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.

1 JOHN 3:9KJV
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1 John 3:9 (KJV)

What does 1 John 3:9 mean?

1 John 3:9 says that anyone who is born of God does not continue to practice sin, because God's seed remains in that person, and so they cannot keep on sinning since they are born of God. The verse emphasizes a real change in a person's life when they belong to God.

The apostle John is writing to early Christian believers, encouraging them to recognize the difference between living in God's family and living in habitual sin. The verse uses strong language to stress that being "born of God" leads to a new way of life, marked by God's presence ("his seed") within, which shapes a person's actions and desires.

The Greek behind 1 John 3:9

  • "Seed" (σπέρμα, sperma): This word refers to something planted or sown, and here it is often understood as God's life or nature given to believers. The image suggests something living and growing inside a person, causing lasting change.
  • "Cannot" (οὐ, ou + δύναται, dynatai): The Greek phrase combines a word for "not" with a word for "is able," making the statement very strong. It means that someone born of God is not able to keep on sinning as a settled way of life, because of God's ongoing influence.
  • "Sin" (ἁμαρτάνειν, hamartanein): The verb tense in Greek points to ongoing, habitual action, not a single act. This helps clarify that John is not saying a believer never sins at all, but that they do not live in continuous, unrepentant sin.

Why 1 John 3:9 matters

  • This verse helps clear up confusion about whether Christians can ever sin; it points to a pattern of life, not perfection or sinlessness.
  • The strong language about God's "seed" highlights the deep, inner change that comes with being born of God, not just outward behavior.
  • In the wider context of 1 John, this verse draws a sharp line between those who truly belong to God and those who do not, encouraging believers to examine their lives honestly.

Where else these words appear

“sin” 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.

“seed” Greek G4690 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
  • Luke 20:28 Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
  • Romans 9:8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

“born” Greek G1080 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
  • Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
  • Acts 7:20 In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:

“remaineth” 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.