New International VersionNo one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.
New Living TranslationThose who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God.
English Standard VersionNo one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.
Berean Standard BibleAnyone born of God refuses to practice sin, because God’s seed abides in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.
Berean Literal BibleAnyone having been born of God does not practice sin, because His seed abides in him, and he is not able to continue sinning, because he has been born of God.
King James BibleWhosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
New King James VersionWhoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.
New American Standard BibleNo one who has been born of God practices sin, because His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin continually, because he has been born of God.
NASB 1995No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
NASB 1977No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
Legacy Standard BibleEveryone who has been born of God does not sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.
Amplified BibleNo one who is born of God [deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] practices sin, because God’s seed [His principle of life, the essence of His righteous character] remains [permanently] in him [who is born again—who is reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose]; and he [who is born again] cannot habitually [live a life characterized by] sin, because he is born of God and longs to please Him.
Christian Standard BibleEveryone who has been born of God does not sin, because his seed remains in him; he is not able to sin, because he has been born of God.
Holman Christian Standard BibleEveryone who has been born of God does not sin, because His seed remains in him; he is not able to sin, because he has been born of God.
American Standard VersionWhosoever is begotten of God doeth no sin, because his seed abideth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is begotten of God.
Contemporary English VersionGod's children cannot keep on being sinful. His life-giving power lives in them and makes them his children, so they cannot keep on sinning.
English Revised VersionWhosoever is begotten of God doeth no sin, because his seed abideth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is begotten of God.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThose who have been born from God don't live sinful lives. What God has said lives in them, and they can't live sinful lives. They have been born from God.
Good News TranslationThose who are children of God do not continue to sin, for God's very nature is in them; and because God is their Father, they cannot continue to sin.
International Standard VersionNo one who has been born from God practices sin, because God's seed abides in him. Indeed, he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born from God.
NET BibleEveryone who has been fathered by God does not practice sin, because God's seed resides in him, and thus he is not able to sin, because he has been fathered by God.
New Heart English BibleWhoever is born of God does not commit sin, because his seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
Webster's Bible TranslationWhoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
Weymouth New TestamentNo one who is a child of God is habitually guilty of sin. A God-given germ of life remains in him, and he cannot habitually sin--because he is a child of God. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnyone born of God refuses to practice sin, because God’s seed abides in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.
World English BibleWhoever is born of God doesn’t commit sin, because his seed remains in him, and he can’t sin, because he is born of God. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versioneveryone who has been begotten of God, he does not sin, because His seed remains in him, and he is not able to sin, because he has been begotten of God.
Berean Literal BibleAnyone having been born of God does not practice sin, because His seed abides in him, and he is not able to continue sinning, because he has been born of God.
Young's Literal Translation every one who hath been begotten of God, sin he doth not, because his seed in him doth remain, and he is not able to sin, because of God he hath been begotten.
Smith's Literal TranslationEvery one born of God does not sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, for he has been born of God. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWhosoever is born of God, commmitteth not sin: for his seed abideth in him, and he can not sin, because he is born of God.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAll those who have been born of God do not commit sin. For the offspring of God abides in them, and he is not able to sin, because he was born of God.
New American BibleNo one who is begotten by God commits sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot sin because he is begotten by God.
New Revised Standard VersionThose who have been born of God do not sin, because God’s seed abides in them; they cannot sin, because they have been born of God. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhoever is born of God does not commit sin because God’s seed is in him; and he cannot sin because he is born of God.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishNo one who is begotten from God commits sin, because his seed is in him and he is not able to sin because he has been begotten from God. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentWhoever has been begotten of God does not work sin; because his seed remains in him: and he can not sin, because he has been begotten of God.
Godbey New TestamentEvery one having been born of God does not sin; because his seed remains in him: and he is not able to sin, because he has been born of God.
Haweis New TestamentEvery one who is born of God, doth not practise sin, because his seed abideth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
Mace New Testamentwhosoever is born of God, does not commit sin; for the divine principle remaineth in him: he will not sin, because he is born of God.
Weymouth New TestamentNo one who is a child of God is habitually guilty of sin. A God-given germ of life remains in him, and he cannot habitually sin--because he is a child of God.
Worrell New TestamentWhosoever has been begotten of God sins not; because His seed abides in him, and he cannot sin because he has been begotten of God.
Worsley New TestamentWhosoever is born of God doth not practise sin, because his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Children of God… 8The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil. 9AnyonebornofGodrefuses to practicesin,becauseGod’sseedabidesinhim;he cannotgo on sinning,becausehe has been bornofGod.10By this the children of God are distinguished from the children of the devil: Anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is anyone who does not love his brother.…
Cross References John 3:3-6Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” / “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time to be born?” / Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. ...
1 John 5:18We know that anyone born of God does not keep on sinning; the One who was born of God protects him, and the evil one cannot touch him.
Romans 6:1-2What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase? / Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer?
2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!
Galatians 5:16-17So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. / For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.
Romans 8:9-11You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. / But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. / And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.
John 8:34-36Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. / A slave does not remain in the house forever, but a son remains forever. / So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Ephesians 4:22-24to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; / to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; / and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Colossians 3:9-10Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, / and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Titus 3:5He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
1 Peter 1:23For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
Matthew 7:17-18Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. / A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.
James 1:18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation.
Ezekiel 36:26-27I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.
Jeremiah 31:33“But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.
Treasury of Scripture Whoever is born of God does not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. born. 1 John 2:29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. 1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 1 John 5:1,4,18 Whosoever 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… for. Job 19:28 But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me? 1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. and he. Matthew 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neithercan a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Acts 4:20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. Romans 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Jump to Previous AbidesAbidethAbleBegottenBornChildCommitCommitsContinueGermGod'sGuiltyHabituallyLifeNaturePracticesSeedSinSinnerSinningJump to Next AbidesAbidethAbleBegottenBornChildCommitCommitsContinueGermGod'sGuiltyHabituallyLifeNaturePracticesSeedSinSinnerSinning1 John 3 1.He declares the singular love of God toward us, in making us his sons;3.who therefore ought obediently to keep his commandments;11.as also to love one another as brothers.Anyone born of God refuses to practice sinThis phrase emphasizes the transformative power of spiritual rebirth. In the context of 1 John, the apostle John addresses the nature of true believers. The concept of being "born of God" is rooted in the idea of regeneration, a fundamental change in a person's nature through the Holy Spirit. This transformation results in a new disposition that is incompatible with a lifestyle of habitual sin. The refusal to practice sin is not about achieving sinless perfection but indicates a break from the pattern of sin that characterizes those who are not in Christ. This aligns with Paul's teachings in Romans 6:1-2, where believers are called to live in newness of life, having died to sin. because God’s seed abides in him
The "seed" here is often understood as the divine principle or nature imparted to believers at the moment of salvation. This seed represents the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, which empowers believers to live righteously. The imagery of seed suggests growth and development, indicating that the believer's life will increasingly reflect God's character. This concept is echoed in1 Peter 1:23, where believers are described as being born again through the imperishable seed of the Word of God. The abiding presence of this seed ensures that the believer's life is marked by a continual transformation. he cannot go on sinning
This phrase underscores the incompatibility of a regenerated life with a lifestyle of ongoing sin. The Greek verb tense used here suggests a continuous action, indicating that a true believer will not persist in a habitual pattern of sin. This does not imply that believers will never sin, as John acknowledges in 1John 1:8-10, but rather that their lives will not be characterized by unrepentant sinfulness. The transformative work of the Holy Spirit produces a conviction of sin and a desire for holiness, as seen inGalatians 5:16-17, where the Spirit and the flesh are in opposition. because he has been born of God
The phrase reiterates the source of the believer's new nature. Being "born of God" is a spiritual rebirth that results in a fundamental change in identity and behavior. This new birth is a work of God, not of human effort, as emphasized inJohn 1:12-13. The new birth brings believers into the family of God, with all the rights and responsibilities that entails. This transformation is a fulfillment of the promise of the New Covenant, where God writes His laws on the hearts of His people, as prophesied inJeremiah 31:33. The assurance of this new birth is the basis for the believer's confidence in living a life that pleases God. Persons / Places / Events 1. John the ApostleThe author of 1 John, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Jesus and his emphasis on love and truth. 2. The Early ChurchThe audience of John's letter, consisting of early Christians facing challenges such as false teachings and moral dilemmas. 3. GodThe divine being whose seed abides in believers, enabling them to live righteously. 4. Believers (Born of God)Individuals who have accepted Christ and are transformed by God's presence within them. 5. SinThe moral failing or transgression against God's law, which believers are called to reject. Teaching Points Understanding God's SeedThe term "seed" (Greek: sperma) signifies the divine nature and life imparted to believers, enabling them to live righteously. The New BirthBeing "born of God" is a spiritual rebirth that fundamentally changes a person's nature and relationship with sin. The Incompatibility of SinA true believer, transformed by God's presence, cannot continue in habitual sin because it contradicts their new identity. Living in VictoryBelievers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome sin and live in accordance with God's will. Assurance of SalvationThe evidence of a transformed life provides assurance of one's salvation and relationship with God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 1 John 3:9?
2.How does 1 John 3:9 define the relationship between sin and God's seed?
3.What does "cannot keep on sinning" imply about a believer's lifestyle?
4.How does 1 John 3:9 connect with John 15:5 about abiding in Christ?
5.What practical steps can you take to align with 1 John 3:9?
6.How does 1 John 3:9 challenge your understanding of being born of God?
7.How does 1 John 3:9 define the concept of being "born of God"?
8.Does 1 John 3:9 imply that true Christians cannot sin?
9.What is the significance of "God's seed" in 1 John 3:9?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 John 3?
11.Does 1 John 3:9 imply Christians never sin?
12.If 1 John 3:9 implies that being born of God prevents sin, why do believers still commit wrongdoing?
13.1 John 3:6 says those who abide in Christ do not sin; how does that square with the reality of moral failings among Christians?
14.Is sin a barrier between us and God?What Does 1 John 3:9 Mean Anyone born of God• To be “born of God” is to have experienced the new birth Jesus spoke of (John 3:3–8). • This is a divine work, not human effort (John 1:12-13). • The new birth brings a new identity: child of God, no longer child of wrath (Ephesians 2:3-5).
refuses to practice sin• “Practice” points to a settled pattern, a habitual lifestyle. • John is not claiming sinless perfection; he has already acknowledged believers still stumble (1 John 1:8-10). • Instead, the regenerate heart now resists sin’s rule (Romans 6:12-14). • A true believer cannot be comfortable living in ongoing rebellion.
because God’s seed abides in him• “Seed” pictures God’s own life implanted within (1 Peter 1:23). • The indwelling Spirit produces new desires that oppose the flesh (Galatians 5:16-17). • Transformation flows from this inner life, not external pressure (2 Corinthians 5:17).
he cannot go on sinning• The word “cannot” stresses moral impossibility: the new nature makes continuous sin incompatible. • When a believer does fall, conviction and discipline follow (Hebrews 12:6-8). • Persistent, unrepentant sin exposes a counterfeit profession (Matthew 7:21-23).
because he has been born of God• John circles back to the source: new birth produces new behavior. • Root (regeneration) and fruit (righteous living) are inseparable (John 15:5). • Assurance grows as we see this fruit, yet our confidence rests in God’s work, not our performance (1 John 5:18-20).
summary1 John 3:9 declares that genuine believers, who have been supernaturally born of God, no longer live in habitual sin. God’s own life, implanted by the Spirit, reshapes desires and conduct so thoroughly that a lifestyle of sin becomes impossible to sustain. While believers still battle and sometimes stumble, the overall direction of their lives moves toward righteousness, giving visible evidence of the inward miracle of the new birth. Verses 9-12. - Sin is absolutely incompatible with being born of God, as is shown by the presence or absence of brotherly love. Verse 9. - Having stated that every one that doeth sin is of the devil, St. John now states the opposite truth, but from the other side; not "every one that doeth no sin is of God," which hardly needs to be stated; but every one that is begotten of God doeth no sin, which is startling. Who, then, can be begotten of God? But the statement is similar to that in verse 6, and is to be similarly understood. So far as any man sins, his regeneration is incomplete. If the new birth from God were perfect, sin would be morally impossible οὐ δύναται ἁμαρτεῖν. The new principle of life abides and grows in him, and, under perfect conditions, it entirely prevents the old unregenerate nature from rebelling. Note that St. John does not say οὐ δύναται ἁμαρτεῖν," cannot commit a sin," but οὐ δύναται ἁμαρτάνειν, "cannot be a sinner." An act is different from a state of sin. This is an ideal to which every Christian is bound to aspire - inability to sin. But to some extent this ideal is a fact in the case of every true Christian. There are sins which to a good man are by God's grace quite impossible. The meaning of σπέρμα αὐτοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ μένει is uncertain: either (1) "His seed abideth in Him,"i.e., those who are born of God abide in God; or (2) "his seed abideth in him,"i.e., the new principle which he has received continues to operate in the man; or (3) "His seed abideth in him,"i.e., God's quickening Gift continues to operate in the man. (Forσπέρμα αὐτοῦ, in the sense of "those born of God," comp.Isaiah 53:10.) But this is the least probable of the three interpretations; in this sense St. John would probably have writtenτέκνον. Note the tense of the concluding verb,γεγέννηται, notἐγεννήθη: his birth from God is a fact whichstill continues, not one that is past and gone.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek AnyoneΠᾶς(Pas)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.bornγεγεννημένος(gegennēmenos)Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1080:From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate.ofἐκ(ek)Preposition
Strong's 1537:From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.GodΘεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.refuses to practiceποιεῖ(poiei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4160:(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.sin,ἁμαρτίαν(hamartian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 266:From hamartano; a sin.becauseὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.[God’s]αὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.seedσπέρμα(sperma)Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4690:From speiro; something sown, i.e. Seed; by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant.abidesμένει(menei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3306:To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. A primary verb; to stay.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.him;αὐτῷ(autō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.he cannotδύναται(dynatai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1410:(a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.go on sinning,ἁμαρτάνειν(hamartanein)Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 264:Perhaps from a and the base of meros; properly, to miss the mark, i.e. to err, especially to sin.becauseὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.he has been bornγεγέννηται(gegennētai)Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1080:From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate.ofἐκ(ek)Preposition
Strong's 1537:From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.God.Θεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.
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NT Letters: 1 John 3:9 Whoever is born of God doesn't commit (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) |
