1 John 3:9
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γεγέννηται
he is born
G1080
γεγέννηται
he is born
Strong's:
G1080
Word #:
3 of 24
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 24
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 #:
5 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεοῦ
God
G2316
Θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 24
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
οὐ
he cannot
G3756
οὐ
he cannot
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
8 of 24
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ποιεῖ
doth
G4160
ποιεῖ
doth
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
9 of 24
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
10 of 24
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
σπέρμα
seed
G4690
σπέρμα
seed
Strong's:
G4690
Word #:
11 of 24
something sown, i.e., seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 24
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
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 24
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
μένει
remaineth
G3306
μένει
remaineth
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
15 of 24
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐ
he cannot
G3756
οὐ
he cannot
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
17 of 24
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἁμαρτάνειν
sin
G264
ἁμαρτάνειν
sin
Strong's:
G264
Word #:
19 of 24
properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
20 of 24
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
21 of 24
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 #:
22 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 John 5:18We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.1 Peter 1:23Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.John 1:13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.1 John 2:29If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.1 John 5:1Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.John 3:3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.Galatians 5:17For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.1 John 5:4For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.1 John 4:7Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.Romans 6:2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Historical Context
The concept of divine seed had parallels in Stoic philosophy, which spoke of a "divine spark" within humans. However, John's teaching is distinctly Christian and biblical—the seed is not innate human divinity but God's gracious implanting of new life through regeneration. This recalls Ezekiel 36:26-27 (God giving a new heart and putting His Spirit within) and Jesus's teaching about new birth (John 3:3-8).
Against perfectionist interpretations claiming Christians achieve sinlessness, John's broader context (1:8, 2:1) shows he means habitual practice, not absolute perfection. Against libertine claims that Christians can live in sin, John insists regeneration produces real moral transformation. The Reformation doctrine of simul justus et peccator (simultaneously justified and sinner) balances these truths: justified before God, we're not yet perfectly sanctified, but genuine regeneration does produce holiness.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you reconcile this verse with your own ongoing struggle with sin as a Christian?
- What's the difference between 'cannot sin' (as a habitual practice) and sinless perfection (which 1:8 denies)?
- How does understanding that God's seed permanently remains in you affect your battle against temptation?
Analysis & Commentary
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. This challenging verse requires careful interpretation consistent with 1:8. "Whosoever is born of God" (pas ho gegennēmenos ek tou theou) uses the perfect tense—having been born, continuing in that state. "Doth not commit sin" (hamartian ou poiei) uses the present tense for habitual practice. Those born of God do not make sin their practice or lifestyle.
The reason is "his seed remaineth in him" (hoti sperma autou en autō menei). The "seed" likely refers to the principle of divine life implanted at regeneration—God's nature, the Holy Spirit, or the word of God. This divine seed abides permanently, producing new nature and desires. Regeneration is permanent transformation, not temporary influence. The new birth creates a new person with a new nature that hates sin and loves righteousness.
"And he cannot sin" (kai ou dynatai hamartanein) doesn't mean absolute inability to commit any sin, but rather that the regenerate person cannot comfortably persist in habitual sin. The new nature makes continuing in sin impossible as a settled lifestyle. Hamartanein is present infinitive—continuous action. The born-again believer cannot practice sin characteristically because God's seed within produces a nature incompatible with willing rebellion.