1 John 3:10

KJV

In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

KJV (with Strong's)

In {G1722} this {G5129} the children {G5043} of God {G2316} are {G2076} manifest {G5318}, and {G2532} the children {G5043} of the devil {G1228}: whosoever {G3956} doeth {G4160} not {G3361} righteousness {G1343} is {G2076} not {G3756} of {G1537} God {G2316}, neither {G2532} he that loveth {G25} not {G3361} his {G846} brother {G80}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is how one can distinguish clearly between God’s children and those of the Adversary: everyone who does not continue doing what is right is not from God.

Likewise, anyone who fails to keep loving his brother is not from God.

Berean Standard Bible

By this the children of God are distinguished from the children of the devil: Anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is anyone who does not love his brother.

American Standard Version

In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 3:10 serves as a foundational declaration distinguishing between those who genuinely belong to God's family and those aligned with the adversary. The Apostle John provides clear, observable criteria, asserting that one's spiritual lineage is made evident not by mere profession, but by the characteristic pursuit of righteousness and the active expression of love for fellow believers. This verse underscores the visible outworking of an internal spiritual reality, revealing the true nature of one's relationship with God or the devil through consistent patterns of behavior.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within John's ongoing discourse in [1 John 3](/1_john/3 "1 John 3 - The Children of God") concerning the nature of sin, righteousness, and love as defining characteristics of God's children. Immediately preceding this verse, John has stated in [1 John 3:9](/1_john/3-9 "1 John 3:9 - Born of God Does Not Practice Sin") that "whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." This radical statement refers not to sinless perfection, but to a fundamental change in nature and a decisive break from a characteristic pattern of sin. [1 John 3:10](/1_john/3-10 "1 John 3:10 - Distinguishing God's Children") then functions as the practical, observable manifestation of this new spiritual birth, providing the visible evidence that confirms or denies one's claim to be "born of God." It draws a stark line, presenting a clear antithesis between two spiritual families based on their ethical conduct.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian communities, to whom John wrote, faced challenges from within and without. One significant internal threat was proto-Gnosticism, which often emphasized secret knowledge (gnosis) over ethical conduct. Adherents might claim spiritual enlightenment or a special relationship with God while living in ways contrary to Christian morality. John's epistle, particularly [1 John 3](/1_john/3 "1 John 3 - The Children of God"), directly counters such claims by insisting that true spiritual identity is not merely intellectual or mystical, but is visibly demonstrated through righteous living and genuine love. In a Greco-Roman world where ethical systems varied widely, John's emphasis on observable behavior provided a crucial means for the nascent church to discern authentic faith and maintain its distinct moral witness. The concept of "children of God" also resonated with Jewish covenantal language, where Israel was often referred to as God's children, now reinterpreted through the lens of Christ and the new covenant.
* **Key Themes:** [1 John 3:10](/1_john/3-10 "1 John 3:10 - Distinguishing God's Children") powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout the epistle. Foremost is the theme of **Spiritual Paternity and Family Identity**, emphasizing that one's actions reveal their true spiritual parentage – either God or the devil. This is directly linked to the theme of **Assurance of Salvation**, as John provides tangible proofs for believers to confirm their standing with God. The verse also highlights the **Necessity of Righteous Living**, asserting that a life characterized by "doing righteousness" ([1 John 2:29](/1_john/2-29 "1 John 2:29 - Practicing Righteousness")) is an indispensable mark of divine sonship. Finally, the **Imperative of Brotherly Love** is presented as an equally non-negotiable identifier, echoing Jesus' new commandment that mutual love would be the distinguishing mark of His disciples ([John 13:35](/john/13-35 "John 13:35 - Love as a Mark of Discipleship")). These themes collectively form a robust framework for understanding Christian authenticity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **manifest (Greek, _phanerós'_):** (G5318) Derived from a word meaning "to shine," _phanerós_ signifies that which is shining, apparent, or clearly seen. In this context, it means "made evident," "revealed," or "plainly shown." John asserts that the distinction between the children of God and the children of the devil is not hidden or merely internal, but is outwardly observable through their characteristic actions and way of life. It implies a public, undeniable disclosure.
* **devil (Greek, _diábolos'_):):** (G1228) This term literally means "slanderer" or "false accuser," and it is specifically used to refer to Satan. By calling some "children of the devil," John is not merely using a harsh epithet but is identifying a spiritual lineage and character. Those who are "of the devil" bear his moral likeness, characterized by opposition to God, hatred, and unrighteousness, reflecting the very nature of the accuser and adversary.
* **righteousness (Greek, _dikaiosýnē'_):** (G1343) This word denotes equity of character and act, embodying what is right according to a divine standard. In a Christian context, it refers to conformity to God's moral will and character, often encompassing ethical uprightness and justice. When John states that "whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God," he is pointing to a consistent pattern of behavior that fails to align with God's holy nature and commands, indicating a lack of true spiritual transformation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil:"** This opening clause sets the stage for the visible distinction John is about to make. The phrase "In this" (Greek, _en toútōi_) points forward to the criteria that follow, indicating that the means of discernment are about to be revealed. The core assertion is that the spiritual lineage of individuals—whether they are "children of God" or "children of the devil"—is not a hidden truth but is made "manifest" or evident. This establishes a fundamental dichotomy in humanity, rooted in spiritual paternity.
* **"whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God,"** This is the first of two critical criteria for identifying those who are "not of God." The phrase "doeth not righteousness" (Greek, _poiéō ou dikaiosýnē_) refers to a characteristic absence of righteous living, not an occasional lapse. It implies a life pattern that does not align with God's moral standards. To be "not of God" (Greek, _ek theós_) signifies that one does not originate from Him, does not share His nature, and is not part of His spiritual family. This emphasizes that genuine divine sonship is intrinsically linked to a life that actively pursues and practices what is right in God's eyes.
* **"neither he that loveth not his brother."** This second criterion is presented as equally crucial and inseparable from the first. The absence of love for one's "brother" (Greek, _adelphós_, referring to fellow believers) is a definitive sign of not being "of God." The "love" (Greek, _agapáō_) here is not mere affection but the self-sacrificial, divine love that characterizes God Himself and is poured into the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit. John insists that a person who consistently lacks this fundamental love for other Christians demonstrates a spiritual disconnect, revealing that they do not share in God's nature, which is love ([1 John 4:8](/1_john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God Is Love")).

#### Literary Devices
John employs several potent literary devices in [1 John 3:10](/1_john/3-10 "1 John 3:10 - Distinguishing God's Children") to convey his message with clarity and force. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, or sharp contrast. John sets up a direct opposition between "children of God" and "children of the devil," and then between "doing righteousness" and "not doing righteousness," and finally between "loving his brother" and "not loving his brother." This stark juxtaposition leaves no room for ambiguity, forcing the reader to confront their own spiritual alignment. The use of **Metaphor** is also central, as "children of God" and "children of the devil" are powerful images denoting spiritual paternity and inherited character, rather than biological offspring. This metaphor underscores the idea that one's spiritual origin profoundly shapes one's behavior. Furthermore, the verse carries a strong **Didactic Tone**, characteristic of John's first epistle, serving as direct instruction and a clear ethical imperative for the community to discern true faith from counterfeit claims, emphasizing practical conduct as the ultimate litmus test.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 John 3:10](/1_john/3-10 "1 John 3:10 - Distinguishing God's Children") is a profound theological statement on the nature of salvation, sanctification, and divine paternity. It asserts that true spiritual transformation, being "born of God," is not merely a cognitive assent or a private experience, but an observable reality that manifests in one's ethical conduct and relational dynamics. This verse connects the theological truth of God's fatherhood to the practical outworking of His children's lives, emphasizing that those truly belonging to God will reflect His character of righteousness and love. It challenges any notion of a disembodied faith or a spirituality divorced from moral action, underscoring that genuine faith inevitably produces fruit consistent with its divine origin. The absence of righteousness and brotherly love, therefore, signals a fundamental spiritual disconnect, revealing that one has not truly been brought into God's family.

* [Matthew 7:16-20](/matthew/7-16-20 "Matthew 7:16-20 - By Their Fruits You Will Know Them"): "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? ... Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
* [James 2:17-26](/james/2-17-26 "James 2:17-26 - Faith Without Works Is Dead"): "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone... For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."
* [Galatians 5:19-23](/galatians/5-19-23 "Galatians 5:19-23 - Works of the Flesh vs. Fruit of the Spirit"): Contrasts the "works of the flesh" (e.g., hatred, strife) with the "fruit of the Spirit" (e.g., love, goodness, righteousness), demonstrating that spiritual nature produces corresponding actions.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 John 3:10](/1_john/3-10 "1 John 3:10 - Distinguishing God's Children") serves as a powerful mirror for self-examination and a clear guide for discerning spiritual authenticity. It compels believers to move beyond mere profession of faith to a profound assessment of their daily lives. Is the characteristic direction of my life marked by a pursuit of God's righteousness, a consistent effort to align my actions with His holy character and commands? Equally vital, is my heart genuinely characterized by love for my brothers and sisters in Christ? This isn't about achieving sinless perfection, but about the dominant trajectory of one's life—a life where sin is not practiced as a habit and where love for others is a discernible, active force. For the church community, this verse provides a framework for healthy accountability and mutual encouragement, reminding us that our collective witness to the world is profoundly shaped by our commitment to righteousness and our manifest love for one another. It calls us to live out our identity as God's children with integrity, demonstrating His nature to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific areas of my life demonstrate a consistent pursuit of righteousness, and where might I be falling short of God's standards?**
* **How does my daily interaction with fellow believers reflect the self-giving, divine love (agape) that John describes?**
* **In what ways might my actions, or lack thereof, inadvertently obscure or misrepresent my identity as a child of God?**

### FAQ
**Does 1 John 3:10 imply that true Christians never sin?**

Answer: No, [1 John 3:10](/1_john/3-10 "1 John 3:10 - Distinguishing God's Children"), especially in light of [1 John 1:8](/1_john/1-8 "1 John 1:8 - If We Say We Have No Sin"), does not teach sinless perfection. Rather, the Greek verb tense for "doeth not righteousness" (and "doth not commit sin" in [1 John 3:9](/1_john/3-9 "1 John 3:9 - Born of God Does Not Practice Sin")) implies a continuous, habitual practice. A true child of God does not *characteristically* live a life of unrighteousness or *habitually* practice sin. While believers will still stumble and sin, their fundamental orientation is towards God's righteousness, and when they do sin, they confess it and seek forgiveness ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession of Sins")). The verse highlights the *pattern* of one's life, not the absence of every single transgression.

**What is the significance of "loving his brother" as a distinguishing mark?**

Answer: The emphasis on "loving his brother" (referring to fellow believers) is profoundly significant because it is a direct reflection of God's own nature, for "God is love" ([1 John 4:8](/1_john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God Is Love")). Jesus Himself declared that mutual love would be the primary identifier of His disciples to the world ([John 13:35](/john/13-35 "John 13:35 - Love as a Mark of Discipleship")). This "agape" love, a selfless and sacrificial love, is not naturally occurring in fallen humanity but is a fruit of the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life ([Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - Fruit of the Spirit")). Therefore, its presence is a powerful indicator of genuine spiritual transformation and belonging to God's family, while its absence reveals a spiritual disconnect.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 John 3:10](/1_john/3-10 "1 John 3:10 - Distinguishing God's Children") finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "child of God," perfectly manifesting God's righteousness and love in every aspect of His life. Unlike humanity, who fell into the "children of the devil" through sin, Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Came to Destroy the Works of the Devil")) and to make us children of God. His sacrificial death on the cross, the ultimate act of divine love ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")), provides the means for us to be justified and reconciled to God, thereby becoming His children by adoption ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")). Through union with Christ, believers receive a new nature, empowered by the Holy Spirit, which enables them to "do righteousness" and "love his brother," reflecting the very character of their heavenly Father and the perfect example of their elder Brother, Jesus. Thus, the marks of God's children described in this verse are not merely ethical demands, but the natural outflow of a life transformed by Christ and indwelt by His Spirit, making us increasingly conform to His image ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")).

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 4:8

He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

3 John 1:11

Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

Matthew 13:38

The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked [one];

1 John 4:21

And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

John 8:44

Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Luke 6:35

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.

1 John 3:7

Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.