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3 John 1:13

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does 3 John 1:13 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “I had many things to write unto thee, but I am unwilling to write [them] to thee with ink and pen:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

I had many things to write unto thee, but I am unwilling to write [them] to thee with ink and pen:
3 John 1:13 — American Standard Version

Context — 3 John 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
10Therefore, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he doeth, prating against us with wicked words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and them that would he forbiddeth and casteth [them] out of the church.
11Beloved, imitate not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
12Demetrius hath the witness of all [men], and of the truth itself: yea, we also bear witness: and thou knowest that our witness is true.
13I had many things to write unto thee, but I am unwilling to write [them] to thee with ink and pen:
14but I hope shortly to see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace [be] unto thee. The friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name.
← 3 John 1:123 John 1:14 →
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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
“I have many things to write, etc] With regard to churches, and particular persons, and concerning hospitality to the poor brethren: but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee; suggesting he should take another method of communicating his mind to him, which he next mentions.”
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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
“I will not--rather as Greek, "I wish not . . . to write" more.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I had many things to write ... - This Epistle closes, as the second does, with a statement that he had many things to say, but that he preferred waiting until he should see him rather than put them on paper. Perhaps there were some things which he wished to say which he would not like to have exposed to the possibility of being seen by the public eye. But I will not with ink and pen ... - Notes at 2 John 1:12. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:13-15 As in 2 John, the conclusion of 3 John shows John’s desire to make a personal visit and see to the instructions of this letter. 1:13 pen and ink (literally ink and reed): In antiquity, writing was typically done with a stylus shaped from a reed and black carbon ink (see also 2 Jn 1:12).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Jo2 1:12 3 John 1:14”
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Related study paths

Read 3 John 1 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification