2 John 1:8

KJV

Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

KJV (with Strong's)

Look {G991} to yourselves {G1438}, that {G3363} we lose {G622} not {G3363} those things which {G3739} we have wrought {G2038}, but {G235} that we receive {G618} a full {G4134} reward {G3408}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Watch yourselves, so that you won’t lose what you have worked for, but will receive your full reward.

Berean Standard Bible

Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded.

American Standard Version

Look to yourselves, that ye lose not the things which we have wrought, but that ye receive a full reward.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second John 1:8 delivers a profound apostolic exhortation, urging believers to exercise vigilant self-examination and steadfast adherence to truth. It serves as a solemn warning against spiritual complacency and doctrinal compromise, emphasizing the critical importance of preserving the fruit of one's faith and labor. The verse culminates in a powerful promise: by maintaining faithfulness and resisting error, believers are assured of receiving a complete and abundant divine recompense for their spiritual diligence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The Second Epistle of John is a concise yet critically important letter, attributed to "the elder," widely believed to be the Apostle John. It is addressed to "the elect lady and her children," a phrase often interpreted as either a prominent Christian woman and her household or, more broadly, a local church and her members. The letter's primary purpose is dual: to commend the recipients for walking in truth and love, and to vehemently warn them against the pervasive threat of false teachers, specifically those who deny the true incarnation of Jesus Christ (a nascent form of Docetism). Verse 8 immediately follows John's explicit command in [2 John 1:7](/2_john/1-7 "2 John 1:7 - The Deceivers") to recognize these deceivers and the subsequent instruction in [2 John 1:10-11](/2_john/1-10-11 "2 John 1:10-11 - Do Not Receive False Teachers") not to offer them hospitality or support, lest one become a "partaker of their evil deeds." Thus, the call to "look to yourselves" in [2 John 1:8](/2_john/1-8 "2 John 1:8 - The Warning and Promise") is a direct and urgent appeal for spiritual discernment and perseverance in the face of imminent doctrinal danger, ensuring that the community's past faithfulness is not undermined by present compromise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late first century, when John likely penned this letter, was a period of significant theological ferment within the burgeoning Christian movement. Early forms of Gnosticism, particularly Docetism (from Greek *dokeō*, "to seem"), were emerging, which denied the true humanity of Christ, asserting that He only *seemed* to have a physical body. This heresy directly contradicted the apostolic witness to Jesus' incarnation, death, and resurrection, undermining the very foundation of the Gospel. Itinerant teachers were common in the ancient world, and hospitality was a deeply ingrained cultural value and a vital practice within early Christian communities, providing essential support for traveling evangelists and teachers. John's warning against extending hospitality to false teachers was therefore a radical and necessary counter-cultural directive, designed to protect the theological integrity and spiritual well-being of the church. The threat was not merely intellectual but existential, as embracing such teachers would lead to the erosion of truth and the potential loss of spiritual progress.
* **Key Themes:** [Second John](/2_john/1 "The Second Epistle of John") is rich with foundational Johannine themes. The central theme is the **intertwined nature of truth and love**. John emphasizes that genuine Christian love (agape) can only exist within the boundaries of divine truth, and walking in truth is expressed through love for one another and obedience to God's commands. This letter also strongly highlights **discernment and spiritual vigilance**, urging believers to carefully distinguish between true and false teaching, especially concerning the person of Christ. The theme of **perseverance** is crucial, as believers are called to steadfastly adhere to the "doctrine of Christ" despite external pressures and internal threats. Finally, [2 John 1:8](/2_john/1-8 "2 John 1:8 - The Warning and Promise") introduces the theme of **divine recompense** or **reward**, assuring believers that their faithfulness and spiritual labor will be fully honored by God, contrasting with the loss that accompanies compromise. These themes collectively underscore the importance of doctrinal purity as a prerequisite for authentic Christian living and the assurance of God's blessing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Look (Greek, _blépō_):** This verb signifies "to look at (literally or figuratively)," "to perceive," or "to take heed." In this context, it is an imperative, demanding active and careful self-examination and spiritual vigilance. It implies a conscious, intentional act of guarding one's spiritual state and doctrinal purity, rather than a passive observation. The call is to internal scrutiny and watchful discernment.
* **wrought (Greek, _ergázomai_):** Derived from *ergon* (work), this word means "to toil," "to labor," or "to perform." Here, it refers to the spiritual efforts, obedience, and adherence to truth that believers have already invested. It encompasses the "works" of faith, love, and steadfastness in sound doctrine, which are the fruits of their spiritual journey and commitment to Christ.
* **reward (Greek, _misthós_):** This term denotes "pay for service," "hire," or "wages," which can be good or bad. In [2 John 1:8](/2_john/1-8 "2 John 1:8 - The Warning and Promise"), it refers to the positive recompense from God for faithful service and perseverance. It is not merely a wage earned, but a divine bestowal of blessing and commendation for loyalty to Christ and His truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Look to yourselves":** This opening imperative is a direct, urgent command for introspection and self-guarding. It places the responsibility squarely on the individual believer and the community to be spiritually alert and discerning. It is a call to actively monitor one's own faith, conduct, and doctrinal integrity, especially in light of the deceptive influences discussed in the preceding verses. This vigilance is crucial for spiritual preservation.
* **"that we lose not those things which we have wrought":** This clause reveals the negative consequence of failing to "look to yourselves." The "things which we have wrought" refer to the spiritual labor, progress, and achievements—such as growth in faith, acts of love, adherence to sound doctrine, and evangelistic efforts—that have been accomplished through God's grace. The danger is that this spiritual investment could be rendered null or forfeited by succumbing to false teaching or abandoning the truth. The implication is that spiritual fruit, while divinely enabled, requires human perseverance to be retained and brought to full maturity.
* **"but that we receive a full reward":** This contrasting clause presents the positive motivation and glorious outcome of spiritual vigilance and perseverance. Instead of losing what has been gained, faithfulness leads to receiving a "full reward." This "full reward" (Greek: *plērēs misthos*) signifies a complete, abundant, or entire recompense from God. It is not a partial or diminished blessing, but the full measure of divine commendation and blessing for steadfastness in truth and love, confirming that God honors those who honor Him by guarding His truth.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. Foremost is **Exhortation**, as John directly commands his readers ("Look to yourselves") to take specific action. This imperative mood underscores the urgency and personal responsibility involved in spiritual vigilance. **Contrast** is powerfully utilized through the juxtaposition of "lose not" and "but that we receive," highlighting the two possible outcomes of their spiritual journey: forfeiture of past labor versus the attainment of a full reward. This creates a strong motivational appeal. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Metaphor** of spiritual labor and its corresponding wages or reward, framing the Christian life as an investment that yields divine returns. The "things which we have wrought" are implicitly likened to spiritual capital or work, which, if preserved, will yield a "full reward," suggesting a divine economy where faithfulness is meticulously accounted for and richly recompensed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second John 1:8 stands as a vital theological anchor, connecting the immediate concern of doctrinal purity with the broader biblical themes of perseverance, stewardship, and eschatological reward. It underscores the profound truth that our spiritual journey is not passive but requires active vigilance and commitment to the truth of Christ. The "things we have wrought" are not merely human achievements but the Spirit-empowered fruit of faith, love, and obedience to the Gospel. To lose these is to forfeit the very essence of our spiritual identity and purpose. The promise of a "full reward" speaks to God's unwavering justice and generosity, assuring believers that their faithfulness, even amidst severe trials and deceptive influences, will be fully acknowledged and honored in His presence. This divine recompense is not earned through works in a meritorious sense, but is a gracious recognition of a life lived in steadfast communion with Christ and His truth.

* [1 Corinthians 3:14](/1_corinthians/3-14 "Reward for Enduring Work")
* [Revelation 3:11](/revelation/3-11 "Hold Fast to Your Crown")
* [Colossians 3:24](/colossians/3-24 "Receiving the Inheritance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age saturated with diverse ideologies and spiritual counterfeits, 2 John 1:8 remains a timeless and urgent call to spiritual sobriety. It challenges believers to move beyond passive reception of information and to actively engage in discerning truth from error, particularly concerning the foundational tenets of the Christian faith. This verse compels us to critically examine the teachings we embrace, the influences we allow into our lives, and the spiritual investments we are making. It reminds us that our past efforts in faith, love, and service are precious and must be guarded against anything that would diminish their eternal value. The promise of a "full reward" serves as a powerful encouragement, reminding us that every act of faithfulness, every stand for truth, and every demonstration of Christ-like love contributes to an eternal inheritance that God Himself will graciously bestow. This should motivate us to persevere, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific areas of my life or beliefs do I need to "look to myself" regarding, to ensure I am not losing spiritual ground?**
* **How can I more actively discern between sound doctrine and deceptive teachings in today's complex spiritual landscape?**
* **What "things have I wrought" in my spiritual journey that I need to diligently protect and build upon, rather than allow to be diminished?**
* **How does the promise of a "full reward" motivate me to remain steadfast in my faith and service, even when it is challenging?**

### FAQ
**What does "lose not those things which we have wrought" specifically refer to?**

Answer: This phrase refers to the spiritual progress, labor, and achievements that believers have already invested in their Christian walk. This includes their adherence to sound doctrine, their acts of love and service, their growth in faith, and any fruit produced through their obedience to Christ. The danger John warns against is that by compromising with false teaching or abandoning the truth, believers risk negating or forfeiting the eternal value and reward associated with these past spiritual efforts. It's not about losing salvation, but about losing the full measure of commendation and reward that God intends for faithful perseverance, as suggested by the contrast with receiving a "full reward."

**Who is the "we" in "that we lose not... but that we receive a full reward"?**

Answer: The "we" refers to John himself and his fellow faithful believers, including the "elect lady and her children" to whom he is writing. By using the first-person plural, John includes himself in the exhortation, emphasizing that spiritual vigilance and the pursuit of a full reward are universal concerns for all who follow Christ. It highlights a shared responsibility and a common goal among true believers to guard the truth and persevere in their spiritual walk, ensuring that none of them miss out on the divine recompense promised for faithfulness. This collective responsibility is particularly important when facing external threats like false teachers, as seen in [2 John 1:7](/2_john/1-7 "2 John 1:7 - The Deceivers").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second John 1:8, while a direct exhortation to believers, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. Our ability to "look to ourselves" and persevere in truth is not a self-generated strength but flows from our union with Him, who is [the Way, the Truth, and the Life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life"). The "things which we have wrought" are not independent human efforts, but rather the fruit of the Spirit working within us, empowered by Christ's finished work on the cross. It is through His sacrifice that we are made righteous and enabled to perform any good work. Furthermore, the "full reward" we anticipate is ultimately found in Christ Himself. He is our exceeding great reward, the inheritance promised to us. The crown of righteousness, the crown of life, and the crown of glory, mentioned in passages like [2 Timothy 4:8](/2_timothy/4-8 "2 Timothy 4:8 - The Crown of Righteousness") and [James 1:12](/james/1-12 "James 1:12 - The Crown of Life"), are not earned independently but are gracious gifts bestowed by our Lord, who is the source and guarantor of all true spiritual labor and its eternal recompense. Our perseverance is a reflection of His faithfulness to us, and our reward is a participation in His glorious victory, as He promised, "[I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown](/revelation/3-11 "Revelation 3:11 - Hold Fast to Your Crown")." Thus, Christ is both the object of our vigilance and the gracious bestower of our full and eternal reward.

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

Hebrews 10:35

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

1 Corinthians 3:14

If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

Revelation 3:11

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

1 Corinthians 3:8

Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

Hebrews 12:15

Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled;

Mark 13:9

But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

John 4:36

And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.