King James Version

What Does 1 John 1:10 Mean?

“If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

Context

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

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Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

16. The habit of receiving passively sentimental impressions from sights of woe without carrying them out into active habits only hardens the heart. **one of you--**James brings home the case to his hearers individually. **Depart in peace--**as if all their wants were satisfied by the mere words addressed to them. The same words in the mouth of Christ, whose faith they said they had, were accompanied by efficient deeds of love. **be ... warmed--**with clothing, instead of being as heretofore "naked" (Jas 2:15; Job 31:20). **filled--**instead of being "destitute of food" (Mt 15:37). **what doth it profit--**concluding with the same question as at the beginning, Jas 2:14. Just retribution: kind professions unaccompanied with corresponding acts, as they are of no "profit" to the needy object of them, so are of no profit to the professor himself. So faith consisting in mere profession is unacceptable to God, the object of faith, and profitless to the possessor.

Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 John 1:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.