1 John 5:16

Authorized King James Version

If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ἐάν

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

τις

G5100

any man

some or any person or object

ἴδῃ

G1492

see

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τὸν

G3588

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

ἀδελφὸν

G80

brother

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

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

ἁμαρτάνουσιν

G264

for them that sin

properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin

ἁμαρτία

G266

a sin

a sin (properly abstract)

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#10

πρὸς

G4314

unto

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

#11

θάνατον·

G2288

death

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

#12

αἰτήσει

G154

he shall ask

to ask (in genitive case)

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#14

δώσει

G1325

he shall give

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

#15

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

#16

ζωήν,

G2222

life

life (literally or figuratively)

#17

τοῖς

G3588

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

#18

ἁμαρτάνουσιν

G264

for them that sin

properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin

#19

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#20

πρὸς

G4314

unto

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

#21

θάνατον·

G2288

death

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

#22

ἔστιν

G2076

There is

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

#23

ἁμαρτία

G266

a sin

a sin (properly abstract)

#24

πρὸς

G4314

unto

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

#25

θάνατον·

G2288

death

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

#26

οὐ

G3756

I do not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#27

περὶ

G4012

for

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

#28

ἐκείνης

G1565

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

#29

λέγω

G3004

say

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#30

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#31

ἐρωτήσῃ

G2065

he shall pray

to interrogate; by implication, to request

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

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on life address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 John chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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