What does it mean to prosper “even as your soul prospers” (3 John 1:2)?

To prosper “even as your soul prospers” is a sentiment sometimes found in Christian prayers, linking physical health and material prosperity with spiritual well-being. It is taken from the apostle John’s third letter, which he writes to his dear friend and coworker, Gaius, to encourage him in the ministry. John begins with a greeting, expressing affection and prayers for Gaius: “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers” (3 John 1:2, WEB). John’s greeting is both personal and spiritual, wishing Gaius physical health and material prosperity, just as he is experiencing wellness in his soul.

In 3 John 1:2, the “soul” (psyche in Greek) refers to the inner, immaterial part of a person—the mind, will, emotions, and spiritual life. The Greek word translated as “prosper” is euodoutai, which means “to progress, to develop in a positive way, to have a good journey, to go well.” A prospering soul is spiritually healthy, growing in faith, and aligning with God’s truth. For a soul to prosper implies a developing spiritual walk marked by integrity, peace, joy, and a deepening relationship with God.

When John writes, “I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy,” he is extending a blessing for overall physical, emotional, and material well-being. However, John adds a qualifier: “even as your soul prospers.” The text suggests that Gaius may not have been physically well or that he was struggling in some area of his life. Therefore, John prays for his friend’s health to be restored and for all to go well with him. Here are Bible translations that hint at this:

One thing is evident from the text: John is overjoyed with the spiritual condition of Gaius. He was a man whose soul was prospering. John writes, “Some of the traveling teachers recently returned and made me very happy by telling me about your faithfulness and that you are living according to the truth. I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth” (3 John 1:3–4, NLT). Gaius was probably one of John’s converts to the faith, and so John considered him a spiritual son.

It’s essential to avoid reading more into the text than what is actually there. John is not suggesting that spiritual health guarantees physical health and material prosperity. Some teachers of the prosperity gospel use this verse to argue that God intends for believers always to experience health and wealth in abundance. But John is simply praying for his friend’s overall health and well-being. He knows that Gaius’s spirit is strong, and he desires his dear friend to be healthy and to get along well in every area of his life.

While 3 John 1:2 speaks about prosperity, it should not be interpreted as a blanket promise of material wealth and perpetual physical well-being. Our Savior suffered (Isaiah 53:2–3; 1 Peter 2:23–24), was persecuted (Philippians 2:8; John 19:1–3), and lived a humble existence free from worldly entanglements (John 18:36; Matthew 8:20; Philippians 2:5–7). Believers are called to follow in Christ’s footsteps (Romans 8:17; Philippians 1:29; 1 Peter 2:21). Thus, suffering, sickness, and persecution are very real possibilities for Christians while they are living in this fallen world (see Acts 14:22; Romans 5:3–4; 1 Thessalonians 3:3; 2 Timothy 3:12; James 1:2–4; 1 Peter 3:14; 1 Peter 4:12–19).

The proper focus of the Christian life is not health, wealth, and prosperity but the grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who enables us to endure all things through Him and for Him. By His grace, we are able to pray like the apostle Paul, “I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11–13, NLT).

Gaius was precious to John. “I pray that you may prosper even as your soul prospers,” was John’s personal, heartfelt request to God—a spiritual mentor asking for the total well-being of his beloved son in the faith. Such greetings were not uncommon in the early church (see Philippians 1:3–14; Colossians 1:9–12). John acknowledged that Gaius’s spiritual growth was evident and progressing, and he prayed that his friend’s physical health and overall well-being might be in the same condition.