3:5 3:5

1 John 3:6

3:7 3:7

Bible Versions

Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
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}.
So no one who remains united with him continues sinning; everyone who does continue sinning has neither seen him nor known him.
No one who remains in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him.
Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither knoweth him.

1 John 3:6 is a profound statement by the Apostle John, emphasizing the transformative power of a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. It states, "Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him." This verse challenges believers to examine the authenticity of their faith through the lens of their lifestyle.

Context

Written to early Christian communities, John's first epistle addresses vital issues concerning true fellowship with God and the signs of genuine salvation. The letter combats emerging false teachings, possibly proto-Gnostic ideas, which might have downplayed the importance of moral conduct, suggesting that spiritual knowledge was sufficient regardless of one's actions. John vehemently opposes this by asserting that a true relationship with God inevitably leads to a changed life, marked by a departure from the practice of sin. This verse is part of a broader discussion in 1 John about the nature of God, the reality of sin, and the implications of being "born of God" (see 1 John 3:9).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Abiding in Christ: The phrase "abideth in him" (Greek: menō) signifies a continuous, intimate, and living relationship with Jesus. It implies dwelling, remaining, and drawing sustenance from Him, much like a branch remains connected to the vine (John 15:4). This deep connection is the source of spiritual power for righteous living.
  • The Nature of Sin: When John says "sinneth not," he is not suggesting sinless perfection in the sense that a believer never commits an individual act of sin. John himself clarifies that if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and provides Jesus Christ as our advocate if we do sin. Rather, the Greek present tense of "sinneth" (hamartanō) here points to a habitual practice, a continuous state of living in sin, or sin as the dominant pattern of one's life. One who truly abides in Christ does not make a practice of sin.
  • True Knowledge of God: The second part of the verse, "whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him," emphasizes that a lifestyle characterized by habitual sin is evidence of a lack of genuine spiritual sight and experiential knowledge of God. This knowledge (Greek: ginōskō) is not merely intellectual but an experiential, transformative relationship with the Holy God.
  • Transformed Life: The core message is that conversion to Christ brings about a fundamental change in one's desires and conduct. A person truly made new in Christ will no longer be comfortable living in habitual sin; their orientation will be towards righteousness and obedience.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek verb for "sinneth" (hamartanō) is in the present active indicative, which typically denotes continuous or habitual action. This is crucial for understanding the verse: John is distinguishing between an occasional stumble or a moment of weakness, and a deliberate, ongoing lifestyle of sin. The concept of "abiding" (menō) is also central to John's theology, signifying a dynamic, continuous union with Christ.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful call to self-examination for believers. It encourages us to consider:

  1. The Reality of Our Relationship: Am I truly abiding in Christ, maintaining a close, dependent relationship with Him?
  2. The Direction of Our Lives: Is sin a recurring struggle that I actively fight against, seeking repentance and God's strength, or is it a comfortable, habitual pattern in my life?
  3. The Fruit of Our Faith: Does my life demonstrate the transformative power of God, moving away from sin and towards righteousness?

1 John 3:6 reminds us that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but a life-transforming encounter with God that leads to a new way of living, where habitual sin is no longer the master.

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.

  • 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.
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