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2 John 1:11

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does 2 John 1:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “for he that giveth him greeting partaketh in his evil works.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

for he that giveth him greeting partaketh in his evil works.
2 John 1:11 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 John 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8Look to yourselves, that ye lose not the things which we have wrought, but that ye receive a full reward.
9Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son.
10If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into [your] house, and give him no greeting:
11for he that giveth him greeting partaketh in his evil works.
12Having many things to write unto you, I would not [write them] with paper and ink: but I hope to come unto you, and to speak face to face, that your joy may be made full.
13The children of thine elect sister salute thee.
← 2 John 1:102 John 1:12 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For he that biddeth him God speed, etc.] Wishes him well, and success in his ministry, or in a friendly and familiar way converses with him: is partaker of his evil deeds; he has fellowship with him, instead of reproving or shunning him, as he ought; he is an abettor of him in his principles, and so far joins in the propagation of them, and helps to spread them, and gives too much reason to think he is one with him in them.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“By wishing a false brother or teacher "God (or 'good') speed," you imply that he is capable as such of good speed and joy (the literal meaning of the Greek), and that you wish him it while opposing Christ; so you identify yourself with "his evil deeds." The Greek of "partaker" is "having communion with." We cannot have communion with saints and with Antichrist at the same time. Here we see John's naturally fiery zeal directed to a right end. POLYCARP, the disciple of John, told contemporaries of IRENÆUS, who narrates the story on their authority, that on one occasion when John was about to bathe, and heard that Cerinthus, the heretic, was within, he retired with abhorrence, exclaiming,…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For he that biddeth him God speed, is partaker of his evil deeds - Shows that he countenances and approves of the doctrine which is taught. Compare the notes at 1 Timothy 5:22. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“For he that biddeth him God speed - That gives him any encouragement, is accessory to his evil deeds. 2 John 1:12”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“partaker: Psa 50:18; Eph 5:11; Ti1 5:22; Rev 18:4 2 John 1:12”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification