What does 2 John 1:10 mean?
If someone comes to you and doesn’t bring this teaching, don’t welcome them into your home or even encourage them. 2 John 1:10 - Modern Text Bible
(He tells them not to support or give hospitality to people spreading false teachings about Jesus.)
If someone comes to you with a message that distorts who Jesus is, don’t give them support or encouragement. The verse warns that even welcoming such a person can be a problem. The Greek word for "receive" here is lambanō, which means to take in or accept—not just physically, but as a sign of approval. This pushes back against the idea that tolerance means accepting every idea or teacher without question. Instead, it says that some messages are so off-base that supporting them—even indirectly—can do real harm. For someone who wants to be kind or open-minded, this verse draws a line: being welcoming doesn’t mean endorsing everything. Sometimes, protecting what’s true means saying no, even when it feels uncomfortable. It’s about being careful with what you allow to influence your life and the lives of those around you.
Similar verses: Galatians 1:8, 2 Timothy 3:5, Titus 3:10