1 John 3:15

KJV

Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whosoever {G3956} hateth {G3404} his {G846} brother {G80} is {G2076} a murderer {G443}: and {G2532} ye know {G1492} that {G3754} no {G3756}{G3956} murderer {G443} hath {G2192} eternal {G166} life {G2222} abiding {G3306} in {G1722} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.

Berean Standard Bible

Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer.

American Standard Version

Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 John 3:15 delivers a profound and challenging truth: anyone who harbors hatred for a fellow believer is, in God's sight, a murderer, and such a spiritual state is fundamentally incompatible with the indwelling presence of eternal life. This verse underscores the radical nature of Christian love, asserting that the internal disposition of the heart, not merely outward actions, reveals one's true spiritual standing before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within John's broader argument in [1 John 3](/1_john/3 "1 John 3 - Children of God and Children of the Devil") concerning the distinguishing marks of true children of God. Immediately preceding it, [1 John 3:14](/1_john/3-14 "1 John 3:14 - Love as Evidence of Life") declares, "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death." Verse 15 then provides the stark negative corollary to this positive assertion, emphasizing that the *absence* of love, specifically hatred, is not merely a minor failing but a spiritual condition akin to death. John consistently contrasts the "children of God" with the "children of the devil," with love being the primary characteristic of the former and hatred/murder (as seen in Cain in [1 John 3:12](/1_john/3-12 "1 John 3:12 - The Example of Cain")) characterizing the latter. The epistle as a whole stresses the importance of genuine love as evidence of true faith and fellowship with God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's audience consisted of early Christians facing various challenges, including false teachers (antichrists) who denied the true humanity of Christ and promoted a Gnostic-like disdain for the physical world and, by extension, for fellow believers. In the Greco-Roman world, while murder was condemned, the internal disposition of the heart was often overlooked in favor of external adherence to law. John's teaching, however, aligns with Jesus' radical reinterpretation of the Mosaic Law, which elevated the internal state of the heart to paramount importance. The Jewish tradition, particularly the prophetic tradition, also emphasized the heart's condition, but John's direct equation of hatred with murder would have been particularly jarring and convicting, challenging believers to live out a transformative ethic that went far beyond mere external compliance.
* **Key Themes:** [1 John 3:15](/1_john/3-15 "1 John 3:15 - Hatred as Murder") powerfully contributes to several key themes in 1 John and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights **The Seriousness of Hatred**, elevating it from a mere emotion to a grave sin that shares the spiritual essence of murder, revealing that the root of violence and destruction often begins in the heart. Secondly, it underscores the **Internal Nature of True Righteousness**, emphasizing that God judges not just outward actions but the inner attitudes and intentions, a theme echoed in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount concerning anger and lust (e.g., [Matthew 5:21-22](/matthew/5-21-22 "Matthew 5:21-22 - Jesus' Teaching on Anger and Murder")). Thirdly, the verse links the **Presence of Eternal Life** directly to the presence of love (and the absence of hatred), indicating that eternal life is not merely a future hope but a present spiritual reality characterized by God's love ([1 John 4:7-8](/1_john/4-7-8 "1 John 4:7-8 - God is Love")). Finally, it speaks to the **Authenticity of Faith**, asserting that one's posture towards others profoundly reflects one's posture towards God and the life He offers, serving as a crucial test of genuine discipleship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hateth (Greek, _miséō'_):** G3404 from a primary (hatred); to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less. This word signifies a deep-seated aversion, hostility, or animosity, not merely a casual dislike. It implies an active principle of ill-will, a desire for harm or non-existence towards the object of hatred. John uses this strong term to convey the profound spiritual malignancy of such an attitude.
* **murderer (Greek, _anthrōpoktónos'_):** G443 from ἄνθρωπος (man) and (to kill); a manslayer. This term literally means "man-slayer" or "homicidal." By directly equating "one who hates" with "a murderer," John reveals that the spiritual essence of murder—the desire for another's non-existence, harm, or destruction—is present in hatred, even if the physical act of taking a life is absent. This highlights the internal, spiritual dimension of sin.
* **eternal life abiding (Greek, _aiṓnios zōḗ'_ G166, _ménō'_ G3306):** G166 from αἰών; perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well); G2222 from ζάω; life (literally or figuratively); G3306 a primary verb; to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy). "Eternal life" (G166 _aiṓnios zōḗ_ G2222) refers to the quality of life that belongs to God, characterized by fellowship with Him and His nature, which is love. The word "abiding" (G3306 _ménō_) signifies a continuous, indwelling presence or permanence. Thus, John asserts that the very nature of God's eternal life, which is love, cannot coexist or permanently dwell in a heart characterized by hatred.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer:"** This clause sets forth a radical spiritual equation. John declares that the internal disposition of hatred towards a fellow believer is not merely a precursor to murder, but is, in God's eyes, the spiritual equivalent of the act itself. It exposes the heart's intent as the true measure of sin, aligning with Jesus' teaching that anger without cause is liable to judgment, and contempt makes one liable to hell fire ([Matthew 5:21-22](/matthew/5-21-22 "Matthew 5:21-22 - Jesus' Teaching on Anger and Murder")). This highlights that sin begins in the heart and mind, not just in overt actions.
* **"and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him."** This second clause explains the profound consequence of such a state. The "ye know" suggests this is a truth already understood or implicitly accepted by the readers, perhaps from earlier teachings or common Christian understanding. It emphasizes that the nature of eternal life, which is God's life of love, cannot coexist with a heart consumed by hatred. The presence of hatred indicates a spiritual condition that is alienated from God's life, implying that one who truly hates has not genuinely "passed from death unto life" ([1 John 3:14](/1_john/3-14 "1 John 3:14 - Love as Evidence of Life")). The "abiding" signifies a permanent, indwelling presence, suggesting that if hatred is a settled condition, eternal life cannot truly reside there.

#### Literary Devices
John employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey his message with stark clarity. The primary device is **Metaphor** or **Equivalence**, where he directly equates "hatred" with "murder." This is not merely a comparison but a declaration of spiritual identity: "is a murderer." This startling equivalence jolts the reader, forcing a re-evaluation of what constitutes grave sin. He also uses **Juxtaposition**, contrasting the state of having "eternal life abiding in him" with the spiritual condition of a "murderer" (one who hates). This highlights the irreconcilable differences between the life of God and the spirit of hatred. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Spiritual Test** or **Criterion**, providing a clear standard by which believers can examine their hearts and discern the authenticity of their faith and the presence of God's life within them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 John 3:15](/1_john/3-15 "1 John 3:15 - Hatred as Murder") powerfully reinforces the New Testament's emphasis on the internal transformation of the believer and the centrality of love as the defining characteristic of God's nature and His children. It underscores that true righteousness extends beyond mere outward conformity to the law, penetrating to the deepest intentions of the heart. This verse reveals that hatred is not simply a human flaw but a fundamental opposition to the very essence of God, who is love ([1 John 4:8](/1_john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God is Love")). Consequently, the absence of love, manifested as hatred, serves as a grave indicator that one has not truly received or is not truly living in the eternal life that flows from God.

* [Matthew 5:21-22](/matthew/5-21-22 "Matthew 5:21-22 - Jesus' Teaching on Anger and Murder")
* [1 John 4:7-8](/1_john/4-7-8 "1 John 4:7-8 - God is Love")
* [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 John 3:15](/1_john/3-15 "1 John 3:15 - Hatred as Murder") serves as a profound mirror, inviting believers to engage in radical self-examination of their hearts and relationships. It challenges us to move beyond superficial assessments of our spiritual health, compelling us to confront any latent animosity, resentment, or bitterness we may harbor towards others, especially fellow believers. This verse reminds us that true Christian discipleship demands not just the avoidance of outward sin, but a deep, internal transformation that cultivates genuine love, compassion, and forgiveness. It calls us to actively root out the seeds of hatred before they can fester and manifest in destructive ways, recognizing that such internal dispositions are antithetical to the very life of God within us. Cultivating love, therefore, becomes an active, daily pursuit, requiring reliance on the Holy Spirit to transform our natural inclinations and enable us to love as Christ loved.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Are there any individuals in my life towards whom I harbor resentment, bitterness, or a lack of genuine goodwill?**
* **How might my internal attitudes, even if not expressed outwardly, be hindering my experience of God's eternal life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart of love and forgiveness towards those I find difficult to love?**
* **How does the seriousness with which God views hatred challenge my understanding of sin and righteousness?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean that if I ever feel angry or frustrated with someone, I am a murderer and don't have eternal life?**

Answer: No, [1 John 3:15](/1_john/3-15 "1 John 3:15 - Hatred as Murder") is not saying that every fleeting moment of anger or frustration equates to being a murderer. John uses strong language to describe a *settled disposition* of hatred, a deep-seated animosity or ill-will that desires harm or non-existence for another person. This is distinct from temporary anger, which can even be righteous (e.g., [Ephesians 4:26](/ephesians/4-26 "Ephesians 4:26 - Be Angry and Do Not Sin")). The key is the *abiding* nature of hatred and its opposition to the *abiding* nature of eternal life. If hatred is a defining characteristic of one's heart, indicating a lack of love, then it reveals a spiritual state incompatible with true life in Christ. It's about the root attitude, not every passing emotion.

**What does "eternal life abiding in him" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: "Eternal life" ([G166 aiṓnios zōḗ G2222](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")) in the New Testament refers not just to unending existence, but to the quality of life that belongs to God Himself—a life characterized by His nature, which is love. When John speaks of "eternal life abiding" ([G3306 ménō](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abide in Me")) in someone, he means that this divine, loving life is a present, indwelling reality, a permanent fixture within the believer through the Holy Spirit. If one truly possesses this life, it will manifest in love for others. Conversely, if hatred is present as a dominant, abiding force, it demonstrates that this divine, loving life is not truly dwelling within, or at least not in its transforming power. It's a test of genuine spiritual regeneration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 John 3:15](/1_john/3-15 "1 John 3:15 - Hatred as Murder") finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' perfect embodiment of love and His radical redefinition of righteousness. Jesus not only perfectly fulfilled the law by never harboring hatred but also exposed the spiritual essence of sin, teaching that anger and contempt in the heart are tantamount to murder in God's eyes ([Matthew 5:21-22](/matthew/5-21-22 "Matthew 5:21-22 - Jesus' Teaching on Anger and Murder")). He demonstrated the ultimate act of love by laying down His life for His enemies ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")), thereby conquering the hatred and sin that plague the human heart. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ provides forgiveness for our hatred and empowers us, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, to love with a divine love that was previously impossible. His "new commandment" ([John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - The New Commandment")) to love one another as He has loved us is the very antithesis of hatred, and it is by His Spirit that believers are enabled to shed the old nature of animosity and walk in the life-giving love that truly "abides" and reflects the nature of God Himself ([1 John 4:7-8](/1_john/4-7-8 "1 John 4:7-8 - God is Love")).

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

Matthew 5:21

¶ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

Matthew 5:22

But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Proverbs 26:24

¶ He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

Proverbs 26:26

[Whose] hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the [whole] congregation.

Revelation 21:8

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

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.

Leviticus 19:16

Thou shalt not go up and down [as] a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I [am] the LORD.