3:6 3:6

1 John 3:7

3:8 3:8

Bible Versions

Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
Little children {G5040}, let {G4105} no man {G3367} deceive {G4105} you {G5209}: he that doeth {G4160} righteousness {G1343} is {G2076} righteous {G1342}, even as {G2531} he {G1565} is {G2076} righteous {G1342}.
Children, don’t let anyone deceive you — it is the person that keeps on doing what is right who is righteous, just as God is righteous.
Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous.
My little children, let no man lead you astray: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous:

Context

First John is an epistle written to early Christians, likely facing challenges from false teachers who promoted a form of Gnosticism. These teachers often claimed special spiritual knowledge (gnosis) and argued that one's spiritual state was unrelated to moral conduct. In this context, John, affectionately addressing his readers as "little children," strongly refutes this notion. This verse directly follows John's assertion that whoever abides in Him does not sin, reinforcing the inseparable link between true faith and righteous living.

Key Themes

  • Warning Against Deception: John's emphatic "let no man deceive you" highlights the danger of false doctrines that diminish the importance of ethical behavior. He warns believers against any teaching that suggests one can claim to be righteous without living righteously.
  • Authentic Righteousness: The core message is that genuine spiritual righteousness is not merely a verbal profession or intellectual assent, but is demonstrated through one's actions. "He that doeth righteousness" points to a consistent lifestyle of obedience to God's commands.
  • Divine Standard: The phrase "even as he is righteous" refers to God Himself (or Christ, who perfectly embodies God's righteousness). Our righteousness is not self-defined but is a reflection and imitation of God's own perfect character. It is a participation in His nature, enabled by His Spirit.
  • Evidence of Regeneration: Doing righteousness is presented as a visible sign of true spiritual life. As John previously states, "every one that doeth righteousness is born of him."

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "doeth righteousness" (poiōn dikaiosynēn) implies a continuous, habitual action, not just an occasional good deed. It speaks to a lifestyle and character marked by obedience to God's will. The term "righteous" (dikaios) signifies being just, upright, and conforming to divine law and moral standards. John stresses that a true relationship with God inevitably leads to a life that reflects His holy character.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 John 3:7 serves as a vital reminder and a call to self-examination:

  1. Discernment: Be vigilant against any teaching that separates faith from works, or that suggests salvation is merely intellectual assent without transformation of life. True grace always leads to godliness.
  2. Integrity: Our actions should align with our confession of faith. Living righteously is not about earning salvation, but about demonstrating the reality of our relationship with God and His transforming power within us.
  3. Motivation for Holiness: Our pursuit of righteousness is driven by our desire to imitate Christ and reflect the character of our heavenly Father. It's a joyful response to His love, not a burdensome obligation.
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.

  • 1 John 2:29

    If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

  • 1 Peter 1:15

    But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

  • 1 Peter 1:16

    Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

  • Romans 2:13

    (For not the hearers of the law [are] just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

  • 1 John 3:3

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

  • 1 John 2:1

    ¶ 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:

  • Psalms 45:7

    Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
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