1 John 5:17

Commentary on 1 John 5:17 KJV

The Apostle John, in 1 John 5:17, provides a profound statement about the nature of sin and its consequences, building on the preceding verse. This verse offers both a clear definition of sin and a crucial distinction regarding its outcome.

Context

This verse follows directly from 1 John 5:16, where John discusses praying for a brother who commits a "sin not unto death" but advises against praying for a "sin unto death." The immediate context is about Christian fellowship, intercessory prayer, and the assurance of salvation for those who believe in the Son of God. John is addressing a community of believers, likely in Ephesus, who were grappling with false teachings (Gnosticism being a prominent one) that often downplayed the seriousness of sin or denied the true humanity of Christ.

Key Themes

• The Nature of Sin: The opening declaration, "All unrighteousness is sin," serves as a foundational theological truth. It broadens the definition of sin beyond mere acts of transgression to include any deviation from God's holy and just character. If something is not righteous, it is inherently sinful. This establishes a high standard for Christian living, emphasizing that every thought, word, or deed that falls short of God's perfect standard is indeed sin.
• Distinction of Sin: The second part, "and there is a sin not unto death," is crucial for understanding God's grace and justice. This implies a distinction between sins that, while serious, do not lead to eternal spiritual separation from God for a true believer, and a "sin unto death" (mentioned in the previous verse) which does.
  • Sin Not Unto Death: For believers, this refers to the common failings, shortcomings, and moral trespasses that we commit daily. These sins require confession and repentance (1 John 1:9), but they do not forfeit one's salvation because Christ's atonement covers them. God's mercy and forgiveness are available for those who walk in the light.
  • Sin Unto Death: While not explicitly defined in 1 John 5:17, the preceding verse strongly implies this is not about specific moral failures but a hardened state of rebellion against God, often interpreted as a complete and final rejection of Christ and the Holy Spirit's testimony, leading to spiritual death or apostasy. This can be likened to the concept of the "blasphemy against the Holy Ghost" found in the Gospels (Matthew 12:31), which signifies a permanent refusal to acknowledge God's saving grace.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "unrighteousness" is adikia (ἀδικία), meaning injustice, wrong, or wickedness. It encapsulates anything contrary to God's righteousness. "Sin" is hamartia (ἁμαρτία), a common biblical term meaning "missing the mark" or falling short of God's perfect standard. The phrase "not unto death" (οὐ πρὸς θάνατον) uses thanatos (θάνατος) for death, which in this context refers to spiritual death, or eternal separation from God, rather than physical death.

Practical Application

This verse offers both a sobering warning and immense comfort:

• Sobering Reality: It reminds us that God's standard is absolute. "All unrighteousness" is indeed sin, calling us to a life of holiness and continual repentance. There are no "small" sins in God's eyes that don't require His grace.
• Comforting Assurance: For the believer, the distinction "there is a sin not unto death" provides profound assurance. It means that while we will inevitably stumble and sin, our salvation is secure in Christ as long as we remain in Him and confess our sins. Our daily struggles and failures do not nullify God's saving work in us. This encourages us to confess our sins freely, knowing that God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.
• Call to Intercession: It underscores the importance of prayer for fellow believers who stumble, offering hope for their restoration. However, it also clarifies that for those who have definitively and permanently rejected Christ, intercession for their salvation may be futile, as they have chosen spiritual death.

Ultimately, 1 John 5:17 guides believers to understand the gravity of all sin while simultaneously resting in the glorious truth of God's forgiveness for those who are truly His children.