King James Version

What Does 1 John 3:8 Mean?

1 John 3:8 in the King James Version says “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was ma...” — study this verse from 1 John chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”

1 John 3:8 · KJV

Context

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.

8

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

9

Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

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.

Read 1 John 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. John presents sin's ultimate source and Christ's purpose. "He that committeth sin" (ho poiōn tēn hamartian)—again the present participle indicating habitual practice—"is of the devil" (ek tou diabolou estin). This doesn't mean created by Satan but belonging to his family, bearing his character, serving his purposes. Jesus made similar statements in John 8:44 about those who reject Him.

"For the devil sinneth from the beginning" (hoti ho diabolos ap' archēs hamartanei) reveals Satan as the originator of sin in the created order. He sinned before human sin (Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:12-17), and he continues to sin—present tense. Satan's rebellion against God introduced sin into the universe; human sin stems from Satanic temptation and corruption (Genesis 3).

"For this purpose the Son of God was manifested" (eis touto ephanerōthē ho huios tou theou): Christ's incarnation aimed at destroying Satan's works. "Destroy" (lusē, λύσῃ) means to loose, dissolve, or nullify. Through His death and resurrection, Christ destroyed death's power, defeated Satan (Hebrews 2:14), and liberated believers from sin's dominion (Romans 6:14). This destruction continues as the gospel advances and will culminate in Satan's final judgment (Revelation 20:10).

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Jewish apocalyptic literature portrayed cosmic conflict between God and Satan, light and darkness (seen in Dead Sea Scrolls). Early Christians understood their conversion as transferring from Satan's kingdom to God's kingdom (Colossians 1:13), from darkness to light (1 Peter 2:9). This wasn't dualism (equal opposing forces) but recognition that Satan temporarily exercises power in this fallen world until Christ's final victory.

The phrase "from the beginning" (ap' archēs) indicates Satan's sin predated human history. Jewish tradition held that Satan fell before creating humanity, explaining the serpent's presence in Eden. John confirms this: Satan sinned first; humans followed. Christ came to undo this catastrophic rebellion and its consequences.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding that habitual sin aligns you with Satan's purposes (not merely breaks rules) intensify sin's seriousness?
  2. In what specific ways has Christ destroyed the devil's works in your life, and what works remain to be destroyed?
  3. How should awareness of spiritual warfare against Satan affect your daily battle against sin?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
ὁ1 of 27
G3588

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

ποιῶν2 of 27

“He that committeth”

G4160

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

τὴν3 of 27
G3588

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

ἁμαρτίαν4 of 27

“sin”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

ἐκ5 of 27

“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

τοῦ6 of 27
G3588

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

διαβόλου7 of 27

“of the devil”

G1228

a traducer; specially, satan (compare h7854)

ἐστίν·8 of 27

“is”

G2076

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

ὅτι9 of 27

“for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἀπ'10 of 27

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἀρχῆς11 of 27

“the beginning”

G746

(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)

ὁ12 of 27
G3588

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

διαβόλου13 of 27

“of the devil”

G1228

a traducer; specially, satan (compare h7854)

ἁμαρτάνει14 of 27

“sinneth”

G264

properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin

εἰς15 of 27

“For”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τοῦτο16 of 27

“this purpose”

G5124

that thing

ἐφανερώθη17 of 27

“was manifested”

G5319

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)

ὁ18 of 27
G3588

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

υἱὸς19 of 27

“the Son”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ20 of 27
G3588

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

Θεοῦ,21 of 27

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἵνα22 of 27

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

λύσῃ23 of 27

“he might destroy”

G3089

to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)

τὰ24 of 27
G3588

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

ἔργα25 of 27

“the works”

G2041

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

τοῦ26 of 27
G3588

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

διαβόλου27 of 27

“of the devil”

G1228

a traducer; specially, satan (compare h7854)

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 3:8 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 3:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 2:14John 8:44Colossians 2:15John 12:31John 16:11Romans 16:20

Test Your Knowledge

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

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