King James Version

What Does 1 John 3:5 Mean?

1 John 3:5 in the King James Version says “And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.” — study this verse from 1 John chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 John 3:5 · KJV

Context

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.

7

Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

Read 1 John 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. John presents Christ's purpose and qualification for saving sinners. "Ye know" (oidate) appeals to established Christian truth. "He was manifested" (ephanerōthē, ἐφανερώθη) recalls the incarnation—the eternal Son took visible, bodily form. The purpose clause "to take away our sins" (hina tas hamartias arē) employs airō (αἴρω), meaning to lift up, bear, or remove entirely.

This verb appears in John 1:29: "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Christ accomplished this through His substitutionary death—bearing our sins on the cross (1 Peter 2:24), satisfying divine justice, and removing sin's guilt and power. The aorist tense indicates completed action—Christ's work is finished (John 19:30). The result is total removal of sin for those in Him.

"And in him is no sin" (kai hamartia en autō ouk estin) affirms Christ's perfect holiness, essential for His saving work. Only a sinless substitute could bear others' sins without deserving judgment Himself. His sinlessness qualifies Him to be both sacrifice and high priest. This also provides our pattern—union with sinless Christ produces holiness in us. As He had no sin, we who are in Him should not practice sin (v. 6).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The sacrificial system of the Old Testament required unblemished animals for atonement (Leviticus 22:19-25). This prefigured Christ, the Lamb of God without blemish or spot (1 Peter 1:19). First-century Jews familiar with temple sacrifices would understand Christ as the ultimate sacrifice—not merely another animal but God's own Son, whose infinite worth accomplished what endless animal sacrifices could only symbolize.

Against docetic Gnostics who denied Christ's real humanity (claiming He only seemed to have a body), John affirms His manifestation in flesh. Against other heretics who questioned His sinlessness, John unequivocally declares "in him is no sin." Both Christ's true humanity and absolute sinlessness were essential for the atonement.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's purpose to 'take away' (not merely cover or excuse) your sins affect your assurance of salvation?
  2. Why was Christ's sinlessness necessary for Him to take away our sins, and what does this reveal about God's justice?
  3. How should your union with sinless Christ affect your attitude toward sin in your own life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καὶ1 of 16

“And”

G2532

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

οἴδατε2 of 16

“ye know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι3 of 16

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐκεῖνος4 of 16

“he”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ἐφανερώθη5 of 16

“was manifested”

G5319

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)

ἵνα6 of 16

“to”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

τὰς7 of 16
G3588

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

ἁμαρτία8 of 16

“sin”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

ἡμῶν9 of 16

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

ἄρῃ10 of 16

“take away”

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

καὶ11 of 16

“And”

G2532

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

ἁμαρτία12 of 16

“sin”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

ἐν13 of 16

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτῷ14 of 16

“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

οὐκ15 of 16

“no”

G3756

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

ἔστιν16 of 16

“is”

G2076

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

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 3:5 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 3:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 5:21Hebrews 9:281 Peter 2:241 Peter 3:18Hebrews 9:26John 1:29

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