1 John 3:8

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

He that committeth {G4160} sin {G266} is {G2076} of {G1537} the devil {G1228}; for {G3754} the devil {G1228} sinneth {G264} from {G575} the beginning {G746}. For {G1519} this purpose {G5124} the Son {G5207} of God {G2316} was manifested {G5319}, that {G2443} he might destroy {G3089} the works {G2041} of the devil {G1228}.

The person who keeps on sinning is from the Adversary, because from the very beginning the Adversary has kept on sinning. It was for this very reason that the Son of God appeared, to destroy these doings of the Adversary.

The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil.

he that doeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. To this end was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

The Apostle John, in 1 John 3:8, delivers a profound and sharp distinction between those who belong to God and those aligned with the devil. This verse serves as a powerful declaration of the origin of sin and the ultimate purpose of Jesus Christ's incarnation.

Context

This verse is situated within a larger discussion in 1 John Chapter 3 about the nature of true righteousness and the stark contrast between the "children of God" and the "children of the devil." John emphasizes that a genuine relationship with God is characterized by a life that actively seeks to avoid sin, not habitually practice it. The preceding verses talk about abiding in Christ and not practicing sin, setting the stage for this definitive statement about sin's source.

Key Themes

  • The Origin and Nature of Sin: John clearly states that "He that committeth sin is of the devil." This doesn't imply that every individual act of sin makes one a child of the devil, but rather that a habitual practice or lifestyle of sin aligns one with the devil's nature and agenda. The devil is presented as the original sinner, having "sinneth from the beginning," establishing a foundational link between sin and the enemy of God. This echoes Jesus' own words about the devil's nature in John 8:44.
  • The Purpose of Christ's Manifestation: The second part of the verse reveals the glorious counter-truth: "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." Jesus Christ did not come merely to teach or to set an example, but with a specific, divine mission to dismantle and nullify everything the devil has wrought. His incarnation (John 1:14) was a direct assault on the kingdom of darkness.
  • Victory Over Evil: The "works of the devil" encompass all forms of sin, spiritual bondage, deception, death, and separation from God. Christ's manifestation, culminating in His death and resurrection, was a decisive victory over these forces. He came to break the power of sin and death, thereby freeing humanity from the devil's dominion. This triumph is a central message of the New Testament, as seen in Colossians 2:15 and Hebrews 2:14.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "committeth sin" translates the Greek present participle ho poiōn tēn hamartian (ὁ ποιῶν τὴν ἁμαρτίαν), which signifies a continuous, habitual practice of sin, rather than an isolated or accidental transgression. This is crucial for understanding the distinction John is making; it's about a lifestyle and allegiance, not a momentary lapse. This contrasts sharply with the statement in 1 John 3:9 about those born of God not practicing sin.

The word "destroy" comes from the Greek verb lysē (λύσῃ), meaning to loose, untie, break up, or dissolve. It indicates a complete nullification and dismantling of the devil's influence and activities, not just a temporary setback.

Practical Application

1 John 3:8 offers both a sobering warning and immense comfort. It warns believers against a lifestyle of habitual sin, reminding us of its ultimate source. Simultaneously, it provides profound assurance that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has already accomplished the decisive victory over the devil and his works. For those who are in Christ, sin does not have dominion, and the devil's power is broken. This verse calls us to live in alignment with our new identity in Christ, actively resisting sin and embracing the freedom He provides, knowing that our Savior has already triumphed over the enemy.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hebrews 2:14

    ¶ Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

  • John 8:44

    Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

  • Colossians 2:15

    [And] having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

  • John 16:11

    Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

  • Romans 16:20

    And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen.

  • John 12:31

    Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

  • 2 Peter 2:4

    For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast [them] down to hell, and delivered [them] into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
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