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There is a sin that leads to death; I am not saying he should ask regarding that sin.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/5-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/62_1Jn_05_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 John 5:16 - Effective Prayer" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he should ask God, who will give life to those who commit this kind of sin. There is a sin that leads to death; I am not saying he should ask regarding that sin." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_john/5-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_john/5-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_john/">1 John</a> > <a href="/1_john/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_john/5-15.htm" title="1 John 5:15">◄</a> 1 John 5:16 <a href="/1_john/5-17.htm" title="1 John 5:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_john/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_john/5.htm">New International Version</a> If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that. <a href="/nlt/1_john/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> If you see a fellow believer sinning in a way that does not lead to death, you should pray, and God will give that person life. But there is a sin that leads to death, and I am not saying you should pray for those who commit it. <a href="/esv/1_john/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. <a href="/bsb/1_john/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he should ask God, who will give life to those who commit this kind of sin. There is a sin that leads to death; I am not saying he should ask regarding that sin. <a href="/blb/1_john/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> If anyone should see his brother sinning a sin not unto death, he shall ask, and He will give him life, to those sinning not unto death. There is a sin unto death; I do not say that he should implore concerning that. <a href="/kjv/1_john/5.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_john/5.htm">New King James Version</a> If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. <a href="/nasb_/1_john/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> If anyone sees his brother or sister committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will, for him, give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death; I am not saying that he should ask about that. <a href="/nasb/1_john/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this. <a href="/nasb77/1_john/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this. <a href="/lsb/1_john/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this. <a href="/amp/1_john/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> If anyone sees his brother committing a sin that does not lead to death, he will pray and ask [on the believer’s behalf] and God will for him give life to those whose sin is not leading to death. There is a sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for this [kind of sin]. <a href="/csb/1_john/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> If anyone sees a fellow believer committing a sin that doesn’t lead to death, he should ask, and God will give life to him—to those who commit sin that doesn’t lead to death. There is sin that leads to death. I am not saying he should pray about that. <a href="/hcsb/1_john/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> If anyone sees his brother committing a sin that does not bring death, he should ask, and God will give life to him—to those who commit sin that doesn&#8217t bring death. There is sin that brings death. I am not saying he should pray about that. <a href="/asv/1_john/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> If any man see his brother sinning a sin not unto death, he shall ask, and God will give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: not concerning this do I say that he should make request. <a href="/cev/1_john/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Suppose you see one of our people commit a sin that isn't a deadly sin. You can pray, and this person will be given eternal life. But the sin must not be one that is deadly. <a href="/erv/1_john/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> If any man see his brother sinning a sin not unto death, he shall ask, and God will give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: not concerning this do I say that he should make request. <a href="/gwt/1_john/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> If you see another believer committing a sin that doesn't lead to death, you should pray that God would give that person life. This is true for those who commit sins that don't lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I'm not telling you to pray about that. <a href="/gnt/1_john/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> If you see a believer commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray to God, who will give that person life. This applies to those whose sins do not lead to death. But there is sin which leads to death, and I do not say that you should pray to God about that. <a href="/isv/1_john/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> If anyone sees his brother committing a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray that God would give him life. This applies to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not telling you to pray about that. <a href="/msb/1_john/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he should ask God, who will give life to those who commit this kind of sin. There is a sin that leads to death; I am not saying he should ask regarding that sin. <a href="/net/1_john/5.htm">NET Bible</a> If anyone sees his fellow Christian committing a sin not resulting in death, he should ask, and God will grant life to the person who commits a sin not resulting in death. There is a sin resulting in death. I do not say that he should ask about that. <a href="/nheb/1_john/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin not leading to death, he should ask, and he will give him life for those who sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death. I do not say that he should make a request concerning this. <a href="/wbt/1_john/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> If any man shall see his brother sin a sin which is not to death, he shall ask, and he will give him life for them that sin not to death. There is a sin to death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. <a href="/wey/1_john/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> If any one sees a brother man committing a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask and God shall give him life--for those who do not sin unto death. There is such a thing as sin unto death; for that I do not bid him make request. <a href="/web/1_john/5.htm">World English Bible</a> If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life for those who sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I don’t say that he should make a request concerning this. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_john/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> If anyone may see his brother sinning a sin [that is] not to death, he will ask, and He will give life to him—to those not sinning to death; there is sin to death—I do not say that he may ask concerning it; <a href="/blb/1_john/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> If anyone should see his brother sinning a sin not unto death, he shall ask, and He will give him life, to those sinning not unto death. There is a sin unto death; I do not say that he should implore concerning that. <a href="/ylt/1_john/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> If any one may see his brother sinning a sin not unto death, he shall ask, and He shall give to him life to those sinning not unto death; there is sin to death, not concerning it do I speak that he may beseech; <a href="/slt/1_john/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> If any see his brother sinning a sin not to death, he shall ask, and sinning will give him life to them sinning not to death. There is a sin to death: I say not of that, that he should ask.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_john/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> He that knoweth his brother to sin a sin which is not to death, let him ask, and life shall be given to him, who sinneth not to death. There is a sin unto death: for that I say not that any man ask. <a href="/cpdv/1_john/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Anyone who realizes that his brother has sinned, with a sin that is not unto death, let him pray, and life shall be given to him who has sinned not unto death. There is a sin which is unto death. I am not saying that anyone should ask on behalf of that sin. <a href="/nabre/1_john/5.htm">New American Bible</a> If anyone sees his brother sinning, if the sin is not deadly, he should pray to God and he will give him life. This is only for those whose sin is not deadly. There is such a thing as deadly sin, about which I do not say that you should pray. <a href="/nrsvce/1_john/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> If you see your brother or sister committing what is not a mortal sin, you will ask, and God will give life to such a one—to those whose sin is not mortal. There is sin that is mortal; I do not say that you should pray about that.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_john/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> If any man see his brother commit a sin which is not worthy of death, let him ask and Eternal Life. 1 John 5 life will be granted him, if he has not committed a sin worthy of death. There is a sin worthy of death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_john/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> If a man sees his brother who sins a sin that is not worthy of death, let him ask, and Life will be given to him for those who are not sinning unto death; for there is mortal sin; I do not say that a man should pray for this.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_john/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> If any one see his brother sinning a sin not to death, he shall ask, and he will give him life for those who sin not to death. There is a sin to death: I do not say concerning this, that he should ask. <a href="/godbey/1_john/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> If any one may see his brother sinning a sin not unto death, he shall ask, and he will give him life to those sinning not unto death. There is a sin unto death; concerning this I do not say that you may ask. <a href="/haweis/1_john/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> If any person see his brother committing a sin not unto death, he shall request, and God will grant him life for those that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I say not that he should request for that. <a href="/mace/1_john/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> If any man see his brother commit a sin, which is not a mortal sin, let him pray to God, who will grant him life, for such as do not commit a mortal sin, there is a sin unto death: in which case I do not enjoin any prayer to be made. <a href="/wey/1_john/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> If any one sees a brother man committing a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask and God shall give him life--for those who do not sin unto death. There is such a thing as sin unto death; for that I do not bid him make request. <a href="/worrell/1_john/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin not to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life for those that sin not to death. There is a sin to death: I do not say that he shall make request concerning this. <a href="/worsley/1_john/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> If any one see his brother commit a sin which is not unto death, let him pray for him, and God will give him life, that is for them that do not sin unto death. There is a sin unto death: and for that I do not say that he should pray. <a href="/parallel/1_john/5-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rlZ5ywDtQGE?start=1042" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_john/5.htm">Effective Prayer</a> …15And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him. 16<a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: Ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">If</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">anyone</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: idē (V-ASA-3S) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">sees</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">his</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphon (N-AMS) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">brother</a> <a href="/greek/264.htm" title="264: hamartanonta (V-PPA-AMS) -- Perhaps from a and the base of meros; properly, to miss the mark, i.e. to err, especially to sin.">committing</a> <a href="/greek/266.htm" title="266: hamartian (N-AFS) -- From hamartano; a sin.">a sin</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">not</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">leading to</a> <a href="/greek/2288.htm" title="2288: thanaton (N-AMS) -- Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death.">death,</a> <a href="/greek/154.htm" title="154: aitēsei (V-FIA-3S) -- To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask.">he should ask God,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: dōsei (V-FIA-3S) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">who will give</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/2222.htm" title="2222: zōēn (N-AFS) -- Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life.">life</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to those who</a> <a href="/greek/264.htm" title="264: hamartanousin (V-PPA-DMP) -- Perhaps from a and the base of meros; properly, to miss the mark, i.e. to err, especially to sin.">commit this kind of sin.</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward."></a> <a href="/greek/2288.htm" title="2288: thanaton (N-AMS) -- Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death."></a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">There is</a> <a href="/greek/266.htm" title="266: hamartia (N-NFS) -- From hamartano; a sin.">a sin</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">that leads to</a> <a href="/greek/2288.htm" title="2288: thanaton (N-AMS) -- Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death.">death;</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">I am not saying</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that."></a> <a href="/greek/2065.htm" title="2065: erōtēsē (V-ASA-3S) -- Apparently from ereo; to interrogate; by implication, to request.">he should ask</a> <a href="/greek/4012.htm" title="4012: peri (Prep) -- From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.">regarding</a> <a href="/greek/1565.htm" title="1565: ekeinēs (DPro-GFS) -- That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.">that sin.</a> 17All unrighteousness is sin, yet there is sin that does not lead to death.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/james/5-15.htm">James 5:15-16</a> And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick. The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. / Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail. <a href="/matthew/12-31.htm">Matthew 12:31-32</a> Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. / Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the one to come. <a href="/mark/3-28.htm">Mark 3:28-29</a> Truly I tell you, the sons of men will be forgiven all sins and blasphemies, as many as they utter. / But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of eternal sin.” <a href="/luke/12-10.htm">Luke 12:10</a> And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. <a href="/hebrews/6-4.htm">Hebrews 6:4-6</a> It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, / who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age— / and then have fallen away—to be restored to repentance, because they themselves are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to open shame. <a href="/hebrews/10-26.htm">Hebrews 10:26-27</a> If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, / but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries. <a href="/galatians/6-1.htm">Galatians 6:1</a> Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. <a href="/john/20-23.htm">John 20:23</a> If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld.” <a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Matthew 18:15-17</a> If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. / But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ / If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. <a href="/1_corinthians/5-1.htm">1 Corinthians 5:1-5</a> It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife. / And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been stricken with grief and have removed from your fellowship the man who did this? / Although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. ... <a href="/2_corinthians/2-6.htm">2 Corinthians 2:6-8</a> The punishment imposed on him by the majority is sufficient for him. / So instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. / Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him. <a href="/acts/8-20.htm">Acts 8:20-24</a> But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! / You have no part or share in our ministry, because your heart is not right before God. / Repent, therefore, of your wickedness, and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for the intent of your heart. ... <a href="/romans/6-23.htm">Romans 6:23</a> For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. <a href="/ezekiel/18-20.htm">Ezekiel 18:20-24</a> The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, and a father will not bear the iniquity of his son. The righteousness of the righteous man will fall upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked man will fall upon him. / But if the wicked man turns from all the sins he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die. / None of the transgressions he has committed will be held against him. Because of the righteousness he has practiced, he will live. ... <a href="/numbers/15-30.htm">Numbers 15:30-31</a> But the person who sins defiantly, whether a native or foreigner, blasphemes the LORD. That person shall be cut off from among his people. / He shall certainly be cut off, because he has despised the word of the LORD and broken His commandment; his guilt remains on him.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not to death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not to death. There is a sin to death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.he shall ask.<a href="/genesis/20-7.htm">Genesis 20:7,17</a> Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine… <a href="/exodus/32-10.htm">Exodus 32:10-14,31,32</a> Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation… <a href="/exodus/34-9.htm">Exodus 34:9</a> And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.There.<a href="/numbers/15-30.htm">Numbers 15:30</a> But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.<a href="/numbers/16-26.htm">Numbers 16:26-32</a> And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins… <a href="/1_samuel/2-25.htm">1 Samuel 2:25</a> If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.I do not.<a href="/jeremiah/7-16.htm">Jeremiah 7:16</a> Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee.<a href="/jeremiah/11-14.htm">Jeremiah 11:14</a> Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble.<a href="/jeremiah/14-11.htm">Jeremiah 14:11</a> Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for their good.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_john/3-9.htm">Commit</a> <a href="/james/2-9.htm">Committing</a> <a href="/1_john/3-14.htm">Death</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Leading</a> <a href="/james/1-3.htm">Leads</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-8.htm">Mortal</a> <a href="/1_john/5-14.htm">Request</a> <a href="/1_john/3-9.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/1_john/3-9.htm">Sinning</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Commit</a> <a href="/revelation/2-22.htm">Committing</a> <a href="/1_john/5-17.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_john/5-17.htm">Leading</a> <a href="/revelation/12-9.htm">Leads</a> <a href="/1_john/5-17.htm">Mortal</a> <a href="/2_john/1-5.htm">Request</a> <a href="/1_john/5-17.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/genesis/13-13.htm">Sinning</a><div class="vheading2">1 John 5</div>1. <a href="/1_john/5-1.htm">He who loves God loves his children, and keeps his commandments;</a> 3. <a href="/1_john/5-3.htm">which to the faithful are not grievous.</a> 9. <a href="/1_john/5-9.htm">Jesus is the Son of God;</a> 14. <a href="/1_john/5-14.htm">and able to hear our prayers.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_john/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_john/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death This phrase addresses the responsibility of believers to intercede for one another. The term "brother" indicates a fellow believer, emphasizing the communal nature of the early Christian church. The concept of "sin not leading to death" suggests that not all sins have the same spiritual consequences. In the Jewish context, certain sins required different atonements, reflecting varying degrees of severity. This distinction may also echo Jesus' teachings on forgiveness and reconciliation (<a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Matthew 18:15-17</a>).he should ask God, who will give life to those who commit this kind of sin The act of asking God underscores the power of intercessory prayer. The promise that God "will give life" highlights the restorative nature of God's grace. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of repentance and forgiveness, as seen in passages like <a href="/james/5-15.htm">James 5:15-16</a>, where prayer is linked to healing and restoration. The assurance of life suggests spiritual renewal and the maintenance of fellowship with God.There is a sin that leads to death This phrase introduces a more severe category of sin. The "sin that leads to death" has been interpreted in various ways, including apostasy, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (<a href="/mark/3-29.htm">Mark 3:29</a>), or persistent, unrepentant sin. In the historical context, this could refer to a deliberate rejection of the faith, which was a serious concern for the early church facing persecution and heretical teachings.I am not saying he should ask regarding that sin Here, the author advises against praying for those committing the "sin that leads to death." This may reflect an understanding that certain actions place individuals beyond the reach of intercessory prayer, possibly due to their hardened hearts or willful rejection of God's grace. This echoes the warnings found in <a href="/hebrews/6-4.htm">Hebrews 6:4-6</a> about the impossibility of restoring those who have fallen away after having received the truth.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_apostle.htm">John the Apostle</a> The author of the epistle, John was one of Jesus' closest disciples and a key figure in the early church. He wrote to encourage believers in their faith and to address false teachings. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a> The audience of John's letter, consisting of early Christians who were facing challenges from false teachings and needed guidance on living a faithful Christian life. 3. <a href="/topical/s/sin_not_leading_to_death.htm">Sin Not Leading to Death</a> Refers to sins that, while serious, do not result in spiritual death or eternal separation from God. These are sins for which repentance and forgiveness are possible. 4. <a href="/topical/s/sin_leading_to_death.htm">Sin Leading to Death</a> A more severe category of sin that results in spiritual death. This is often interpreted as a willful, persistent rejection of God and His grace. 5. <a href="/topical/i/intercessory_prayer.htm">Intercessory Prayer</a> The act of praying on behalf of others, which John encourages believers to do for those committing sins not leading to death.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_sin_and_its_consequences.htm">Understanding Sin and Its Consequences</a> Recognize the distinction between sins that can be forgiven and those that lead to spiritual death. This understanding helps in discerning how to pray for others. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_intercessory_prayer.htm">The Power of Intercessory Prayer</a> Emphasize the importance of praying for fellow believers who are struggling with sin. Our prayers can be a means through which God grants life and restoration. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_prayer.htm">Discernment in Prayer</a> Exercise discernment in knowing when and how to pray for others, especially in cases where sin is involved. Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in these matters. <a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a> Encourage a sense of responsibility within the Christian community to support and pray for one another, fostering an environment of grace and accountability. <a href="/topical/a/awareness_of_spiritual_dangers.htm">Awareness of Spiritual Dangers</a> Be aware of the spiritual dangers of persistent, willful sin that leads to death. Encourage repentance and a return to God’s grace for those who may be straying.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_john_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 John 5</a> <a href="/q/what_sin_doesn't_lead_to_death.htm">What is sin that does not lead to death?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_sin_that_leads_to_death.htm">What is the sin that leads to death?</a> <a href="/q/what_happens_in_the_apocalypse_of_moses.htm">Have you obeyed the Gospel of God?</a> <a href="/q/how_is_mortal_sin_different_from_venial.htm">What distinguishes mortal sin from venial sin?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_john/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - How does this position respecting God's hearing our prayers affect the question of intercession for the salvation of others, and especially of an erring brother? If any prayer can be made with confidence of success, surely it is this. It is an unselfish prayer; a prayer of love. It is also a prayer in harmony with God's will; a prayer for the extension of his kingdom. St. John points out that this reasonable expectation has limits. The prayer of one human being can never cancel another's free-will. If God's will does not override man's will, neither can a fellow-man's prayer. When a human will has been firmly and persistently set in opposition to the Divine will, our intercession will be of no avail. And this seems to be the meaning of "sin unto death; "willful and obstinate rejection of God's grace and persistence in unrepented sin. "Death" corresponds to the life spoken of above; and if the one is eternal (verse 13), so is the other. Sins punished with loss of life in this world, whether by human law or by Divine retribution, cannot be meant. Christians have before now suffered agonies of mind, fearing that they have committed what they suppose to be the "sin unto death." Their fear is evidence that they have not committed any such sin. But if they despair of pardon, they may come near to it. There are certain statements made respecting this mysterious passage against which we must be on our guard. It is laid down as a canon of interpretation that the sin unto death is one which can be known, which can be recognized as such by the intercessor. St. John neither says nor implies this. He implies that some sins may be known to be not unto death. Again, it is asserted that he forbids us to pray concerning sin which is unto death. The apostle is much more reserved. lie encourages us to intercede for a sinning brother with full confidence of success. But there is a limit to this. The sinner may be sinning unto death; and in that case St. John cannot encourage us to pray. Casuistical classifications of sins under the heads of mortal and venial have been based upon this passage. It lends no authority to such attempts; and they have worked untold mischief in the Church. The apostle tells us that the distinction between mortal and venial exists; but he supplies us with no test by which one man can judge another in this respect. By pointedly abstaining from making any classification of sins into mortal and venial, he virtually condemns the making. What neither he nor St. Paul ventured to do we may well shrink from doing. The same overt act may be mortal sin in one case and not in another. It is the attitude of mind with which the sinner contemplates his act before and after commission that makes all the difference; and how seldom can this be known to his fellow-men! The change from αἰτεῖν to ἐρωτᾷν is noteworthy. The former is used in verses 14, 15, and the beginning of verse 16; the latter at the end of verse 16. The latter is the less humble word of the two, being often used of equals or superiors requesting compliance with their wishes. Perhaps St. John uses it here to indicate that a prayer of this kind is not a humble one. <a href="/commentaries/1_john/5-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>If Ἐάν (Ean) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. anyone τις (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. sees ἴδῃ (idē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. brother ἀδελφὸν (adelphon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. committing ἁμαρτάνοντα (hamartanonta) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_264.htm">Strong's 264: </a> Perhaps from a and the base of meros; properly, to miss the mark, i.e. to err, especially to sin. a sin ἁμαρτίαν (hamartian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_266.htm">Strong's 266: </a> From hamartano; a sin. not μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. leading to πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. death, θάνατον (thanaton) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2288.htm">Strong's 2288: </a> Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death. he should ask [God], αἰτήσει (aitēsei) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_154.htm">Strong's 154: </a> To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask. who will give δώσει (dōsei) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. life ζωήν (zōēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2222.htm">Strong's 2222: </a> Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life. to those who τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. commit [this kind of] sin. ἁμαρτάνουσιν (hamartanousin) Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_264.htm">Strong's 264: </a> Perhaps from a and the base of meros; properly, to miss the mark, i.e. to err, especially to sin. There is ἔστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. a sin ἁμαρτία (hamartia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_266.htm">Strong's 266: </a> From hamartano; a sin. that leads to πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. death; θάνατον (thanaton) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2288.htm">Strong's 2288: </a> Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death. I am not saying λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. he should ask ἐρωτήσῃ (erōtēsē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2065.htm">Strong's 2065: </a> Apparently from ereo; to interrogate; by implication, to request. regarding περὶ (peri) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4012.htm">Strong's 4012: </a> From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time. that [sin]. ἐκείνης (ekeinēs) Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1565.htm">Strong's 1565: </a> That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_john/5-16.htm">1 John 5:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_john/5-16.htm">1 John 5:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_john/5-16.htm">1 John 5:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_john/5-16.htm">1 John 5:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_john/5-16.htm">1 John 5:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_john/5-16.htm">1 John 5:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_john/5-16.htm">1 John 5:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_john/5-16.htm">1 John 5:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_john/5-16.htm">1 John 5:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_john/5-16.htm">1 John 5:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_john/5-16.htm">NT Letters: 1 John 5:16 If anyone sees his brother sinning (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_john/5-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 John 5:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 John 5:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_john/5-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 John 5:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 John 5:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>