1 John 3:6

KJV

Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whosoever {G3956} abideth {G3306} in {G1722} him {G846} sinneth {G264} not {G3756}: whosoever {G3956} sinneth {G264} hath {G3708} not {G3756} seen {G3708} him {G846}, neither {G3761} known {G1097} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So no one who remains united with him continues sinning; everyone who does continue sinning has neither seen him nor known him.

Berean Standard Bible

No one who remains in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him.

American Standard Version

Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither knoweth him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 3:6 profoundly declares that a genuine, ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ fundamentally reorients a believer's life away from the habitual practice of sin. It asserts that those who truly "abide in Him" will not continue in a lifestyle characterized by sin, and conversely, a life persistently marked by sin indicates a lack of true spiritual sight and experiential knowledge of God. This verse serves as a crucial test of authentic faith, emphasizing that salvation is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative union leading to a new pattern of righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within John's broader argument in his first epistle concerning the nature of true fellowship with God and the authentic marks of Christian life. Chapters 2 and 3 specifically address the implications of being "born of God," contrasting the children of God with the children of the devil. John has just stated in [1 John 3:4](/1_john/3-4 "1 John 3:4 - Definition of Sin") that "whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law," clearly defining sin. Verse 5 then introduces Christ's purpose: "And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin." Immediately following our verse, [1 John 3:7-9](/1_john/3-7-9 "1 John 3:7-9 - Righteousness and Sin") further elaborates on the distinction between those who practice righteousness and those who practice sin, culminating in the powerful statement 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." Thus, 1 John 3:6 acts as a pivotal link, connecting Christ's sinless nature and atoning work to the transformed life of the believer.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's epistle was written to Christian communities, likely in Asia Minor, facing internal challenges from false teachers. These teachers, often associated with early forms of Gnosticism or libertinism, promoted a dualistic worldview that separated the spiritual from the material, sometimes leading to the belief that physical actions (including sin) were irrelevant to one's spiritual state or salvation. They might have claimed superior "knowledge" (gnosis) of God while living immoral lives. John vigorously refutes such claims, insisting that true knowledge of God is not merely intellectual but experiential, leading to ethical transformation. The emphasis on "abiding in Him" and the practical implications of "not sinning" directly counters these antinomian tendencies, asserting that genuine faith *must* manifest in righteous living.
* **Key Themes:** The verse directly contributes to several major themes in 1 John. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Abiding in Christ**, which signifies a continuous, intimate, and dependent relationship with Jesus, echoing Christ's own teaching in [John 15:4-7](/john/15-4-7 "John 15:4-7 - Abiding in the Vine"). This abiding is presented as the source of spiritual power for righteous living. Secondly, it addresses the **Nature of Sin**, particularly the distinction between an isolated act of sin and a habitual, practiced lifestyle of sin. John clarifies elsewhere that believers *can* sin ([1 John 1:8](/1_john/1-8 "1 John 1:8 - Confession of Sin")), but that Christ is their advocate ([1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate")). Here, the focus is on sin as a dominant pattern. Thirdly, the verse highlights **True Knowledge of God**, asserting that genuine spiritual knowledge (experiential and transformative) is inseparable from a changed life. A life characterized by persistent sin demonstrates a fundamental lack of this saving knowledge, as opposed to mere intellectual assent. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Transformed Life**, emphasizing that being "born of God" (a concept central to [1 John 2:29-3:10](/1_john/2-29-3-10 "1 John 2:29-3:10 - Children of God and the Devil")) results in a new orientation away from sin and towards righteousness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **abideth (Greek, _ménō'_):** This word signifies to stay, remain, dwell, or continue in a given place, state, or relationship. In the context of 1 John, it denotes a deep, continuous, and dynamic union with Christ, implying a sustained communion and dependence upon Him. It's not a fleeting visit but a permanent residence.
* **sinneth (Greek, _hamartánō'_):** Properly, this verb means "to miss the mark" or to err, especially in a moral sense. The present active indicative tense used here is crucial; it does not refer to a single act of sin but to a continuous, habitual practice of sin, indicating a lifestyle or dominant pattern of behavior. It implies a deliberate and ongoing commitment to sin.
* **known (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This term refers to "knowing" in a profound, experiential, and relational sense, not merely intellectual acquaintance. It implies a deep, intimate understanding and personal relationship. To "not know" God in this context means to lack a transformative, saving relationship with Him that impacts one's character and conduct.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not":** This clause establishes a direct correlation between a continuous, intimate union with Christ ("abideth in him") and a life that does not habitually practice sin ("sinneth not"). The present tense of "sinneth" is vital, indicating that one who truly remains in Christ does not have a lifestyle characterized by ongoing, willful sin. This does not mean sinless perfection, but rather a fundamental reorientation where sin is no longer the master or the dominant pattern of life. The power to resist sin comes from this abiding relationship.
* **"whosoever sinneth hath not seen him":** This second clause presents the inverse: a life characterized by the habitual practice of sin ("whosoever sinneth") is evidence of a profound spiritual blindness. To "not seen him" implies a lack of genuine spiritual perception or revelation of Christ. It's not about physical sight, but a spiritual apprehension of His nature and holiness.
* **"neither known him":** This phrase further clarifies the spiritual deficiency. To "not known him" (using _ginṓskō_) means lacking an experiential, transformative, and intimate relationship with God. It suggests that if one truly knew God in a saving, life-changing way, their life would not be defined by continuous sin. This knowledge is not theoretical but practical, leading to a changed life.

#### Literary Devices
John employs several potent literary devices in this verse to convey his message with clarity and force. **Contrast** is paramount, setting up a stark dichotomy between those who "abide in him" and "sinneth not" versus those who "sinneth" and "hath not seen him, neither known him." This opposition highlights the fundamental difference between genuine believers and those who merely claim faith. **Repetition** of the verb "sinneth" (Greek _hamartánō_) emphasizes the central issue of habitual sin, reinforcing its significance as a diagnostic indicator of one's spiritual state. The structure itself is a form of **Parallelism**, presenting two inversely related statements that reinforce each other's meaning. Finally, there is a strong **Implication**: John implies that true spiritual sight and knowledge of God are intrinsically linked to righteous living, making behavior a direct reflection of one's inner spiritual reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First John 3:6 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the ethical implications of salvation and the nature of sanctification. It powerfully asserts that a genuine relationship with Christ inevitably produces a new pattern of life, marked by a departure from the habitual practice of sin. This is not a call to earn salvation through works, but a declaration that true salvation, being "born of God," transforms desires and empowers believers to live in alignment with God's holy character. The verse underscores the active role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to overcome sin, as the divine "seed" (mentioned in [1 John 3:9](/1_john/3-9 "The Seed of God")) remains in them, enabling them to resist the pull of sin. It challenges any notion of a compartmentalized faith where spiritual knowledge is divorced from moral conduct, insisting that true faith is holistic and transformative.

* [Romans 6:1-2](/romans/6-1-2 "Dead to Sin")
* [Galatians 5:16-17](/galatians/5-16-17 "Walk by the Spirit")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Pursue Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First John 3:6 serves as a profound mirror for every believer, prompting honest self-examination regarding the authenticity and depth of our relationship with Christ. It compels us to move beyond superficial declarations of faith to a sincere assessment of our daily lives. Is our "abiding" in Christ a living, dynamic reality, or merely a theological concept? Does the trajectory of our lives reflect a genuine turning away from sin and a pursuit of righteousness, or do we comfortably settle into patterns of disobedience? This verse reminds us that while we are not called to sinless perfection in this life (and we have an advocate if we do sin, as [1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Jesus Our Advocate") assures us), we are called to a life where sin is no longer our master, but rather an enemy we actively resist and repent from. The power to live this transformed life comes not from our own strength, but from our continuous, dependent union with Christ, who empowers us to walk in newness of life. It challenges us to cultivate that intimate connection, allowing His presence to shape our desires, choices, and actions, leading us to increasingly reflect His holiness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways do I demonstrate that I am "abiding in Him" daily?**
* **Am I actively fighting against sin in my life, or have I become complacent with certain sinful patterns?**
* **How does my lifestyle reflect (or fail to reflect) a genuine, experiential "knowledge" of God?**
* **What specific steps can I take to deepen my "abiding" relationship with Christ and allow Him to further transform my desires and actions?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean that true Christians never commit any sin?**

Answer: No, this verse does not teach sinless perfection. John himself clarifies earlier in his letter that "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" ([1 John 1:8](/1_john/1-8 "1 John 1:8 - Confession of Sin")). He also provides comfort, stating, "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" ([1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Jesus Our Advocate")). The key to understanding [1 John 3:6](/1_john/3-6 "1 John 3:6 - Abiding in Christ") lies in the Greek tense of "sinneth" (_hamartánō_), which is present active indicative. This denotes a continuous, habitual practice of sin, a lifestyle characterized by sin as the dominant pattern. A true believer, one who genuinely "abides in Him," will not *continue* in a life of unrepentant, habitual sin, even though they may stumble and commit individual acts of sin. Their overall trajectory and desire will be away from sin and towards righteousness.

**What does it mean to "not seen him, neither known him" in this context?**

Answer: This phrase refers to a lack of genuine, transformative spiritual experience and relationship with God, not a physical encounter. To "not seen him" implies a spiritual blindness or a failure to perceive Christ's true nature and holiness. To "not known him" (using the Greek word _ginṓskō_) signifies a lack of intimate, experiential knowledge of God, the kind of knowledge that fundamentally changes a person's life and character. This is distinct from mere intellectual knowledge about God. If a person's life is characterized by habitual sin, it indicates that they have not truly encountered God in a way that leads to new life and a changed heart. This experiential knowledge is what Christ spoke of as eternal life in [John 17:3](/john/17-3 "17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First John 3:6 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the very embodiment of sinlessness and the source of our ability to live righteously. Christ was "manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin" ([1 John 3:5](/1_john/3-5 "1 John 3:5 - Christ Takes Away Sins")). He did not merely forgive sins, but through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, He broke sin's power and established a new covenant where believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a new life. When we "abide in Him," we are drawing life and power from the Vine ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Christ the True Vine")), who enables us to bear the fruit of righteousness. Our freedom from the practice of sin is not by human effort, but by the indwelling Spirit of Christ, who writes God's law on our hearts ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")) and empowers us to walk in His statutes ([Ezekiel 36:27](/ezekiel/36-27 "Ezekiel 36:27 - God's Spirit in Us")). The "seed" of God mentioned in [1 John 3:9](/1_john/3-9 "1 John 3:9 - Born of God") is ultimately Christ Himself, whose divine nature, imparted to us through regeneration, makes it impossible for us to comfortably continue in a life of sin. Thus, the transformed life described in this verse is a direct result of our union with the sinless Christ, who is our righteousness ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")) and the power of God for salvation ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")).

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

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.

1 John 3:9

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.

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.

1 John 4:8

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

John 15:4

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

John 15:7

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

1 John 3:2

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.