1 John 3:12

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

οὐ

G3756

Not

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

καθὼς

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

Κάϊν

G2535

Cain

cain, (i.e., cajin), the son of adam

ἐκ

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ

G3588

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

πονηρὰ

G4190

evil

hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455

ἦν

G2258

were

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

καὶ

G2532

And

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

ἔσφαξεν

G4969

slew

to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter, or (specially), to maim (violently)

#10

τὸν

G3588

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

#11

ἀδελφοῦ

G80

brother

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

#12

αὐτοῦ

G846

he him

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

#13

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#14

χάριν

G5484

wherefore

through favor of, i.e., on account of

#15

τίνος

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

#16

ἔσφαξεν

G4969

slew

to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter, or (specially), to maim (violently)

#17

αὐτοῦ

G846

he him

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

#18

ὅτι

G3754

Because

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#19

τὰ

G3588

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

#20

ἔργα

G2041

works

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

#21

αὐτοῦ

G846

he him

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

#22

πονηρὰ

G4190

evil

hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455

#23

ἦν

G2258

were

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

#24

τὰ

G3588

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

#25

δὲ

G1161

and

but, and, etc

#26

τοῦ

G3588

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

#27

ἀδελφοῦ

G80

brother

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

#28

αὐτοῦ

G846

he him

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

#29

δίκαια

G1342

righteous

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 John, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 John.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 1 John chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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