King James Version
What Does 1 John 3:9 Mean?
“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.”
Context
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.
11
For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. message: or, commandment
Commentary
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary**8. Draw nigh to God--**So "cleave unto Him," De 30:20, namely, by prayerfully (Jas 4:2, 3) "resisting Satan," who would oppose our access to God.
**he will draw nigh--**propitious.
**Cleanse ... hands--**the outward instruments of action. None but the clean-handed can ascend into the hill of the Lord (justified through Christ, who alone was perfectly so, and as such "ascended" thither).
**purify ... hearts--**literally "make chaste" of your spiritual adultery (Jas 4:4, that is, worldliness) "your hearts": the inward source of all impurity.
**double-minded--**divided between God and the world. The "double-minded" is at fault in heart; the sinner in his hands likewise.
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 3:9 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 3:9
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge