1Jo 3:4-10 | RWP | e4.org | Sin is lawlessness ( η αμαρτια εστιν η ανομια ). The article with both subject and predicate makes them coextensive and so interchangeable. Doing sin is the converse of doing righteousness ( ). The present active participle ( ποιων ) means the habit of doing sin.

‏ 1 John 3:4-10

Sin is lawlessness ( η αμαρτια εστιν η ανομια ). The article with both subject and predicate makes them coextensive and so interchangeable. Doing sin is the converse of doing righteousness (2:29). The present active participle ( ποιων ) means the habit of doing sin.

He ( εκεινος ). As in verse 3; Joh 1:18.

Was manifested ( εφανερωθη ). Same form as in verse 2, but here of the Incarnation as in Joh 21:1, not of the second coming (1Jo 2:28).

To take away sins ( ινα τας αμαρτιας αρη ). Purpose clause with ινα and first aorist active subjunctive of αιρω as in Joh 1:29. In Isa 53:11 we have αναφερω for bearing sins, but αιρω properly means to lift up and carry away (Joh 2:16). So in Heb 10:4 we find αφαιρεω and Heb 10:11 περιαιρεω, to take away sins completely (the complete expiation wrought by Christ on Calvary). The plural αμαρτιας here, as in Col 1:14, not singular (collective sense) αμαρτιαν as in Joh 1:29.

And in him is no sin ( κα αμαρτια εν αυτω ουκ εστιν ). "And sin (the sinful principle) in him is not." As Jesus had claimed about himself (Joh 7:18; 8:46) and as is repeatedly stated in the N.T. (2Co 5:21; Heb 4:15; 7:26; 9:13).

Sinneth not ( ουχ αμαρτανε ). Linear present (linear μενων, keeps on abiding) active indicative of αμαρτανω, "does not keep on sinning." For μενω (abide) see 2:6; Joh 15:4-10.

Whosoever sinneth ( ο αμαρτανων ). Present (linear) active articular participle like μενων above, "the one who keeps on sinning" (lives a life of sin, not mere occasional acts of sin as αμαρτησας, aorist active participle, would mean).

Hath not seen him ( ουχ εωρακεν αυτον ). Perfect active indicative of οραω. The habit of sin is proof that one has not the vision or the knowledge ( εγνωκεν, perfect active also) of Christ. He means, of course, spiritual vision and spiritual knowledge, not the literal sense of οραω in Joh 1:18; 20:29.

Let no man lead you astray ( μηδεις πλανατω υμας ). Present active imperative of πλαναω, "let no one keep on leading you astray." See 1:8; 2:26. Break the spell of any Gnostic charmer.

He that doeth righteousness ( ο ποιων την δικαιοσυνην ). "He that keeps on doing (present active participle of ποιεω ) righteousness." For this idiom with ποιεω see 1:6; 3:4.

He ( εκεινος ). Christ as in verse 5.

He that doeth sin ( ο ποιων την αμαρτιαν ). "He that keeps on doing sin" (the habit of sin).

Of the devil ( εκ του διαβολου ). In spiritual parentage as Jesus said of the Pharisees in Joh 8:44. When one acts like the devil he shows that he is not a true child of God.

Sinneth from the beginning ( απ' αρχης αμαρτανε ). Linear progressive present active indicative, "he has been sinning from the beginning" of his career as the devil. This is his normal life and those who imitate him become his spiritual children.

That he might destroy ( ινα λυση ). Purpose clause with ινα and the first aorist active subjunctive of λυω. This purpose ( εις τουτο ) Jesus had and has. There is eternal conflict, with final victory over Satan certain.

Doeth no sin ( αμαρτιαν ου ποιε ). Linear present active indicative as in verse 4 like αμαρτανε in verse 8. The child of God does not have the habit of sin.

His seed ( σπερμα αυτου ). God's seed, "the divine principle of life" (Vincent). Cf. Joh 1.

And he cannot sin ( κα ου δυνατα αμαρτανειν ). This is a wrong translation, for this English naturally means "and he cannot commit sin" as if it were κα ου δυνατα αμαρτειν or αμαρτησα (second aorist or first aorist active infinitive). The present active infinitive αμαρτανειν can only mean "and he cannot go on sinning," as is true of αμαρτανε in verse 8 and αμαρτανων in verse 6. For the aorist subjunctive to commit a sin see αμαρτητε and αμαρτη in 2:1. A great deal of false theology has grown out of a misunderstanding of the tense of αμαρτανειν here. Paul has precisely John's idea in Ro 6:1 επιμενωμεν τη αμαρτια (shall we continue in sin, present active linear subjunctive) in contrast with αμαρτησωμεν in Ro 6:15 (shall we commit a sin, first aorist active subjunctive).

In this ( εν τουτω ). As already shown. A life of sin is proof that one is a child of the devil and not of God. This is the line of cleavage that is obvious to all. See Joh 8:33-39 for the claim of the Pharisees to be the children of Abraham, whereas their conduct showed them to be children of the devil. This is not a popular note with an age that wishes to remove all distinctions between Christians and the world.

Doeth not righteousness ( ο μη ποιων δικαιοσυνην ). Habit (linear present participle) again of not doing righteousness, as in verse 7 of doing it. Cf. ποιε and μη ποιων (doing and not doing) in Mt 7:24, 26.

Neither ( κα ). Literally, "and," but with the ellipsis of ουκ εστιν εκ του θεου (is not of God). The addition here of this one item about not loving ( μη αγαπων ) one's brother is like Paul's summary in Ro 13:9, a striking illustration of the general principle just laid down and in accord with 2:9-11.