1 John 1:10

KJV

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

KJV (with Strong's)

If {G1437} we say {G2036} that {G3754} we have {G264} not {G3756} sinned {G264}, we make {G4160} him {G846} a liar {G5583}, and {G2532} his {G846} word {G3056} is {G2076} not {G3756} in {G1722} us {G2254}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If we claim we have not been sinning, we are making him out to be a liar, and his Word is not in us.

Berean Standard Bible

If we say we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar, and His word is not in us.

American Standard Version

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 1:10 serves as a stark warning against denying the reality of personal sin, asserting that such a claim directly contradicts God's revealed truth and character. It underscores that to assert a sinless state is to accuse God of falsehood, effectively demonstrating that His divine Word, which consistently declares humanity's fallen condition and need for redemption, has not genuinely taken root or been embraced within the individual. This verse, therefore, calls believers to humble honesty regarding their ongoing struggle with sin, emphasizing the crucial prerequisite of acknowledging sin for true fellowship with God and reception of His cleansing grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the opening theological argument of 1 John, which establishes the basis for Christian fellowship with God and with one another. John begins by affirming the tangible reality of Christ's incarnation ([1 John 1:1-4](/1_john/1-1-4 "1 John 1:1-4 - The Word of Life")). He then declares God's nature as light, in whom there is no darkness at all ([1 John 1:5](/1_john/1-5 "1 John 1:5 - God Is Light")). This foundational truth then sets up the crucial implications regarding sin. First, John states that claiming fellowship with God while walking in darkness is a lie ([1 John 1:6](/1_john/1-6 "1 John 1:6 - Walking in Darkness")). He then presents the solution: walking in the light leads to fellowship and cleansing by Christ's blood ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Walking in the Light and Cleansing by Blood")). Directly preceding our verse, [1 John 1:8](/1_john/1-8 "1 John 1:8 - Denying Sin Is Self-Deception") warns that "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." This sets the stage for the even stronger declaration in [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness"), which promises forgiveness and cleansing for those who confess their sins. [1 John 1:10](/1_john/1-10 "1 John 1:10 - The Danger of Denying Sin") intensifies the warning of [1 John 1:8](/1_john/1-8 "1 John 1:8 - Denying Sin Is Self-Deception"), moving from self-deception to explicitly making God a liar, thereby emphasizing the grave theological implications of denying sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's epistle was likely written towards the end of the first century, addressing a community facing internal doctrinal challenges, particularly from nascent forms of Gnosticism or proto-Gnosticism. These emerging heresies often promoted a dualistic worldview, separating the spiritual from the material and sometimes leading to the belief that actions of the physical body were irrelevant to one's spiritual state. Some Gnostic teachers might have claimed a special "knowledge" (gnosis) that elevated them above the need for repentance or confession of sin, asserting a state of sinless perfection or that sin was merely an illusion for the enlightened. John directly counters this dangerous teaching, which undermined the necessity of Christ's atoning work and the ongoing need for confession. His audience, composed of believers, needed a clear and firm reminder of the universal reality of sin and God's unchanging truth regarding it.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within 1 John and broader biblical theology. It reinforces the **Universal Sinfulness of Humanity**, asserting that sin is an inescapable reality for all people, including believers, a truth consistently affirmed throughout Scripture (e.g., [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). It also underscores **God's Absolute Truthfulness and Integrity**, presenting the denial of sin as a direct assault on God's character, as He is the God who [cannot lie](/titus/1-2 "Titus 1:2 - God Who Cannot Lie"). Furthermore, the phrase "his word is not in us" highlights the theme of **The Indwelling of God's Word**, emphasizing that genuine spiritual life and fellowship are contingent upon the acceptance and internalization of God's revealed truth, particularly concerning sin and salvation. This theme is foundational to the entire epistle, which seeks to clarify the marks of true Christian fellowship and the nature of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sinned (Greek, _hamartánō'_):** From G264, meaning "to miss the mark," "to err," or "to sin." In this context, it refers to the act of committing sin, implying a failure to conform to God's righteous standard. The perfect tense (hēmartēkamen) in the original Greek suggests a completed action with ongoing results, or a settled state, implying the claim is that one has never sinned, or that sin is no longer a present reality in one's life.
* **liar (Greek, _pseústēs'_):** From G5583, meaning "a falsifier." This term is used here to describe someone who makes a false statement. When applied to God, it means to accuse Him of being untruthful or deceptive, a profound theological offense given God's inherent nature as truth.
* **word (Greek, _lógos'_):** From G3056, referring to "something said," "a message," or "a divine expression." In this context, "his word" refers to God's revealed truth, encompassing His character, His commandments, and His declarations regarding humanity's sinfulness and need for salvation. The absence of this "word" signifies a rejection or lack of reception of God's truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If we say that we have not sinned":** This clause presents a hypothetical but dangerous assertion. It refers to a claim made by individuals, likely within the Christian community, who deny their personal experience of sin, either by claiming a state of absolute sinlessness or by minimizing the gravity and reality of their moral failures. This denial can stem from pride, self-deception, or a false theological understanding.
* **"we make him a liar":** This is the severe consequence of the previous assertion. To deny one's sin is not merely self-deception (as in [1 John 1:8](/1_john/1-8 "1 John 1:8 - Denying Sin Is Self-Deception")); it is to directly contradict God's consistent testimony in Scripture regarding humanity's fallen nature and universal sinfulness. Since God is inherently truthful and His Word is infallible, claiming sinlessness effectively accuses God of being false in His pronouncements about sin.
* **"and his word is not in us":** This final clause explains the spiritual state of those who deny their sin. It signifies a profound spiritual disconnect. "His word" refers to God's truth, His revelation concerning sin, redemption, and human nature. If this word is "not in us," it means that God's truth has not been genuinely received, internalized, or allowed to shape one's understanding and life. This absence indicates a lack of spiritual alignment and a rejection of the very foundation upon which true fellowship with God is built.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. **Antithesis** is central, contrasting the false claim of sinlessness with the profound truth of God's character. The phrase "we make him a liar" is a striking example of **Personification**, attributing the act of lying to God Himself, which is a rhetorical strategy to highlight the extreme gravity of denying sin. This is not to say God literally lies, but that the human assertion of sinlessness implies God's statements about sin are false. Furthermore, "his word is not in us" functions as a **Metaphor** for spiritual emptiness or a lack of genuine understanding and reception of divine truth. The "word" is not a physical object, but a spiritual reality that should indwell and transform believers. The stark, declarative tone throughout the verse also contributes to its **Didactic** purpose, serving as a direct instruction and warning to the readers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First John 1:10 stands as a crucial theological anchor, reinforcing the biblical doctrine of universal sinfulness and the absolute veracity of God. It directly challenges any notion of human perfection in this life, asserting that such a claim not only stems from self-deception but also directly impugns the character of God, who, as the source of all truth, cannot contradict Himself. This verse compels believers to embrace a posture of humility and honesty before God, recognizing that genuine spiritual health and fellowship are predicated on acknowledging our ongoing need for His grace and forgiveness, rather than pretending to be beyond the reach of sin's influence. It highlights that God's Word is the ultimate standard for truth, and its rejection concerning the reality of sin indicates a profound spiritual misalignment.

* [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned and Fall Short of the Glory of God")
* [Psalm 14:3](/psalms/14-3 "Psalm 14:3 - All Have Turned Aside, There is None Who Does Good")
* [Titus 1:2](/titus/1-2 "Titus 1:2 - God, Who Cannot Lie")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This powerful verse serves as a vital safeguard against spiritual pride and self-deception, calling every believer to a profound honesty before God. In a world that often encourages self-justification or the minimization of moral failings, 1 John 1:10 reminds us that true spiritual maturity begins with humbly acknowledging our imperfections and ongoing struggle with sin. To genuinely allow God's word to be "in us" means to accept His divine assessment of our human condition, which includes our fallenness and our continual need for His grace. This acceptance cultivates a spirit of humility, prompts ongoing confession, and deepens our reliance on Christ's atoning work. It frees us from the exhausting burden of pretending to be perfect and opens the door to authentic fellowship with God and with others, built on the foundation of shared brokenness and shared grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to deny or minimize my sin, either to myself or to others?**
* **How does acknowledging my sinfulness deepen my appreciation for God's grace and forgiveness?**
* **What does it mean for God's "word" to truly be "in" me, and how can I cultivate a deeper reception of His truth?**
* **How does the warning in this verse shape my approach to spiritual growth and my understanding of Christian perfection?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "make God a liar"?**

Answer: To "make God a liar" means to effectively accuse God of being untruthful or deceptive. God's Word consistently declares the reality of human sinfulness (e.g., [Romans 3:10-12](/romans/3-10-12 "Romans 3:10-12 - No One Is Righteous")), and His very nature is truth ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Therefore, when we claim to have no sin, we are directly contradicting God's own testimony about humanity's condition and His character. It's not that God literally becomes a liar, but that our assertion implies He is, thereby undermining His integrity and the reliability of His revelation. It's a grave theological offense that denies a core biblical truth about both God and humanity.

**Does 1 John 1:10 imply that believers can never achieve "sinless perfection" in this life?**

Answer: Yes, this verse strongly implies that absolute "sinless perfection" is not attainable in this earthly life. John's epistle is written to believers, and his repeated emphasis on the reality of sin (e.g., [1 John 1:8](/1_john/1-8 "1 John 1:8 - Denying Sin Is Self-Deception"), [1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - My Little Children, I Write These Things So That You May Not Sin")) indicates that even those who are in Christ continue to struggle with sin. While believers are declared righteous in Christ and are being progressively sanctified by the Holy Spirit, the presence of the sinful nature (the flesh) remains until glorification. To claim complete freedom from sin is to reject God's word and His assessment of our ongoing human condition, which is a dangerous form of self-deception that hinders true spiritual growth and reliance on Christ's cleansing blood ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Walking in the Light and Cleansing by Blood")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The stark warning of [1 John 1:10](/1_john/1-10 "1 John 1:10 - The Danger of Denying Sin") finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. If denying sin makes God a liar, then Christ, as the embodiment of God's truth, stands as the ultimate refutation of such a claim. Jesus himself declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and He came to bear witness to the truth ([John 18:37](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")). His perfect life, sacrificial death, and resurrection are God's definitive statements on the reality and gravity of human sin, demonstrating that only through His atoning work could humanity's sin problem be addressed. Christ did not come for those who claimed to be righteous, but for sinners ([Mark 2:17](/mark/2-17 "Mark 2:17 - Jesus Came for Sinners")). Furthermore, the "word" that is "not in us" when we deny sin is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who is the living Word of God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word")). When we embrace Christ, His truth, which includes the reality of our sin and His provision for it, truly indwells us through the Holy Spirit ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Will Guide You")). Thus, acknowledging our sin, far from being a defeat, becomes the very path to embracing the fullness of Christ's redemptive work and allowing His transforming truth to dwell richly within us.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 John 1:8

¶ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 5:10

¶ He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

1 John 2:4

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

2 John 1:2

For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.

Psalms 130:3

If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

1 John 2:14

I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him [that is] from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

Job 24:25

And if [it be] not [so] now, who will make me a liar, and make my speech nothing worth?