Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

1 JOHN 3:6KJV
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1 John 3:6 (KJV)

What does 1 John 3:6 mean?

1 John 3:6 says that anyone who remains in Jesus does not keep on sinning, and anyone who keeps on sinning has not truly seen or known Jesus. The verse draws a sharp line between living in close relationship with Jesus and living a life marked by ongoing sin.

The apostle John is writing to early Christians, warning them against false teachings and encouraging them to live in a way that matches their faith. In this verse, John is not saying that believers never make mistakes, but that a life continually shaped by sin shows a lack of real connection with Jesus. The focus is on the pattern of a person's life, not a single action.

The Greek behind 1 John 3:6

  • "Abideth" (μένω, menō) means to remain, stay, or live in. In this verse, it points to an ongoing, close relationship with Jesus, not just a one-time decision.
  • "Sinneth" (ἁμαρτάνω, hamartanō) is in a form that often refers to continuous or habitual action. John is describing a lifestyle of sin, not a single act.
  • "Seen" (ὁράω, horaō) and "known" (γινώσκω, ginōskō) both refer to deep, personal experience. John is saying that someone whose life is marked by ongoing sin has not truly experienced or come to know Jesus in a real way.

Why 1 John 3:6 matters

  • This verse helps clear up the misunderstanding that Christians are expected to be perfect; instead, it highlights the difference between occasional failure and a lifestyle of sin.
  • John’s emphasis on "abiding" shows that knowing Jesus is not just about belief, but about an ongoing relationship that changes how a person lives.
  • The verse fits into a larger section where John is urging believers to recognize true faith by the fruit it produces, helping them discern genuine teaching and authentic Christian living.

Where else these words appear

“sinneth” Greek G264 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
  • Romans 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
  • 1 Timothy 5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

“hath” Greek G3708 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • John 4:45 Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.
  • Acts 22:26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.

“abideth” 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.

“neither” Greek G3761 · used in 125 verses

  • Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
  • Luke 11:33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.
  • Romans 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.