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Διοτρεφής (Diotrephēs)

Diotrephēs

Diotrephes

G1361 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The name Diotrephes literally means "nourished by Zeus," combining the genitive of Zeus with a word for feeding or nurturing. This pagan etymology stands in sharp contrast to the Christian context of 3 John, where he is identified as a member of the church.

He appears only once in Scripture, in 3 John 9, where John describes him as loving "to be first." The sources highlight his arrogant and domineering attitude, noting that he refused to welcome traveling missionaries and even expelled those who did. His name serves as a historical marker for a specific conflict within the early church over authority and hospitality.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Diotrephes means "nourished by Zeus," a detail that highlights the tension between worldly ambition and Christian humility. In 3 John, this man used his position to dominate others rather than serve them. His refusal to welcome traveling missionaries shows how pride can distort leadership into control.

This story reminds us that true influence comes from serving others, not seeking status. When we feel the urge to be first, we can pause and ask God to shape our hearts toward generosity. The early church faced similar struggles, and John’s letter encourages believers to choose kindness over power.

May you find peace in knowing that God values humility above all else. His grace is sufficient for every moment of temptation, and His love invites us to lead with gentleness.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Diotrephes1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • Διοτρέφης1×

Key Verses

  • III John 1:9
    I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say.

    This verse captures Diotrephes' refusal to accept apostolic authority and his expulsion of those who welcomed missionaries, illustrating how pride disrupts church unity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Diotrephes mean?

The name Diotrephes combines the genitive of Zeus with a word for feeding, meaning "nourished by Zeus." This pagan origin contrasts sharply with his role in the early Christian community.

Why is Diotrephes mentioned in 3 John?

He appears in 3 John 9 as an example of how pride can damage church unity. His refusal to welcome missionaries and expulsion of others shows a leadership style focused on control rather than service.

How does Diotrephes differ from other church leaders in the New Testament?

Unlike leaders like Paul or Timothy, who emphasized humility and service, Diotrephes prioritized personal status. His actions led to division, prompting John’s warning against such behavior.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

III John 1 verse
III John 1:9

I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say.