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1 John 3:9 Anyone 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.
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 John 3:9 Anyone 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/62_1Jn_03_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 John 3:9 - Children of God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Anyone 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." /><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/3-9.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/3-9.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/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 9</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="/ad9.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/3-8.htm" title="1 John 3:8">◄</a> 1 John 3:9 <a href="/1_john/3-10.htm" title="1 John 3:10">►</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"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_john/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_john/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />No 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_john/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Those 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_john/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />No 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_john/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Anyone 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Anyone 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_john/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_john/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Whoever 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_john/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />No one who has been born of God practices sin, because His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin <i>continually,</i> because he has been born of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_john/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_john/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_john/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Everyone 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_john/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />No 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 <i>habitually</i> [live a life characterized by] sin, because he is born of God <i>and</i> longs to please Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_john/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Everyone 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_john/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Everyone 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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_john/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Whosoever is begotten of God doeth no sin, because his seed abideth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is begotten of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_john/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />God'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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_john/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Whosoever is begotten of God doeth no sin, because his seed abideth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is begotten of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_john/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Those 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_john/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Those 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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_john/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />No 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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_john/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Anyone 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_john/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Everyone 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_john/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Whoever is born of God does not commit sin, because his seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_john/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Whoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />No 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_john/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Whoever 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. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_john/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />everyone 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Anyone 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_john/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_john/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Every one born of God does not sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, for he has been born of God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_john/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Whosoever is born of God, commmitteth not sin: for his seed abideth in him, and he can not sin, because he is born of God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_john/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />All 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_john/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />No one who is begotten by God commits sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot sin because he is begotten by God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_john/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Those 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.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_john/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Whoever 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_john/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />No 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.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_john/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Whoever 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_john/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Every 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_john/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Every 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_john/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />whosoever 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />No 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_john/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Whosoever has been begotten of God sins not; because His seed abides in him, and he cannot sin because he has been begotten of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_john/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Whosoever is born of God doth not practise sin, because his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_john/3-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rlZ5ywDtQGE?start=507" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_john/3.htm">Children of God</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>The 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. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: Pas (Adj-NMS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">Anyone</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1080.htm" title="1080: gegennēmenos (V-RPM/P-NMS) -- From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate.">born</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</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/4160.htm" title="4160: poiei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">refuses to practice</a> <a href="/greek/266.htm" title="266: hamartian (N-AFS) -- From hamartano; a sin.">sin,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</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.">God’s</a> <a href="/greek/4690.htm" title="4690: sperma (N-NNS) -- From speiro; something sown, i.e. Seed; by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant.">seed</a> <a href="/greek/3306.htm" title="3306: menei (V-PIA-3S) -- To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. A primary verb; to stay.">abides</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</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.">him;</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></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/1410.htm" title="1410: dynatai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">he cannot</a> <a href="/greek/264.htm" title="264: hamartanein (V-PNA) -- Perhaps from a and the base of meros; properly, to miss the mark, i.e. to err, especially to sin.">go on sinning,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</a> <a href="/greek/1080.htm" title="1080: gegennētai (V-RIM/P-3S) -- From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate.">he has been born</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">10</span>By 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/3-3.htm">John 3:3-6</a></span><br />Jesus 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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/5-18.htm">1 John 5:18</a></span><br />We 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/6-1.htm">Romans 6:1-2</a></span><br />What 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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">2 Corinthians 5:17</a></span><br />Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16-17</a></span><br />So 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-9.htm">Romans 8:9-11</a></span><br />You, 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-34.htm">John 8:34-36</a></span><br />Jesus 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-22.htm">Ephesians 4:22-24</a></span><br />to 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-9.htm">Colossians 3:9-10</a></span><br />Do 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/3-5.htm">Titus 3:5</a></span><br />He 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-23.htm">1 Peter 1:23</a></span><br />For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-17.htm">Matthew 7:17-18</a></span><br />Likewise, 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-18.htm">James 1:18</a></span><br />He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26-27</a></span><br />I 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a></span><br />“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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="hdg">born.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/2-29.htm">1 John 2:29</a></b></br> If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">1 John 4:7</a></b></br> Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/5-1.htm">1 John 5:1,4,18</a></b></br> 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… </p><p class="hdg">for.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/19-28.htm">Job 19:28</a></b></br> But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_peter/1-23.htm">1 Peter 1:23</a></b></br> Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.</p><p class="hdg">and he.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/7-18.htm">Matthew 7:18</a></b></br> A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither <i>can</i> a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/4-20.htm">Acts 4:20</a></b></br> For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/6-2.htm">Romans 6:2</a></b></br> God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_john/3-6.htm">Abides</a> <a href="/1_john/3-6.htm">Abideth</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-9.htm">Able</a> <a href="/1_john/2-29.htm">Begotten</a> <a href="/1_john/2-29.htm">Born</a> <a href="/1_john/3-8.htm">Child</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-19.htm">Commit</a> <a href="/1_john/3-8.htm">Commits</a> <a href="/1_john/2-28.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-23.htm">Germ</a> <a href="/1_john/3-2.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_john/3-8.htm">Guilty</a> <a href="/1_john/3-8.htm">Habitually</a> <a href="/1_john/2-25.htm">Life</a> <a href="/1_john/2-16.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/1_john/3-8.htm">Practices</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-23.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/1_john/3-8.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/1_john/3-8.htm">Sinner</a> <a href="/1_john/3-8.htm">Sinning</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_john/3-14.htm">Abides</a> <a href="/1_john/3-14.htm">Abideth</a> <a href="/1_john/5-4.htm">Able</a> <a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">Begotten</a> <a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">Born</a> <a href="/1_john/3-10.htm">Child</a> <a href="/1_john/5-16.htm">Commit</a> <a href="/leviticus/4-2.htm">Commits</a> <a href="/1_john/5-13.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-23.htm">Germ</a> <a href="/1_john/3-10.htm">God's</a> <a href="/jude/1-7.htm">Guilty</a> <a href="/3_john/1-11.htm">Habitually</a> <a href="/1_john/3-14.htm">Life</a> <a href="/2_john/1-7.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/revelation/2-6.htm">Practices</a> <a href="/revelation/12-17.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/1_john/5-16.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/genesis/18-25.htm">Sinner</a> <a href="/1_john/5-16.htm">Sinning</a><div class="vheading2">1 John 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/3-1.htm">He declares the singular love of God toward us, in making us his sons;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/3-3.htm">who therefore ought obediently to keep his commandments;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/3-11.htm">as also to love one another as brothers.</a></span><br></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><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/3.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/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Anyone born of God refuses to practice sin</b><br>This 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 <a href="/romans/6.htm">Romans 6:1-2</a>, where believers are called to live in newness of life, having died to sin.<p><b>because God’s seed abides in him</b><br>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 in <a href="/1_peter/1-23.htm">1 Peter 1:23</a>, 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.<p><b>he cannot go on sinning</b><br>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 1 <a href="/john/1-8.htm">John 1:8-10</a>, 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 in <a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16-17</a>, where the Spirit and the flesh are in opposition.<p><b>because he has been born of God</b><br>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 in <a href="/john/1-12.htm">John 1:12-13</a>. 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 in <a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a>. The assurance of this new birth is the basis for the believer's confidence in living a life that pleases God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/john_the_apostle.htm">John the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of 1 John, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Jesus and his emphasis on love and truth.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a></b><br>The audience of John's letter, consisting of early Christians facing challenges such as false teachings and moral dilemmas.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The divine being whose seed abides in believers, enabling them to live righteously.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/believers.htm">Believers (Born of God)</a></b><br>Individuals who have accepted Christ and are transformed by God's presence within them.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/sin.htm">Sin</a></b><br>The moral failing or transgression against God's law, which believers are called to reject.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_seed.htm">Understanding God's Seed</a></b><br>The term "seed" (Greek: sperma) signifies the divine nature and life imparted to believers, enabling them to live righteously.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_new_birth.htm">The New Birth</a></b><br>Being "born of God" is a spiritual rebirth that fundamentally changes a person's nature and relationship with sin.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_incompatibility_of_sin.htm">The Incompatibility of Sin</a></b><br>A true believer, transformed by God's presence, cannot continue in habitual sin because it contradicts their new identity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_in_victory.htm">Living in Victory</a></b><br>Believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome sin and live in accordance with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/assurance_of_salvation.htm">Assurance of Salvation</a></b><br>The evidence of a transformed life provides assurance of one's salvation and relationship with God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_john_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 John 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_1_john_3_9_say_christians_never_sin.htm">Does 1 John 3:9 imply Christians never sin?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_believers_sin_if_born_of_god.htm">If 1 John 3:9 implies that being born of God prevents sin, why do believers still commit wrongdoing? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_christians_sin_if_they_abide_in_christ.htm">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? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'gathered_to_his_people'_mean.htm">Is sin a barrier between us and God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_john/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 9-12.</span> - Sin is absolutely incompatible with being born of God, as is shown by the presence or absence of brotherly love. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - 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 <span class="cmt_word">every one that is begotten of God doeth no sin,</span> 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 <span class="greek">οὐ δύναται ἁμαρτεῖν</span>. 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 <span class="greek">οὐ δύναται ἁμαρτεῖν</span>," cannot commit a sin," but <span class="greek">οὐ δύναται ἁμαρτάνειν</span>, "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 <span class="greek">σπέρμα αὐτοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ μένει</span> is uncertain: either <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> "His seed abideth in Him," <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, those who are born of God abide in God; or <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> "his seed abideth in him," <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, the new principle which he has received continues to operate in the man; or <p><span class="note_emph">(3)</span> "His seed abideth in him," <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, God's quickening Gift continues to operate in the man. (For <span class="greek">σπέρμα αὐτοῦ</span>, in the sense of "those born of God," comp. <a href="/isaiah/53-10.htm">Isaiah 53:10</a>.) But this is the least probable of the three interpretations; in this sense St. John would probably have written <span class="greek">τέκνον</span>. Note the tense of the concluding verb, <span class="greek">γεγέννηται</span>, not <span class="greek">ἐγεννήθη</span>: his birth from God is a fact which <span class="accented">still continues</span>, not one that is past and gone. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_john/3-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Anyone</span><br /><span class="grk">Πᾶς</span> <span class="translit">(Pas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">born</span><br /><span class="grk">γεγεννημένος</span> <span class="translit">(gegennēmenos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1080.htm">Strong's 1080: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκ</span> <span class="translit">(ek)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> </span><span class="str2">From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(Theou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">refuses to practice</span><br /><span class="grk">ποιεῖ</span> <span class="translit">(poiei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sin,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἁμαρτίαν</span> <span class="translit">(hamartian)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_266.htm">Strong's 266: </a> </span><span class="str2">From hamartano; a sin.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[God’s]</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(autou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">seed</span><br /><span class="grk">σπέρμα</span> <span class="translit">(sperma)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4690.htm">Strong's 4690: </a> </span><span class="str2">From speiro; something sown, i.e. Seed; by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">abides</span><br /><span class="grk">μένει</span> <span class="translit">(menei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3306.htm">Strong's 3306: </a> </span><span class="str2">To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. A primary verb; to stay.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him;</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτῷ</span> <span class="translit">(autō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he cannot</span><br /><span class="grk">δύναται</span> <span class="translit">(dynatai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">go on sinning,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἁμαρτάνειν</span> <span class="translit">(hamartanein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_264.htm">Strong's 264: </a> </span><span class="str2">Perhaps from a and the base of meros; properly, to miss the mark, i.e. to err, especially to sin.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he has been born</span><br /><span class="grk">γεγέννηται</span> <span class="translit">(gegennētai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1080.htm">Strong's 1080: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκ</span> <span class="translit">(ek)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> </span><span class="str2">From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God.</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(Theou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_john/3-9.htm">1 John 3:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_john/3-9.htm">1 John 3:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_john/3-9.htm">1 John 3:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_john/3-9.htm">1 John 3:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_john/3-9.htm">1 John 3:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_john/3-9.htm">1 John 3:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_john/3-9.htm">1 John 3:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_john/3-9.htm">1 John 3:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_john/3-9.htm">1 John 3:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_john/3-9.htm">1 John 3:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_john/3-9.htm">NT Letters: 1 John 3:9 Whoever is born of God doesn't commit (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_john/3-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 John 3:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 John 3:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_john/3-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 John 3:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 John 3:10" /></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>