1 John 5:17

KJV

All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

KJV (with Strong's)

All {G3956} unrighteousness {G93} is {G2076} sin {G266}: and {G2532} there is {G2076} a sin {G266} not {G3756} unto {G4314} death {G2288}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.

Berean Standard Bible

All unrighteousness is sin, yet there is sin that does not lead to death.

American Standard Version

All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 5:17 declares a foundational truth that all unrighteousness, in its various forms, is inherently sin, establishing God's absolute standard of holiness. Following this universal principle, the verse then introduces a crucial distinction, affirming that there is a category of sin that does not lead to spiritual death for the believer, thereby offering both a sobering recognition of sin's pervasive nature and a profound comfort regarding God's grace and forgiveness within the covenant of salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within John's broader discussion in [1 John 5](/1_john/5 "1 John 5 - Faith, Assurance, and Prayer") concerning the assurance of salvation and the power of prayer for fellow believers. Specifically, [1 John 5:17](/1_john/5-17 "1 John 5:17 - All Unrighteousness Is Sin") directly follows and clarifies the controversial statement in [1 John 5:16](/1_john/5-16 "1 John 5:16 - Sin Unto Death and Sin Not Unto Death"), where John speaks of praying for a brother who commits a "sin not unto death" but advises against praying for a "sin unto death." Thus, [1 John 5:17](/1_john/5-17 "1 John 5:17 - All Unrighteousness Is Sin") serves as a theological axiom that undergirds the practical advice on intercessory prayer, defining the nature of sin before distinguishing its consequences for those in Christ. The preceding verses in [1 John 5:13-15](/1_john/5-13-15 "1 John 5:13-15 - Assurance and Confidence in Prayer") emphasize the confidence believers have in knowing they possess eternal life and that God hears their prayers when they ask according to His will, setting the stage for the specific application of prayer concerning sin.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John is writing to a community of believers, likely in Ephesus, facing internal strife and external pressures from false teachers, often identified with early forms of Gnosticism. These Gnostic-leaning heresies frequently propagated dualistic views that separated the spiritual from the material, often leading to either asceticism or libertinism, both of which could diminish the seriousness of sin or deny the true humanity and divinity of Christ. John’s emphasis on the reality of sin ("all unrighteousness is sin") directly counters any teaching that might downplay moral accountability or suggest that spiritual enlightenment negates the need for ethical living. Furthermore, the distinction between sins underscores the practical pastoral concerns of a community grappling with how to relate to those who stumble and those who might have apostatized, providing guidance on communal responsibility and the limits of intercession.

* **Key Themes:** [1 John 5:17](/1_john/5-17 "1 John 5:17 - All Unrighteousness Is Sin") contributes to several overarching themes in John's epistle. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **God's Holiness and the Nature of Sin**, emphasizing that any deviation from God's righteous character is an offense against Him. This aligns with John's earlier declaration that "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all" ([1 John 1:5](/1_john/1-5 "1 John 1:5 - God Is Light")). Secondly, it develops the theme of **Assurance of Salvation** for those who believe in the Son of God ([1 John 5:13](/1_john/5-13 "1 John 5:13 - Purpose of the Epistle")). The distinction of a "sin not unto death" provides comfort that a believer's daily failings do not revoke their eternal life, provided they continue to walk in the light and confess their sins ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")). Lastly, it touches upon the theme of **Christian Fellowship and Intercessory Prayer**, guiding believers on how to pray for one another, particularly those who struggle with sin, while also acknowledging the grave reality of apostasy or a deliberate, final rejection of Christ, which John refers to as "sin unto death" in the preceding verse.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **unrighteousness (Greek, _adikía'_):** This word, derived from _adikos_ (unjust), signifies injustice, wrong, or wickedness. It encompasses anything contrary to God's perfect standard of righteousness and justice, highlighting not just specific acts but also a state of being or character that falls short of divine perfection. John uses it here to broadly define the scope of sin, indicating that any deviation from God's righteous nature, whether active or passive, is indeed sin.
* **sin (Greek, _hamartía'_):** A foundational biblical term, _hamartía_ literally means "missing the mark" or falling short of a target. In a theological context, it refers to any thought, word, deed, or omission that violates God's law or fails to conform to His character. John's declaration that "all unrighteousness is sin" underscores the comprehensive nature of sin, encompassing every form of moral failure and spiritual rebellion.
* **death (Greek, _thánatos'_):** While _thánatos_ can refer to physical death, in this theological context, particularly when contrasted with "eternal life" (as seen throughout [1 John 5](/1_john/5 "1 John 5 - Faith, Assurance, and Prayer")), it primarily denotes spiritual death. This refers to a state of separation from God, a lack of spiritual life, and ultimately, eternal condemnation. The phrase "not unto death" therefore signifies that certain sins, while serious, do not lead to this ultimate spiritual separation for those who are truly in Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All unrighteousness is sin":** This opening clause serves as a definitive theological statement. It establishes a comprehensive definition of sin, asserting that any and every act, attitude, or state that deviates from God's perfect righteousness is considered sin. It broadens the understanding of sin beyond mere overt transgressions to include internal dispositions and a lack of conformity to God's holy character. This highlights the absolute nature of God's standard and the pervasive reality of sin in human experience.
* **"and there is a sin not unto death":** This second clause introduces a critical distinction, providing nuance to the universal declaration of the first clause. It acknowledges that within the broad category of "all unrighteousness" (which is sin), there are specific instances or types of sin that, for a believer, do not result in ultimate spiritual separation from God or eternal condemnation. This distinction is crucial for understanding the security of salvation and the availability of God's forgiveness for those who are truly His children, even when they stumble. It implies that for believers, their daily failings and moral lapses, while still requiring confession and repentance, do not nullify the saving work of Christ.

#### Literary Devices
John employs several effective literary devices in [1 John 5:17](/1_john/5-17 "1 John 5:17 - All Unrighteousness Is Sin"). The verse begins with a **Definition** ("All unrighteousness is sin"), providing a clear, concise theological statement that sets a universal standard for understanding sin. This is immediately followed by a **Distinction** ("and there is a sin not unto death"), which introduces a crucial qualification to the preceding absolute statement. This creates a **Juxtaposition** between the universal nature of sin and the specific consequence (or lack thereof) for believers, highlighting the nuances of God's justice and grace. The structure of the verse itself, moving from a broad truth to a specific exception, demonstrates a logical progression that aims to clarify a complex theological concept. Furthermore, the use of the term "death" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not merely physical cessation but profound spiritual separation from God, underscoring the gravity of sin while simultaneously offering comfort through the "not unto death" clause.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 John 5:17](/1_john/5-17 "1 John 5:17 - All Unrighteousness Is Sin") is a pivotal verse that encapsulates the tension between God's absolute holiness and His boundless grace. It affirms that God's standard is unyielding – any deviation from His perfect righteousness is indeed sin, reminding believers of the constant need for vigilance and repentance. Yet, it simultaneously offers profound comfort by distinguishing between sins that, while serious, do not lead to eternal separation for those indwelt by the Holy Spirit. This distinction underscores the security of the believer's salvation, rooted not in their perfect sinlessness, but in Christ's finished work and God's faithfulness to His covenant. It emphasizes that while sin is always grievous, for the true child of God, it does not have the final word of condemnation, provided there is ongoing confession and reliance on Christ's atonement.

* [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - Wages of Sin Is Death")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 John 5:17](/1_john/5-17 "1 John 5:17 - All Unrighteousness Is Sin") offers both a sobering call to holiness and a comforting assurance of grace. The declaration that "all unrighteousness is sin" should lead us to a deeper understanding of God's perfect standard and our own inherent brokenness. It challenges any tendency to categorize sins as "minor" or "major" in a way that diminishes their offense against a holy God. Every deviation from His character, whether in thought, word, or deed, falls short of His glory and requires His grace. This should foster a spirit of humility, continual self-examination, and a profound dependence on Christ's atoning work. Simultaneously, the profound truth that "there is a sin not unto death" provides immense comfort and security for the true believer. It means that our daily struggles, failures, and even significant moral lapses, while grievous and requiring confession, do not nullify our salvation or separate us eternally from God, provided we remain in Christ and continue to walk in the light. This assurance liberates us from crippling guilt and fear, empowering us to confess our sins freely, knowing that God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. It encourages perseverance in faith, even amidst imperfection, and fosters a compassionate heart for fellow believers who stumble, prompting us to intercede for their restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the statement "All unrighteousness is sin" challenge your personal understanding of sin and its gravity?**
* **In what ways does the distinction "there is a sin not unto death" bring you comfort and assurance in your walk with Christ?**
* **How should this verse influence your approach to confessing your own sins and interceding for others?**
* **What practical steps can you take to better align your thoughts and actions with God's righteous standard, in light of this verse?**

### FAQ
**What is the "sin not unto death" mentioned in 1 John 5:17?**

Answer: The "sin not unto death" refers to any sin committed by a true believer that, while still an offense against God, does not result in the loss of their salvation or eternal spiritual separation from Him. This includes the common failings, shortcomings, and moral trespasses that Christians commit in their daily lives. For the believer, these sins are covered by Christ's atonement, and when confessed, God is faithful and just to forgive them and cleanse them from all unrighteousness, as promised in [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness"). It contrasts with the "sin unto death" mentioned in [1 John 5:16](/1_john/5-16 "1 John 5:16 - Sin Unto Death and Sin Not Unto Death"), which is generally understood as a final, definitive, and unrepentant rejection of Christ and the Holy Spirit's testimony, leading to spiritual apostasy and eternal condemnation.

**Does "all unrighteousness is sin" mean that all sins are equally bad in God's eyes?**

Answer: The statement "all unrighteousness is sin" emphasizes that any deviation from God's perfect standard of righteousness, no matter how seemingly small, is indeed an offense against His holy character. In this sense, all unrighteousness falls short of His glory ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")) and is therefore sin. However, this does not necessarily mean that all sins have the same consequences or are equally grievous in their impact. The Bible often distinguishes between degrees of culpability or consequences for different sins (e.g., [Luke 12:47-48](/luke/12-47-48 "Luke 12:47-48 - Degrees of Punishment")), and the "sin not unto death" implies a distinction in ultimate spiritual outcome for the believer. The primary point of [1 John 5:17](/1_john/5-17 "1 John 5:17 - All Unrighteousness Is Sin") is to establish that *nothing* unrighteous is acceptable to God, while simultaneously offering comfort regarding the believer's security in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 John 5:17](/1_john/5-17 "1 John 5:17 - All Unrighteousness Is Sin") finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The first declaration, "All unrighteousness is sin," powerfully underscores humanity's universal need for a Savior. Every aspect of our being, falling short of God's perfect standard, necessitates divine intervention. Christ, as the only one who lived a perfectly righteous life, "who knew no sin" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), perfectly fulfilled the righteous requirements of God's law. He became the spotless Lamb of God, taking upon Himself "the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), so that through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, the "wages of sin," which is death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - Wages of Sin Is Death")), might be paid in full for those who believe. The second part of the verse, "and there is a sin not unto death," is the glorious promise of the New Covenant, secured by Christ's resurrection. Because believers are "in Christ," united with Him by faith, their sins, while real, no longer lead to eternal spiritual death. His righteousness is imputed to them ([Romans 4:5](/romans/4-5 "Romans 4:5 - Righteousness Imputed by Faith")), and His intercession continually covers their daily failings ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Intercessor")). Thus, Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and ongoing intercession ensure that for His followers, sin's power to condemn has been broken, and though they may stumble, their eternal life is secure in Him, the "propitiation for our sins" ([1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Christ Our Propitiation")).

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

1 John 3:4

¶ Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

1 John 5:16

If any man see his brother sin a sin [which is] not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

James 1:15

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

James 4:7

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:10

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Ezekiel 18:26

When a righteous [man] turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.

Ezekiel 18:32

For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn [yourselves], and live ye.