1 John 3:15

Authorized King James Version

Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
πᾶς
Whosoever
all, any, every, the whole
#2
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
μισῶν
hateth
to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less
#4
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἀδελφὸν
G80
brother
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
#6
αὐτῷ
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
#7
ἀνθρωποκτόνος
a murderer
a manslayer
#8
ἐστίν
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#9
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
οἴδατε
ye know
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#11
ὅτι
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#12
πᾶς
Whosoever
all, any, every, the whole
#13
ἀνθρωποκτόνος
a murderer
a manslayer
#14
οὐκ
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#15
ἔχει
hath
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#16
ζωὴν
life
life (literally or figuratively)
#17
αἰώνιον
eternal
perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)
#18
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#19
αὐτῷ
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
#20
μένουσαν
abiding
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 John. The concept of life reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 John Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes life in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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