An Exegetical Analysis of the Relative Pronoun in 3 John 5
This exegetical study of An Exegetical Analysis of the Relative Pronoun in 3 John 5 is based on a b-greek discussion from Mon Feb 16 2004. The initial inquiry from the discussion centered on the grammatical function of the relative pronoun ὃ in 3 John 5, specifically questioning whether it refers to the verb ποιεῖς (“you do”) or to the verb ἐργάσῃ (“you perform”).
The main exegetical issue lies in correctly parsing the indefinite relative clause ὃ ἐὰν ἐργάσῃ and its syntactic relationship to the main verb ποιεῖς and the predicate adjective πιστόν. Understanding this relationship is crucial for accurately translating the nuance of Gaius’s commendable actions: whether the faithfulness applies to the *act* of doing itself, or to the *object* of what is done, or to the *manner* in which it is done. The challenge is to determine how the “whatever you do/perform” clause functions within the overarching statement “you do faithfully.”
Ἀγαπητέ, πιστὸν ποιεῖς ὃ ἐὰν ἐργάσῃ εἰς τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς καὶ τοῦτο ξένους
(Nestle 1904)
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- There are no textual differences between Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT 2010 for 3 John 5. Both editions present the same Greek text.
Textual Criticism (NA28): The text of 3 John 5 is remarkably stable. The Novum Testamentum Graece (NA28) reports no significant textual variants for this verse that would impact the interpretation of the relative pronoun ὃ or the verbs ποιεῖς and ἐργάσῃ. This stability allows for focused grammatical and lexical analysis without the need to navigate competing textual traditions for this specific point.
Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG):
- ποιέω (BDAG, s.v. “ποιέω”): This verb fundamentally means ‘to make, produce, do, perform.’ In contexts like 3 John 5, it carries the sense of ‘to carry out, perform, engage in an activity.’ The phrase πιστὸν ποιεῖς can be understood as “you do a faithful thing” or, more idiomatically, “you act faithfully” or “you do faithfully.”
- ἐργάζομαι (BDAG, s.v. “ἐργάζομαι”): This verb means ‘to work, perform, do.’ It often implies active engagement or labor. In the context of 3 John 5, ὃ ἐὰν ἐργάσῃ translates to “whatever you do/perform/work at.” The subjunctive ἐργάσῃ with ἐὰν forms an indefinite relative clause of general condition, indicating that Gaius’s actions are consistently characterized by faithfulness.
- πίστος (BDAG, s.v. “πίστος”): Primarily means ‘faithful, trustworthy, reliable.’ In 3 John 5, it functions as a predicate adjective describing the quality of Gaius’s actions. The term is crucial as it emphasizes not just the performance of deeds but their inherent character of reliability and loyalty. KITTEL’s discussion of πίστος (TDNT, s.v. “πίστος”) often highlights its connection to divine faithfulness and the human response of loyalty and trustworthiness, particularly in fulfilling one’s obligations within the believing community. Here, it denotes Gaius’s reliable and loyal conduct towards fellow believers, even those who are strangers.
- ὃ ἐὰν (BDAG, s.v. “ὅς,” “ἐάν”): The combination of the relative pronoun ὃ (“what, which”) and the particle ἐὰν (“if, when”) forms an indefinite relative pronoun phrase meaning “whatever.” It introduces a clause that describes the general nature of Gaius’s actions.
Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis
The grammatical structure of the clause πιστὸν ποιεῖς ὃ ἐὰν ἐργάσῃ presents two primary interpretive possibilities concerning the function of ὃ ἐὰν ἐργάσῃ:
1. The indefinite relative clause ὃ ἐὰν ἐργάσῃ functions as the direct object of ποιεῖς, with πιστόν as a predicate adjective modifying this object.
In this interpretation, the verse would be parsed as: “You do (perform) faithfully that which you (might) do.” The entire clause ὃ ἐὰν ἐργάσῃ (“whatever you do/perform”) serves as the direct object of ποιεῖς, and πιστόν modifies this entire action, indicating the *manner* or *quality* of what Gaius performs. This suggests an understanding where Gaius’s faithfulness is an inherent characteristic of *all* his actions directed towards the brothers and strangers. The construction highlights Gaius’s consistent and reliable character in his service.
2. The indefinite relative clause ὃ ἐὰν ἐργάσῃ functions as the direct object of ποιεῖς, but πιστόν functions adverbially, describing the manner of the action ποιεῖς.
Alternatively, πιστόν could be understood adverbially, meaning “faithfully.” So, “You do faithfully whatever you perform.” While πιστόν is technically an adjective, Greek often uses predicate adjectives adverbially, especially with verbs like ποιέω. This interpretation foregrounds the *faithfulness* as the characteristic way Gaius acts, applying to the *doing* rather than solely to the *thing done*. Rhetorically, this emphasizes Gaius’s virtue as a doer, rather than just the virtue of his deeds.
Both interpretations converge on the core message: Gaius’s actions towards fellow believers, including those who are strangers, are characterized by faithfulness and reliability. The phrase “unto the brothers and these (who are) strangers” (εἰς τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς καὶ τοῦτο ξένους) further specifies the recipients of Gaius’s commendable service, underscoring the communal and hospitable nature of his faithfulness. The use of τοῦτο ξένους (“these, namely, strangers”) strengthens the commendation, as hospitality to strangers was a significant Christian virtue.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
The grammatical analysis indicates that the clause ὃ ἐὰν ἐργάσῃ functions as the direct object of ποιεῖς, with πιστόν serving as a predicate adjective describing the nature or quality of the action. The emphasis is on Gaius’s consistent and reliable performance of duties towards his fellow believers, especially those who are unknown to him. This demonstrates a deep commitment to Christian hospitality and fraternal love.
- You act faithfully in whatever you do for the brothers, especially those who are strangers.
This translation emphasizes the consistent nature of Gaius’s faithful conduct in all his deeds of service. - Dear friend, you are faithful in all that you do for the brothers, even for strangers.
This rendering highlights Gaius’s character as a faithful person, whose actions embody that faithfulness towards specific recipients. - Beloved, you do a faithful thing whenever you minister to the brothers, particularly when they are strangers.
This option foregrounds the specific “thing” or act of ministry as being inherently faithful, especially when extended to strangers, underscoring the quality of the performed service.