1Jo 3:11-12 | RWP | e4.org | Message ( αγγελια ). In N.T. only here and , but επαγγελια (promise) fifty-one times. From the beginning ( απ' αρχης ). See for this phrase and for the idea. They had the message of love for the brotherhood from the beginning of the gospel and it goes back to the time of Cain and Abel (verse ). That we should love one another ( ινα αγαπωμεν αλληλους ). Sub-final clause (content of the αγγελια ) with ινα and present active subjunctive. John repeats the message of .

‏ 1 John 3:11-12

Message ( αγγελια ). In N.T. only here and 1:5, but επαγγελια (promise) fifty-one times.

From the beginning ( απ' αρχης ). See 1:1 for this phrase and 2:7 for the idea. They had the message of love for the brotherhood from the beginning of the gospel and it goes back to the time of Cain and Abel (verse 12).

That we should love one another ( ινα αγαπωμεν αλληλους ). Sub-final clause (content of the αγγελια ) with ινα and present active subjunctive. John repeats the message of 2:7f.

Of the evil one ( εκ του πονηρου ). Ablative case and the same for neuter and masculine singular, but verse 10 makes it clear that the reference is to the devil.

Slew ( εσφαξεν ). First aorist active indicative of σφαζω, old verb, to slay, to butcher, to cut the throat (Latin jugulare) like an ox in the shambles, in N.T. only here and Rev. (Re 5:6, 9, 12, etc.).

Wherefore? ( χαριν τινοσ; ). "For the sake of what?" Post-positive preposition (Eph 3:1, 14) except here. The interpretation of the act of Cain (Ge 4:8ff.) is an addition to the narrative, but in accord with Heb 11:4. Jealousy led to murder.