King James Version

What Does 1 John 3:12 Mean?

1 John 3:12 in the King James Version says “Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evi...” — study this verse from 1 John chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.”

1 John 3:12 · KJV

Context

10

In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

11

For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. message: or, commandment

12

Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

13

Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

14

We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

Read 1 John 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. John provides a negative example of lovelessness—Cain, the first murderer. "Not as Cain" (ou kathōs Kain) establishes contrast. "Who was of that wicked one" (ek tou ponērou ēn)—Cain belonged to the devil's family, demonstrating verse 10's principle. Though physically descended from Adam, spiritually Cain was Satan's child, evidenced by his murderous hatred.

"And slew his brother" (esphaxen ton adelphon autou)—the verb sphazō (σφάζω) means to slaughter or butcher, used elsewhere for sacrificial slaying. Cain's murder of Abel (Genesis 4:8) becomes the archetypal act of hatred opposing love. Jesus identified the devil as a murderer from the beginning (John 8:44), connecting Satanic influence to Cain's sin.

"And wherefore slew he him?" introduces the explanation: "Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous" (hoti ta erga autou ponēra ēn ta de tou adelphou autou dikaia). Cain's jealousy and resentment toward Abel's righteousness motivated murder. This pattern repeats throughout history—the world hates those whose righteous lives expose its wickedness (John 15:18-19). Abel's righteousness, demonstrated by his acceptable sacrifice offered in faith (Hebrews 11:4), condemned Cain's unacceptable sacrifice offered from a wicked heart.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Cain and Abel narrative (Genesis 4:1-16) was well-known in Jewish tradition. Rabbinic literature explored why God accepted Abel's offering but rejected Cain's, concluding the difference lay in the offerer's heart, not merely the offering itself. Hebrews 11:4 confirms Abel offered "by faith," implying Cain's offering lacked faith. Jewish tradition also recognized Cain as the prototype of the wicked who persecute the righteous.

Jesus referenced Abel as the first righteous martyr (Matthew 23:35). The early church understood they followed a pattern of righteous sufferers—Abel, the prophets, Christ Himself, the apostles, and ongoing persecution of faithful believers. John's reference to Cain warns believers not to imitate his hatred but also prepares them for the world's hatred (discussed in v. 13).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Cain's hatred of Abel's righteousness reveal about the fallen human heart's response to godliness?
  2. How can you recognize and combat Cain-like jealousy or resentment when confronted with others' superior righteousness?
  3. In what ways does this account prepare you for experiencing the world's hatred because of your Christian witness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
οὐ1 of 29

“Not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

καθὼς2 of 29

“as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

Κάϊν3 of 29

“Cain”

G2535

cain, (i.e., cajin), the son of adam

ἐκ4 of 29

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ5 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πονηρὰ6 of 29

“evil”

G4190

hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455

ἦν7 of 29

“were”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

καὶ8 of 29

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔσφαξεν9 of 29

“slew”

G4969

to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter, or (specially), to maim (violently)

τὸν10 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφοῦ11 of 29

“brother”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

αὐτοῦ12 of 29

“he him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ13 of 29

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

χάριν14 of 29

“wherefore”

G5484

through favor of, i.e., on account of

τίνος15 of 29
G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἔσφαξεν16 of 29

“slew”

G4969

to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter, or (specially), to maim (violently)

αὐτοῦ17 of 29

“he him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὅτι18 of 29

“Because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τὰ19 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔργα20 of 29

“works”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

αὐτοῦ21 of 29

“he him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

πονηρὰ22 of 29

“evil”

G4190

hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455

ἦν23 of 29

“were”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

τὰ24 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ25 of 29

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

τοῦ26 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφοῦ27 of 29

“brother”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

αὐτοῦ28 of 29

“he him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

δίκαια29 of 29

“righteous”

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

Study Guide

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 3:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 John 3:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 11:4Genesis 4:4-15Proverbs 29:27Jude 1:11Genesis 4:25Luke 11:51

Test Your Knowledge

1 John 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 John Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 John 3 with CommentaryAll 1 John ChaptersComplete 1 John QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes