Lexical Definition

‎Διοτρεφής‎ Diotrephḗs (dee-ot-ref-ace') Diotrephes ^N:N-M-P
from the alternate of ‎Ζεύς‎ and ‎τρέφω‎

Diotrephes.

• Jove-nourished
• Diotrephes, an opponent of Christianity

Abbott-Smith

Διοτρέφης (Rec. -τρεψής), -ες (< Διός, gen. of Ζεύς + τρέφω: cherished by Zeus),
as proper name, Diotrephes: III Jo 9.†

Abbott-Smith References

Liddell-Scott-Jones

Διοτρεφής , of kings and nobles, [8th/7th c.BC] (Middle Liddel)

Profile

Male • Church leader who opposed John

Man living at the time of the New Testament

Diotrephes was a church leader who loved to be first and refused to welcome John and his companions. (3Jn.1.9)

• A man living at the time of the New Testament, only mentioned at 3Jn.1.9;
• only referred to as Diotrephes Διοτρεφής.

Diotrephes is mentioned in 3 John 1:9-10 as a church leader who opposed the apostle John and his associates. John describes Diotrephes as someone "who loves to be first" among the church members, suggesting that he had a dominant and controlling personality.

According to John, Diotrephes refused to welcome him and his companions and even went so far as to speak maliciously against them. Moreover, Diotrephes would not receive other believers who were associated with John and would expel from the church those who did welcome them (3 John 1:10).

John's letter to Gaius, in which Diotrephes is mentioned, was written to commend Gaius for his faithfulness and hospitality towards traveling ministers (3 John 1:5-8). By contrast, Diotrephes' behavior was a hindrance to the spread of the gospel and the unity of the church.

John declared his intention to confront Diotrephes about his actions when he visited the church (3 John 1:10).

All entries for Diotrephes: Διοτρεφής