1 John 3:8
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ποιῶν
He that committeth
G4160
ποιῶν
He that committeth
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
2 of 27
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
5 of 27
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
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
9 of 27
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἀπ'
from
G575
ἀπ'
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
10 of 27
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἀρχῆς
the beginning
G746
ἀρχῆς
the beginning
Strong's:
G746
Word #:
11 of 27
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁμαρτάνει
sinneth
G264
ἁμαρτάνει
sinneth
Strong's:
G264
Word #:
14 of 27
properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin
εἰς
For
G1519
εἰς
For
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
15 of 27
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἐφανερώθη
was manifested
G5319
ἐφανερώθη
was manifested
Strong's:
G5319
Word #:
17 of 27
to render apparent (literally or figuratively)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
the Son
G5207
υἱὸς
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
19 of 27
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεοῦ,
of God
G2316
Θεοῦ,
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
21 of 27
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργα
the works
G2041
ἔργα
the works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
25 of 27
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
Cross References
Hebrews 2:14Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;John 8:44Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.Colossians 2:15And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.Romans 16:20And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.John 16:11Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.John 12:31Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.2 Peter 2:4For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;Mark 1:24Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.Ephesians 2:2Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:Isaiah 27:1In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.
Historical Context
First-century Jewish apocalyptic literature portrayed cosmic conflict between God and Satan, light and darkness (seen in Dead Sea Scrolls). Early Christians understood their conversion as transferring from Satan's kingdom to God's kingdom (Colossians 1:13), from darkness to light (1 Peter 2:9). This wasn't dualism (equal opposing forces) but recognition that Satan temporarily exercises power in this fallen world until Christ's final victory.
The phrase "from the beginning" (ap' archēs) indicates Satan's sin predated human history. Jewish tradition held that Satan fell before creating humanity, explaining the serpent's presence in Eden. John confirms this: Satan sinned first; humans followed. Christ came to undo this catastrophic rebellion and its consequences.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding that habitual sin aligns you with Satan's purposes (not merely breaks rules) intensify sin's seriousness?
- In what specific ways has Christ destroyed the devil's works in your life, and what works remain to be destroyed?
- How should awareness of spiritual warfare against Satan affect your daily battle against sin?
Analysis & Commentary
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. John presents sin's ultimate source and Christ's purpose. "He that committeth sin" (ho poiōn tēn hamartian)—again the present participle indicating habitual practice—"is of the devil" (ek tou diabolou estin). This doesn't mean created by Satan but belonging to his family, bearing his character, serving his purposes. Jesus made similar statements in John 8:44 about those who reject Him.
"For the devil sinneth from the beginning" (hoti ho diabolos ap' archēs hamartanei) reveals Satan as the originator of sin in the created order. He sinned before human sin (Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:12-17), and he continues to sin—present tense. Satan's rebellion against God introduced sin into the universe; human sin stems from Satanic temptation and corruption (Genesis 3).
"For this purpose the Son of God was manifested" (eis touto ephanerōthē ho huios tou theou): Christ's incarnation aimed at destroying Satan's works. "Destroy" (lusē, λύσῃ) means to loose, dissolve, or nullify. Through His death and resurrection, Christ destroyed death's power, defeated Satan (Hebrews 2:14), and liberated believers from sin's dominion (Romans 6:14). This destruction continues as the gospel advances and will culminate in Satan's final judgment (Revelation 20:10).