is an element of **Metonymy** or **Symbolism** in the phrase "God speed." While literally a greeting, it stands in for the broader concept of endorsement, approval, or providing aid and comfort to the false teacher's mission. The greeting itself becomes a symbol of complicity, highlighting that even seemingly small acts of affirmation can have profound spiritual consequences. John's direct and unambiguous language also creates a sense of **Urgency**, signaling the immediate and serious threat posed by these deceivers to the integrity of the church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly impacts our understanding of Christian fellowship and the boundaries of truth. It teaches that while believers are called to love all people, this love must never compromise the truth of the gospel. True love for God's people includes protecting them from spiritual harm, which necessitates a firm stand against false teaching. To endorse or provide a platform for those who distort the core tenets of Christianity is to actively participate in their destructive work, making one spiritually accountable for the damage they cause. This principle is not about personal animosity but about safeguarding the purity of the faith and the spiritual well-being of the church.

* [Galatians 1:8-9](/galatians/1-8-9 "Galatians 1:8-9 - Anathema to False Gospel")
* [Romans 16:17-18](/romans/16-17-18 "Romans 16:17-18 - Avoid Those Who Cause Divisions")
* [1 Timothy 5:22](/1_timothy/5-22 "1 Timothy 5:22 - Do Not Participate in Others' Sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age saturated with information and diverse spiritual claims, 2 John 1:11 remains profoundly relevant, challenging believers to cultivate rigorous spiritual discernment. It calls us to be vigilant gatekeepers of truth, understanding that our words, actions, and associations carry significant spiritual weight. This does not mean retreating into isolation or abandoning compassion for those who are lost, but rather exercising wisdom in how we engage with and, more importantly, *endorse* teachings and ministries. We are encouraged to critically evaluate content presented online, in books, or through various spiritual leaders, ensuring that it aligns with the "doctrine of Christ." To give a platform, financial support, or even a tacit endorsement to those who preach a distorted gospel is to become an accomplice in their error, potentially leading others astray. Our commitment to truth must be unwavering, demonstrating that true love for God and neighbor demands a zealous defense of the gospel's integrity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between genuine Christian teaching and false doctrine in today's complex media landscape?**
* **In what ways might I, perhaps unknowingly, be "bidding God speed" to teachings or individuals that do not align with biblical truth?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my associations and endorsements uphold the integrity of the gospel?**
* **How can I balance the call to love all people with the command to separate from those who propagate spiritual error?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean Christians should be rude or uncharitable to non-believers or those with different theological views?**

Answer: No, this verse does not advocate for rudeness or a lack of charity towards non-believers or those with differing opinions in general. The context is specifically about itinerating **false teachers** who actively propagate doctrines that deny the core truths of Christianity, particularly the incarnation of Jesus Christ. John's concern is the protection of the church from spiritual deception and the preservation of the gospel's integrity. While Christians are called to love all people ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")), show kindness, and share the gospel, this passage warns against actions that would implicitly endorse or provide a platform for those who deliberately undermine foundational Christian beliefs, thereby becoming complicit in their "evil deeds." It's a call for discernment and a firm stand for truth, not a blanket prohibition on polite interaction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second John 1:11, while a warning against complicity with false teachers, ultimately points to the supreme importance of Christ as the embodiment of truth. The "evil deeds" John speaks of are those that deny the very person and work of Jesus, particularly His coming "in the flesh" ([2 John 1:7](/2_john/1-7 "2 John 1:7 - Many Deceivers Have Gone Out")). Christ Himself is the "way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and any teaching that deviates from Him is inherently false and destructive. The warning to avoid complicity with those who deny Christ underscores the New Testament's consistent emphasis on guarding the "deposit" of truth found in Him ([1 Timothy 6:20](/1_timothy/6-20 "1 Timothy 6:20 - Guard the Deposit")). Our partaking in Christ's divine nature ([2 Peter 1:4](/2_peter/1-4 "2 Peter 1:4 - Partakers of the Divine Nature")) stands in stark contrast to partaking in the "evil deeds" of those who oppose Him. Thus, this verse implicitly calls believers to cling ever more tightly to Christ, the source and sum of all truth, and to reject anything that would obscure His glory or diminish His saving work.

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

1 Timothy 5:22

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

Ephesians 5:11

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].

Revelation 18:4

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

Psalms 50:18

When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.