1Jo 3:4-8 | 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 3:4-8

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.