Keraia
1 John 3

1 John 3:8

Children of God · 1 John 3:1–10
Read 1 John 3

Translations

Modern
The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil.
Traditional
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.
Literal
The one doing sin is of the devil, because the devil is sinning from the beginning. For this the Son of God was made manifest, so that He might destroy the works of the devil.
Latin
Qui facit peccatum, ex diabolo est: quoniam ab initio diabolus peccat. In hoc apparuit Filius Dei, ut dissolvat opera diaboli.

Original

Greek
English
The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil.

Notes

1 John 3:8

destroy: This word does not mean “to destroy completely.” It means “to break down,” “to undo,” or “to make ineffective” (see Ephesians 2:14). Christ did not completely destroy Satan. Instead, he came to undo the works of the devil by freeing people from sin and from the terrible results of sin.

1 John 3:4–10

This section explains what it means to live a pure life (3:3). Being part of God's spiritual family requires living a pure life. A life full of sin shows that someone is not truly God's child. Sin is not suitable for the new nature that comes from spiritual birth.

John encourages Christians to do what is right to show they are united to Christ and his righteousness. Children of God do not make a practice of sinning. However, this is different from the kind of “sinlessness” claimed by the false teachers (see 1:5–10 and corresponding study notes).

Theme notes and profiles

Overcoming the Devil

People

Satan: The adversary, the devil, the tempter of humanity

Glossary

Demon-Possession Evil First Letter of John Satan Shekinah Sin

Topics

Bad Friends Devil is Real Effects of Sin Evil Spirits Evil Women Jesus, the Christ: Mission of Jesus, the Christ: Saviour Jesus, the Christ: Son of God Perfection: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Power of Christ: Destroying the Works of Satan Satan with the Context of Satan: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Sin is of the Devil Sin: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To, Defining and Illustrating The Devil: Sinned Against God The Devil: Triumph Over, by Christ in Destroying the Works of The Power of Christ: Exhibited in Destroying the Works of Satan Unrepented Sin Wicked (People): Contrasted with Righteous People Wicked (People): Described