1 John 3:3

KJV

And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} every man {G3956} that hath {G2192} this {G5026} hope {G1680} in {G1909} him {G846} purifieth {G48} himself {G1438}, even as {G2531} he {G1565} is {G2076} pure {G53}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And everyone who has this hope in him continues purifying himself, since God is pure.

Berean Standard Bible

And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure.

American Standard Version

And every one that hath this hope set on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle John declares that every believer who possesses a confident expectation of Christ's return and their future glorification into His likeness is actively engaged in a process of self-purification. This purification is not a means to earn salvation but a natural and necessary outflow of genuine hope, motivated by the perfect purity of Christ Himself, who serves as both the standard and the ultimate goal for the believer's sanctification.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as a crucial theological and ethical bridge, directly following John's profound declaration in [1 John 3:1-2](/1-john/3-1-2 "1 John 3:1-2 - God's Love and Our Future Likeness to Christ"). In these preceding verses, John marvels at the astonishing love of God that has bestowed upon believers the identity of "children of God" and unveils the magnificent promise of future transformation: "when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." The "this hope" in [1 John 3:3](/1-john/3-3 "1 John 3:3 - Purify Himself") explicitly refers back to this eschatological reality—the certain expectation of Christ's glorious appearing and the believer's complete conformity to His perfect image. John consistently weaves together theological truth (who God is and what He has done) with ethical imperative (how believers ought to live), demonstrating that genuine faith and future hope are never passive intellectual assent but always dynamic, transformative forces that compel believers toward practical righteousness and holiness. This immediate context establishes that the pursuit of purity is a direct and logical response to the profound identity and destiny God has granted His children.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First John was likely written in the late first century, possibly from Ephesus, addressing a Christian community grappling with various challenges, including the rise of Gnostic-leaning heresies. These false teachings often promoted a dualistic view of spirit and matter, leading some to believe that physical actions had no bearing on spiritual standing, thus fostering antinomianism (a disregard for moral law). John's emphasis on ethical conduct, love for one another, and the pursuit of holiness directly counters such dangerous theological deviations. The concept of "purity" (Greek: *hagnos*) would have resonated with both Jewish and Hellenistic audiences, encompassing notions of ritual cleanness, moral integrity, and sacred devotion. For early Christians, living "purely" meant distinguishing themselves from the prevailing pagan immorality and idolatry, embodying a counter-cultural lifestyle that reflected their new identity in Christ. John's call to purity, therefore, was not abstract but deeply practical, urging believers to live out their faith authentically in a world hostile to Christ's values, especially in the face of internal doctrinal threats that minimized the importance of righteous living.

* **Key Themes:** The verse [1 John 3:3](/1-john/3-3 "1 John 3:3 - Purify Himself") powerfully articulates several central themes found throughout John's epistle. Firstly, **Transformative Hope** is paramount; the anticipation of seeing Christ and becoming like Him is not merely a comforting thought but a potent motivation for living a pure life today. Our future destiny directly impacts our present decisions and actions, fostering a profound desire for personal holiness. This hope is a confident expectation, not a mere wish. Secondly, **Active Purification (Sanctification)** is highlighted by the phrase "purifieth himself," emphasizing the believer's active, volitional role in the ongoing process of sanctification. While God provides the power and grace through the Holy Spirit (as seen in [Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Working in Us")), believers are called to actively participate in setting themselves apart from sin and worldly defilement. This is an ongoing process of growing in Christlikeness, moving towards greater purity, and is distinct from the initial act of justification. Thirdly, **Christ as the Standard** is explicitly stated as "even as he is pure." Jesus Christ, who is utterly without sin ([1 John 3:5](/1-john/3-5 "1 John 3:5 - Christ Without Sin")), sets the perfect example and the ultimate goal for our own pursuit of holiness. Our aim is not merely human moralism but divine purity, reflecting His spotless character and demonstrating the reality of our new birth in Him, a theme central to [1 John](/1-john/1 "The First Epistle of John").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hope (Greek, _elpís'_):** (G1680) This term in the New Testament signifies far more than a mere wish or uncertain desire. It denotes a confident and certain expectation, a firm assurance of future good based on God's promises and the reality of Christ's resurrection. In [1 John 3:3](/1-john/3-3 "1 John 3:3 - Purify Himself"), it refers specifically to the assured future transformation into Christ's likeness and His glorious appearing, as promised in [1 John 3:2](/1-john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - We Shall Be Like Him"). This hope is a powerful, motivating force for present action.
* **Purifieth (Greek, _hagnízō'_):** (G48) Derived from *hagnós* (pure), this verb means "to make clean," "to sanctify," or "to consecrate." The present tense indicates an ongoing, continuous action, not a one-time event. The reflexive pronoun "himself" (G1438, _heautoû_) attached to this verb emphasizes the believer's active, intentional, and volitional participation in this process. It is a moral and spiritual cleansing, an intentional effort to remove defilement, separate from sin, and live in a way that honors God. This active cleansing is a direct and necessary response to the divine purity of Christ.
* **Pure (Greek, _hagnós'_):** (G53) This adjective describes moral spotlessness, freedom from defilement, and sacredness. It signifies a state of being unmixed with evil, uncorrupted, and morally blameless. The same word is used to describe Christ's own character, highlighting the divine standard to which believers are called. It is not merely external cleanness but an internal, comprehensive purity of heart, mind, and action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And every man that hath this hope in him":** This opening clause establishes the subject of the verse: any individual (Greek: *pâs*, G3956, "every" or "all") who possesses the specific hope mentioned in the preceding verse—the hope of seeing Christ and being transformed into His likeness. The phrase "in him" (Greek: *epí*, G1909, "upon" or "in"; *autós*, G846, "himself") refers to Christ, indicating that this hope is centered on Him and His future work. It underscores that this hope is not a vague optimism but a concrete expectation rooted in the person and promises of Jesus Christ.
* **"purifieth himself":** This is the central action commanded and described. The verb "purifieth" (Greek: *hagnízō*, G48) is in the present tense, signifying a continuous, ongoing process of sanctification. The reflexive pronoun "himself" (Greek: *heautoû*, G1438) is crucial, emphasizing that this purification is an active, intentional effort on the part of the believer. It is not a passive waiting for God to purify, but a diligent, Spirit-empowered pursuit of holiness, involving conscious choices to turn from sin and embrace righteousness.
* **"even as he is pure":** This final clause provides the standard and motivation for the purification. The phrase "even as" (Greek: *kathṓs*, G2531) indicates a comparison, a perfect model to emulate. "He" (Greek: *ekeînos*, G1565) refers unequivocally to Jesus Christ, and "is pure" (Greek: *estí*, G2076, "is"; *hagnós*, G53, "pure") affirms His absolute, inherent, and unblemished holiness. Christ's perfect purity is the benchmark, the goal, and the driving force behind the believer's pursuit of holiness. It is a call to reflect His character in every aspect of life.

#### Literary Devices
John masterfully employs several literary devices in [1 John 3:3](/1-john/3-3 "1 John 3:3 - Purify Himself") to convey his profound theological message. The most prominent is **Simile**, evident in the phrase "even as he is pure," which establishes Christ's perfect purity as the ultimate standard and model for the believer's self-purification. This comparison is not merely illustrative but prescriptive, setting an impossibly high yet divinely empowered goal. There is also a clear **Ethical Imperative** woven into the statement; while phrased declaratively ("every man...purifieth himself"), it carries the force of a command or a necessary consequence of genuine faith. The very structure implies that if one truly possesses this hope, then purification is the inevitable, active response. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful **Motif** of the connection between eschatological hope and present ethical living, a recurring theme throughout John's epistles that counters antinomian tendencies and emphasizes the practical implications of theological truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 John 3:3](/1-john/3-3 "1 John 3:3 - Purify Himself") profoundly connects the believer's future hope with their present responsibility, articulating a core principle of Christian sanctification. It underscores that the confident expectation of Christ's return and our ultimate transformation into His likeness is not an excuse for idleness or moral laxity, but rather the most powerful impetus for pursuing holiness in the here and now. This proactive purification is a tangible demonstration of a genuine relationship with God and a living hope, distinguishing true believers from those who merely profess faith. The verse highlights the active role of the believer in the sanctification process, a partnership with the Holy Spirit, where divine grace empowers human effort to conform to the image of Christ.

* [2 Corinthians 7:1](/2-corinthians/7-1 "2 Corinthians 7:1 - Perfecting Holiness")
* [Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Philippians 2:12-13 - Work Out Your Salvation")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 John 3:3](/1-john/3-3 "1 John 3:3 - Purify Himself") stands as a powerful call to intentional holiness, reminding us that our glorious future in Christ has profound implications for our present walk. If we genuinely believe that one day we will see Christ face-to-face and be made perfectly like Him, then our lives today should increasingly reflect that coming reality. This verse challenges us to move beyond passive assent to an active, Spirit-empowered pursuit of purity in every area of our lives—our thoughts, words, actions, and motivations. It's a continuous process of aligning our desires and deeds with the character of Christ, not out of legalistic compulsion, but out of a deep love for Him and a longing to honor the One who has given us such an incredible hope. This active purification is both a response to God's grace and a preparation for His appearing, a tangible expression of our love and devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific areas of my life (thoughts, words, actions, attitudes) do I need to actively "purify" in light of my hope in Christ's return?**
* **How does the certainty of seeing Christ and being like Him motivate my daily choices and pursuit of holiness?**
* **Am I relying on God's power for purification, while also actively participating in the process, or am I being passive?**
* **In what ways can I more consistently set Christ's purity as the standard for my own life, rather than cultural norms or personal preferences?**

### FAQ
**What does "this hope in him" refer to in 1 John 3:3?**

Answer: "This hope in him" refers directly to the glorious future promised to believers in the preceding verses, [1 John 3:1-2](/1-john/3-1-2 "1 John 3:1-2 - God's Love and Our Future Likeness to Christ"). Specifically, it is the confident expectation that when Christ appears, believers "shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." This hope is centered on Jesus Christ and His second coming, when our transformation into His perfect, glorified likeness will be complete. It's not a wishful thought, but a certain, divinely guaranteed expectation that serves as a powerful motivation for present living.

**Does "purifieth himself" mean we save ourselves or earn salvation through our own efforts?**

Answer: Absolutely not. The purification mentioned in [1 John 3:3](/1-john/3-3 "1 John 3:3 - Purify Himself") is a result of salvation, not a means to it. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")). "Purifieth himself" describes the ongoing process of sanctification, where believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, actively cooperate with God in becoming more like Christ. It is a response to the new nature received in Christ, not an attempt to earn God's favor. As [Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Philippians 2:12-13 - Work Out Your Salvation") beautifully puts it, we "work out our own salvation" because "it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." Our purification is a testament to the reality of our faith, not its foundation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 John 3:3](/1-john/3-3 "1 John 3:3 - Purify Himself") finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not only the object of our hope ("this hope in him") but also the perfect standard of purity ("even as he is pure"). The very possibility of our purification stems from Christ's sinless life, His atoning death, and His glorious resurrection. He is the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and it is through His blood that we are cleansed and made righteous before God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansed by Christ's Blood")). Our future hope of being "like him" ([1 John 3:2](/1-john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - We Shall Be Like Him")) is guaranteed by His resurrection, which demonstrates His victory over sin and death, and His ongoing work as our High Priest who intercedes for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Intercedes for Us")). Therefore, the believer's active pursuit of purity is a Spirit-empowered response to the finished work of Christ, a living out of the new creation reality that has been inaugurated in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2-corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Our purification is not merely moral improvement, but a progressive conformity to the very image of Christ, who is our life ([Colossians 3:4](/colossians/3-4 "Colossians 3:4 - Christ Is Our Life")), driven by the certain hope of His glorious return.

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

2 Corinthians 7:1

¶ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

1 John 2:6

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

2 Peter 3:14

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Matthew 5:48

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Hebrews 12:14

Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Hebrews 7:26

For such an high priest became us, [who is] holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

Colossians 1:5

For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;