1 John 3:3

Authorized King James Version

And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

πᾶς

G3956

every man

all, any, every, the whole

ὁ

G3588

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

ἔχων

G2192

that hath

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τὴν

G3588

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

ἐλπίδα

G1680

hope

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

ταύτην

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐπ'

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

αὐτῷ

G846

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

#10

ἁγνίζει

G48

purifieth

to make clean, i.e., (figuratively) sanctify (ceremonially or morally)

#11

ἑαυτὸν

G1438

himself

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

#12

καθὼς

G2531

even as

just (or inasmuch) as, that

#13

ἐκεῖνος

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

#14

ἁγνός

G53

pure

properly, clean, i.e., (figuratively) innocent, modest, perfect

#15

ἐστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing hope contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 hope. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of hope differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?

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