Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

1 JOHN 3:15KJV
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1 John 3:15 (KJV)

What does 1 John 3:15 mean?

1 John 3:15 says that anyone who hates another believer is considered a murderer, and no murderer has eternal life living in them. The verse draws a strong connection between harboring hatred and the seriousness of murder, warning that such a heart is not compatible with eternal life.

The apostle John is writing to early Christian communities, urging them to love one another and avoid hatred. In this context, John uses strong language to show that hatred is not a minor issue but is deeply serious in God’s eyes, as it reflects a heart far from the life God gives.

The Greek behind 1 John 3:15

  • μισῶν (misōn, "hateth"): This Greek word means more than just a passing dislike; it points to a deep, ongoing hostility. John is highlighting that persistent hatred is what he is warning against.
  • ἀνθρωποκτόνος (anthrōpoktonos, "murderer"): This word literally means "man-killer." John uses it to show that hatred, in God’s eyes, is as serious as physically taking a life.
  • μένουσαν (menousan, "abiding"): The Greek word here means to remain or dwell. John is saying that eternal life does not simply visit someone who hates; it does not make its home in them.

Why 1 John 3:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that, in John’s teaching, inner attitudes like hatred are as spiritually serious as outward actions like murder.
  • It emphasizes that eternal life is not just a future hope but a present reality that shapes how believers treat one another.
  • The verse connects to the larger message of 1 John, which urges believers to live out genuine love as proof of their relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“murderer” Greek G443 · used in 2 verses

  • John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

“hateth” Greek G3404 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
  • Luke 19:14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.
  • Romans 9:13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.

“eternal” Greek G166 · used in 69 verses

  • Matthew 18:8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
  • John 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
  • 1 Timothy 6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

“abiding” Greek G3306 · used in 105 verses

  • Matthew 10:11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
  • John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.