1 John 3:12

Translations

Modern

Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous.

Traditional

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.

Literal

…not as Cain, who was of the evil one and slew his brother. And why did he slay him? Because his works were evil, but those of his brother were righteous.

Latin

Non sicut Cain, qui ex maligno erat, et occidit fratrem suum. Et propter quid occidit eum? Quoniam opera ejus maligna erant: fratris autem ejus, justa.

Original

Greek

English

Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous.

Notes

1 John 3:12–13

Cain, who belonged to the evil one: Cain was jealous that Abel received approval from God. This jealousy led to murder (Genesis 4:8). God judges hatred, just like the outward act that results from it (see Matthew 5:21–22).

1 John 3:11–22

John now emphasizes that Christians need to love one another (see John 13:34).

Theme notes and profiles

Satan Loving Others

Related verses

Hebrews 11:4
By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous when God gave approval to his gifts. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.
Genesis 4:4–15
…while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering,
Proverbs 29:27
An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.
Genesis 4:25
And Adam again had relations with his wife, and she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, “God has granted me another seed in place of Abel, since Cain killed him.”
Jude 1:11
Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed for profit into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion.
Luke 11:51
…from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, all of it will be charged to this generation.
Proverbs 29:10
Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life.
Psalm 37:12
The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them,
1 John 2:13–14
I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father.
Matthew 23:35
And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.
Psalm 38:20
Those who repay my good with evil attack me for pursuing the good.
John 15:19–25
If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.

Parallels

John 13:31–35 Romans 12:9–13

People

Cain: Adam and Eve's firstborn son, killed his brother Abel

Glossary

Brothers (and Sisters) Cain (Person) First Letter of John Shekinah

Topics

Abel and Cain Abel: Son of Adam: Death of Cain: Son of Adam: Jealousy and Crime of Commandments: Other Apostles: Precepts of, Explicitly Stated or Implied in Didactic Epistles Homicide: Felonious, or Murder Killing the Innocent Martyrdom: Abel Motive: Sinful, Illustrated by Cain My Brother's Keeper Persecution of Abel Righteousness: The Wicked Slay Those Who Follow Satan: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Wicked (People): Contrasted with Righteous People

1 John 3:12

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