1 John 3:4

The Apostle John, in his first epistle, provides a foundational definition of sin in 1 John 3:4: "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." This verse is central to understanding the nature of sin from a biblical perspective and sets the stage for John's subsequent discussions on Christian conduct and the true nature of God's children.

Context

This verse appears within a broader section of 1 John (chapters 2-3) where the apostle distinguishes between true believers—those who are "born of God"—and those who belong to "the world." John emphasizes that genuine faith in Christ leads to a life of righteousness and obedience, not one characterized by continuous sin. He contrasts the children of God with the children of the devil, emphasizing that those born of God do not practice sin as a lifestyle. Verse 4 defines the very thing believers are called to turn away from.

Key Themes

• The Definition of Sin: John unequivocally states that sin is "the transgression of the law." This is not merely a mistake or an imperfection but a direct violation of God's revealed will and moral standards. Sin is not just an arbitrary human failing but an act of lawlessness against a divine decree.
• God's Law as the Standard: The verse implies the existence of God's law, which serves as the ultimate standard for human conduct. This law encompasses God's moral commands, as revealed in Scripture, from the Ten Commandments to the teachings of Christ. It defines what is right and wrong in God's eyes.
• Transgression and Disobedience: The word "transgresseth" signifies stepping across a boundary or violating a known rule. It highlights the active nature of sin as a deliberate or knowing disregard for God's authority and His established order.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "sin" is hamartia (ἁμαρτία), which literally means "missing the mark" or failing to reach a target. However, John's definition in this verse focuses on another crucial Greek term: anomia (ἀνομία). This word is translated as "transgresseth the law" and "transgression of the law." Anomia literally means "lawlessness" or "without law." It implies not just breaking a specific rule, but a state of being contrary to, or in rebellion against, God's divine order and moral standard. It suggests a fundamental disregard for God's authority and His righteous decrees. This aligns with Paul's teaching that the law reveals sin by making us aware of what anomia truly is.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 John 3:4 serves as a vital reminder of the seriousness of sin. It is not a trivial matter but a direct affront to God's holy character and His revealed will. Understanding this definition calls us to:

• Serious Self-Examination: We are called to examine our lives against God's standards, not merely human ones, recognizing where we have "missed the mark" or acted in "lawlessness."
• Pursuit of Righteousness: While believers may still stumble, the focus is on not living a life characterized by sin. True faith leads to a desire to obey God's law and live righteously, acknowledging our need for Christ's atonement when we fail.
• Appreciation for Christ's Work: This verse underscores why Christ came. He appeared to take away our sins, and in Him is no sin. Our forgiveness and ability to live righteously come through His sacrifice, and it emphasizes our constant need for confession and forgiveness through Christ.