1 John 3:8

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 3:8 presents a profound theological statement, asserting that habitual sin originates from the devil, who has been engaged in sin from the very beginning. In stark contrast, the verse then reveals the ultimate purpose of Jesus Christ's incarnation: to utterly dismantle and nullify the destructive "works" that the devil has wrought in the world, thereby establishing God's righteous dominion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within 1 John chapter 3, which is primarily concerned with distinguishing between the "children of God" and the "children of the devil" through their moral conduct. John has just declared that "everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him" (1 John 2:29) and that "everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness" (1 John 3:4). The immediate preceding verses (1 John 3:4-7) establish sin as lawlessness and emphasize that Christ appeared to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin. Therefore, whoever abides in Him does not habitually sin. This sets the stage for 1 John 3:8, which provides the theological underpinning for why a life of habitual sin is antithetical to a genuine relationship with God—it aligns one with the devil. The verse functions as a definitive theological explanation for the moral imperatives John has been laying out, directly contrasting the devil's destructive agenda with Christ's redemptive purpose.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Apostle John was writing to early Christian communities, likely in Asia Minor, facing various challenges including nascent Gnostic influences. These Gnostic tendencies often promoted a dualistic view, separating the spiritual from the material, sometimes leading to the belief that physical actions (including sin) had no bearing on one's spiritual state. John vehemently counters such notions by emphasizing the ethical implications of true faith. In this context, identifying the devil as the source of sin and Christ as its destroyer was not merely an abstract theological point but a vital assertion of the reality of sin's destructive power and the tangible, transformative power of Christ's work in the lives of believers. The declaration also grounds the Christian understanding of evil, not as a co-equal force to God, but as a rebellious entity whose works are destined for destruction by the Son of God.
* **Key Themes:** First John 3:8 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the epistle. Firstly, it underscores the **origin and nature of sin**, explicitly linking it to the devil as its prime instigator and practitioner "from the beginning." This establishes sin not merely as a human failing but as an act of rebellion rooted in an adversarial spiritual force. Secondly, it highlights the **purpose of Christ's incarnation**, clearly stating that the Son of God was "manifested" (made visible and active in human history) specifically to "destroy the works of the devil." This emphasizes Christ's active role as the divine antagonist to evil, fulfilling prophecies and establishing His redemptive mission (compare [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium") and [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - Prophecy of Immanuel")). Thirdly, the verse reinforces the theme of **spiritual warfare and divine victory**, portraying a cosmic conflict where Christ decisively triumphs over the forces of darkness. This victory is not merely future but already accomplished in principle through Christ's life, death, and resurrection, offering believers freedom from the dominion of sin and the devil (as seen in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **devil (Greek, _diábolos'_):** (G1228) Derived from a word meaning "to traduce" or "to slander," _diábolos_ refers to a false accuser or slanderer. In the New Testament, it is primarily used to denote Satan, the chief adversary of God and humanity. John's use of this term here emphasizes the personal, malevolent source behind sin, portraying the devil not as an abstract force but as a concrete entity whose very nature is characterized by opposition to God and the promotion of sin.
* **sinneth (Greek, _hamartánō'_):** (G264) This verb means "to miss the mark," "to err," or "to sin." Its use in the present tense ("sinneth from the beginning") indicates a continuous, ongoing state or habitual practice. John emphasizes that the devil's very essence and history are defined by a perpetual state of sin, making him the ultimate archetype and origin of all unrighteousness. This highlights the deep-seated rebellion inherent in the devil's character.
* **destroy (Greek, _lýō'_):** (G3089) Meaning "to loose," "untie," "break up," or "dissolve," _lýō_ here signifies a complete nullification, dismantling, or annihilation of something. It conveys a sense of decisive and permanent victory. When applied to Christ's purpose, it means He came not merely to mitigate or manage the devil's works, but to utterly undo, render ineffective, and bring to an end their power and dominion. This is a powerful declaration of Christ's absolute triumph.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that committeth sin is of the devil;"**: This clause asserts a profound spiritual lineage. The Greek phrase for "committeth sin" (ὁ ποιῶν τὴν ἁμαρτίαν, _ho poiōn tēn hamartian_) uses the present participle, indicating a continuous, habitual practice or a lifestyle characterized by sin, rather than an isolated or accidental transgression. To be "of the devil" (ἐκ τοῦ διαβόλου ἐστίν, _ek tou diabolou estin_) signifies not just influence, but origin, allegiance, and spiritual paternity. It implies that a life habitually given over to sin reveals a spiritual connection or alignment with the devil's nature and agenda, much as a child bears the characteristics of their parent.
* **"for the devil sinneth from the beginning."**: This explanatory clause provides the theological justification for the preceding statement. The devil is presented as the original and continuous sinner, whose rebellion and opposition to God began at the dawn of creation or his existence. This "beginning" (ἀρχῆς, _archēs_) refers to the inception of the devil's sinful activity, establishing him as the primordial source and ongoing instigator of sin. His perpetual sinfulness makes him the ultimate exemplar and spiritual "father" of those who habitually practice sin.
* **"For this purpose the Son of God was manifested,"**: This introduces the glorious counter-truth and the central redemptive message of the verse. "For this purpose" (εἰς τοῦτο, _eis touto_) points to a specific, divine intention behind Christ's incarnation. The "Son of God" (ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ, _ho huios tou theou_) emphasizes Jesus' divine nature and unique relationship with the Father, underscoring the authority and power behind His mission. He "was manifested" (ἐφανερώθη, _ephanerōthē_), meaning He was revealed, made visible, and appeared in human history, specifically to address the problem of sin and its source.
* **"that he might destroy the works of the devil."**: This final clause states the triumphant objective of Christ's manifestation. The conjunction "that" (ἵνα, _hina_) introduces a purpose clause. The "works of the devil" (τὰ ἔργα τοῦ διαβόλου, _ta erga tou diabolou_) encompass all the destructive outcomes of his rebellion: sin, death, deception, spiritual bondage, lawlessness, and separation from God. Christ's mission was to "destroy" (λύσῃ, _lysē_) these works, signifying a complete undoing, nullification, and breaking of their power. This is a declaration of decisive victory over the spiritual forces of evil and their tangible manifestations in the world.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is central, sharply juxtaposing the devil's destructive works with the Son of God's redemptive purpose, and by extension, contrasting those who habitually sin with those who belong to God. The phrase "For this purpose" acts as a clear **Purpose Clause**, explicitly stating the divine intention behind Christ's incarnation. There is also a form of **Personification** in attributing "works" to the devil, giving agency to the abstract concept of evil. Furthermore, the use of the present tense for "sinneth" and "committeth sin" implies **Continuous Action**, emphasizing the habitual nature of sin associated with the devil and those aligned with him, which stands in stark contrast to the perfect, decisive action of Christ in destroying those works.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First John 3:8 is a cornerstone for understanding the Christian worldview regarding sin, evil, and redemption. It firmly establishes that sin is not merely a human failing but has a spiritual origin rooted in the devil's rebellion. This understanding elevates the stakes of human moral choices, revealing them as aligning with either God's kingdom or the devil's dominion. Crucially, the verse provides immense hope by declaring Christ's decisive victory over this spiritual adversary. His manifestation was a direct, targeted assault on the very fabric of evil, offering liberation from sin's power and the devil's tyranny. This truth undergirds the believer's call to live a life free from habitual sin, not out of mere moralism, but as a reflection of their new spiritual paternity and the victory already secured by Christ.

* [John 8:44](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - The Devil as Father of Lies")
* [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death and the Devil")
* [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First John 3:8 offers both a sobering warning and an exhilarating promise for the believer. The warning is clear: a life characterized by habitual, unrepentant sin reveals a spiritual alignment with the devil, the original and perpetual sinner. This calls for honest self-examination and a sincere commitment to repentance and walking in righteousness. However, the immense comfort and power of this verse lie in its declaration of Christ's purpose: He was manifested to destroy the works of the devil. This means that for those who are in Christ, the power of sin is broken, and the devil's dominion is shattered. We are not left to fight an unwinnable battle against temptation and spiritual forces. Instead, we are called to live in the reality of Christ's accomplished victory, actively resisting sin, embracing our new identity as children of God, and walking in the freedom and power that His triumph provides. Our struggle against sin is not for victory, but from victory, empowering us to pursue holiness and participate in the ongoing dismantling of evil's influence in the world through Christ's power working in us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be inadvertently aligning with "the works of the devil" through habitual sin, and what steps can I take to repent and turn towards God's righteousness?**
* **How does understanding Christ's purpose to "destroy the works of the devil" deepen my appreciation for His incarnation, death, and resurrection?**
* **If Christ has already destroyed the works of the devil, how should this truth empower me to resist temptation and live in greater freedom from sin's dominion?**

### FAQ
**Does "He that committeth sin is of the devil" mean that any single sin makes a person a child of the devil?**

Answer: No, the Greek verb for "committeth sin" (ποιῶν τὴν ἁμαρτίαν, _poiōn tēn hamartian_) is in the present participle, indicating a continuous, habitual practice or a lifestyle characterized by sin, rather than an isolated or accidental transgression. John is distinguishing between a momentary lapse into sin (which all believers may experience, as addressed in [1 John 1:8-9](/1_john/1-8-9 "1 John 1:8-9 - Confession of Sins")) and a persistent, unrepentant pattern of sin that defines one's life and allegiance. To be "of the devil" implies a spiritual paternity or alignment, where one's character and actions consistently reflect the devil's nature. This is further clarified in [1 John 3:9](/1_john/3-9 "1 John 3:9 - Those Born of God Do Not Practice Sin"), which states 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." This refers to the inability to *habitually* practice sin as a way of life, not an absolute sinlessness.

**What exactly are "the works of the devil" that Jesus came to destroy?**

Answer: "The works of the devil" (τὰ ἔργα τοῦ διαβόλου, _ta erga tou diabolou_) refer to all the destructive outcomes and manifestations of the devil's rebellion against God. This includes, but is not limited to, sin itself in all its forms, spiritual deception, lawlessness, bondage, hatred, division, sickness, and ultimately, death. Essentially, it encompasses everything that opposes God's righteous and life-giving will and seeks to corrupt humanity and creation. Jesus came to undo, dismantle, and render ineffective every aspect of this destructive agenda, restoring humanity to fellowship with God and establishing His kingdom of righteousness and life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First John 3:8 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, the Son of God. His manifestation in human flesh, as described in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), was not merely an appearance but a strategic invasion into the realm dominated by sin and death. Jesus, being without sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")), perfectly embodied God's righteousness, thereby exposing and conquering the devil's claim over humanity. His life, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, was the definitive act by which He "destroyed" (λύσῃ, _lysē_) the devil's works. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ broke the power of sin ([Romans 6:6-7](/romans/6-6-7 "Romans 6:6-7 - Freedom from Sin's Dominion")), disarmed the principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), and through His resurrection, abolished death itself, which was the devil's ultimate weapon ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Defeat of Death")). Thus, Jesus is the ultimate fulfiller of this verse, having decisively overcome the devil and his destructive agenda, offering believers freedom and a new identity as children of God, empowered to live in His triumphant righteousness.

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

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;