1 John 3:5 (KJV)

What does 1 John 3:5 mean?

1 John 3:5 says that Jesus appeared in order to take away our sins, and that there is no sin in him. The verse emphasizes both Jesus’s purpose—to remove sin—and his complete sinlessness.

The apostle John is writing to early Christians, reminding them of the core truth about Jesus’s mission and character. In the context of the letter, John is addressing confusion about sin and righteousness, making it clear that Jesus’s life and work are the answer to the problem of sin, and that he himself is completely without it.

The Greek behind 1 John 3:5

• The word "manifested" (ἐφανερώθη, phaneroō) means to be revealed or made visible. This highlights that Jesus’s coming was not hidden or secret, but openly shown for a purpose.
• The phrase "to take away" (ἄρῃ, airō) often means to lift up or remove. Here, it stresses that Jesus’s work is not just to cover up sin, but to actually remove it.
• The word for "sin" (ἁμαρτία, hamartia) is used twice, once for "our sins" and once for "no sin." The repetition underlines both the problem (human sin) and the solution (Jesus’s sinlessness).

Why 1 John 3:5 matters

• 1 John 3:5 clears up any idea that Jesus was just a good example or teacher by stating his unique role in dealing with sin.
• The verse stresses that Jesus is completely without sin, which is important for understanding why he could take away the sins of others.
• This statement connects to the wider passage, where John is encouraging believers to live in a way that reflects Jesus’s character and purpose.