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1 John 5:16

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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.

If {G1437} any man {G5100} see {G1492} his {G846} brother {G80} sin {G264} a sin {G266} which is not {G3361} unto {G4314} death {G2288}, he shall ask {G154}, and {G2532} he shall give {G1325} him {G846} life {G2222} for them that sin {G264} not {G3361} unto {G4314} death {G2288}. There is {G2076} a sin {G266} unto {G4314} death {G2288}: I do not {G3756} say {G3004} that {G2443} he shall pray {G2065} for {G4012} it {G1565}.

If anyone sees his brother committing a sin that does not lead to death, he will ask; and God will give him life for those whose sinning does not lead to death. There is sin that does lead to death; I am not saying he should pray about that.

If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he should ask God, who will give life to those who commit this kind of sin. There is a sin that leads to death; I am not saying he should ask regarding that sin.

If any man see his brother sinning a sin not unto death, he shall ask, and God will give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: not concerning this do I say that he should make request.

Commentary

Commentary on 1 John 5:16 (KJV)

This verse from 1 John provides crucial guidance on the nature of sin and the role of intercessory prayer among believers. It distinguishes between two categories of sin, leading to a complex discussion about divine judgment and the limits of prayer.

Context

First John is an epistle written to assure believers of their salvation, encourage fellowship with God and one another, and warn against false teachings. Immediately preceding this verse, John speaks about the believer's confidence in prayer when asking according to God's will (1 John 5:14-15). Verse 16 then serves as a specific application or perhaps a notable exception to this general principle, highlighting situations where prayer for a fellow believer's sin is appropriate, and when it might not be.

Key Themes

  • Intercessory Prayer: The verse strongly encourages believers to pray for brothers who have sinned, emphasizing the power of such prayer to bring restoration and "life" (spiritual renewal or preservation from divine judgment).
  • Distinction of Sins: John introduces the concept of a "sin not unto death" versus a "sin unto death." This distinction is pivotal to understanding the verse's instruction on prayer.
  • Divine Judgment and Forgiveness: While all sin is serious, this verse implies that some sins, if unrepentant or of a particular nature, can lead to a final, irreversible spiritual state or even physical judgment, for which intercession is not prescribed.

Linguistic Insights: Understanding "Sin Unto Death"

The phrase "sin unto death" (Greek: hamartia pros thanaton) has been interpreted in several ways by theologians throughout history. It's crucial to understand what John likely means:

The "sin not unto death" would then encompass all other sins committed by a genuine believer, which are forgivable and for which intercession is effective, leading to spiritual restoration and continued life in Christ.

Practical Application

  • Call to Intercession: This verse is a powerful reminder of the Christian duty to pray for one another, especially when a brother or sister stumbles. Our prayers can be instrumental in their spiritual recovery and continued walk with God. James 5:19-20 offers a similar encouragement to restore a wandering brother.
  • Seriousness of Sin: It underscores the gravity of sin and its potential consequences, whether spiritual separation or divine discipline. While believers are assured of salvation, persistent, unrepentant sin can lead to severe outcomes.
  • Assurance and Caution: For the vast majority of sins committed by believers, there is forgiveness and hope. The "sin unto death" is not a casual transgression but a profound and final turning away from God. This provides comfort for believers who struggle with sin, while also serving as a solemn warning against deliberate and final apostasy.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 6:4 (27 votes)

    For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

  • Hebrews 6:6 (27 votes)

    If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put [him] to an open shame.

  • Jeremiah 11:14 (19 votes)

    Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear [them] in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble.

  • Hebrews 10:26 (18 votes)

    For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

  • Hebrews 10:31 (18 votes)

    [It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

  • 1 Samuel 2:25 (18 votes)

    If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.

  • Mark 3:28 (17 votes)

    Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: