King James Version

What Does 1 John 3:4 Mean?

1 John 3:4 in the King James Version says “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” — study this verse from 1 John chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”

1 John 3:4 · KJV

Context

2

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

3

And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

4

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

5

And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

6

Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

Read 1 John 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. John provides a theological definition of sin's essential nature. "Committeth sin" (ho poiōn tēn hamartian, ὁ ποιῶν τὴν ἁμαρτίαν) uses the present participle, indicating habitual practice, not isolated acts. The one who makes a practice of sin also "transgresseth the law" (tēn anomian poiei)—literally "does lawlessness."

The explanatory clause "for sin is the transgression of the law" (kai hē hamartia estin hē anomia) defines sin's essence. Anomia (ἀνομία) means lawlessness—rebellion against God's righteous standards, not merely violation of rules but rejection of God's authority. This connects to Reformed theology's understanding that sin is not just wrong actions but a state of rebellion against God's law rooted in a corrupt nature.

This definition has profound implications. First, it establishes objective moral standards—sin is measured against God's law, not cultural preferences or personal feelings. Second, it demonstrates sin's seriousness—it's not weakness or mistake but cosmic treason against the divine Lawgiver. Third, it points to our need for Christ, who fulfilled the law's demands perfectly and bore the penalty for our lawlessness. The law reveals sin; Christ remedies it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Judaism maintained robust law-keeping as central to covenant faithfulness. The Pharisees meticulously observed Torah and oral traditions. Yet many missed the law's deeper purpose—revealing sin and driving people to God's grace. Paul articulated this in Romans 3:20: "by the law is the knowledge of sin." John builds on this Jewish-Christian understanding that the law defines sin objectively.

Gnostic teachers often dismissed the Old Testament law as obsolete or as the product of an inferior deity. Some promoted libertinism, claiming enlightened ones transcended moral categories. John's definition of sin as lawlessness refutes this, establishing that God's moral standards remain binding and that sin is objectively defined by divine law, not subjectively determined by human feeling.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding sin as lawlessness (rebellion against God) rather than merely mistakes change your view of your own sin?
  2. If sin is objectively defined by God's law, how should this affect Christian responses to cultural moral relativism?
  3. How does the law's definition of sin drive you to depend on Christ's perfect law-keeping credited to you?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Πᾶς1 of 15

“Whosoever”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὁ2 of 15
G3588

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

ποιεῖ3 of 15

“committeth”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

τὴν4 of 15
G3588

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

ἁμαρτία5 of 15

“sin”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

καὶ6 of 15

“also”

G2532

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

τὴν7 of 15
G3588

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

ἀνομία8 of 15

“the law”

G458

illegality, i.e., violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness

ποιεῖ9 of 15

“committeth”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

καὶ10 of 15

“also”

G2532

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

ἡ11 of 15
G3588

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

ἁμαρτία12 of 15

“sin”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

ἐστὶν13 of 15

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἡ14 of 15
G3588

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

ἀνομία15 of 15

“the law”

G458

illegality, i.e., violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness

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 3:4 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 3:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 5:17Romans 3:20Romans 4:15Numbers 15:312 Corinthians 12:211 John 3:8-9

Test Your Knowledge

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