1 John 3:9

Authorized King James Version

Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
πᾶς
G3956
Whosoever
all, any, every, the whole
#2
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
γεγέννηται
G1080
he is born
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
#4
ἐκ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#5
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
Θεοῦ
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#7
ἁμαρτίαν
G266
commit sin
a sin (properly abstract)
#8
οὐ
G3756
he cannot
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#9
ποιεῖ
G4160
doth
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#10
ὅτι
G3754
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#11
σπέρμα
G4690
seed
something sown, i.e., seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting)
#12
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
#13
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#14
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
#15
μένει
G3306
remaineth
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
#16
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
οὐ
G3756
he cannot
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#18
δύναται
G1410
to be able or possible
#19
ἁμαρτάνειν
G264
sin
properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin
#20
ὅτι
G3754
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#21
ἐκ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#22
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
Θεοῦ
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#24
γεγέννηται
G1080
he is born
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 John, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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