1 John 5:16 (KJV)

What does 1 John 5:16 mean?

1 John 5:16 teaches that if someone sees a fellow believer committing a sin that does not lead to death, they should pray for that person, and God will give life to those who have not sinned in a way that leads to death. The verse also points out that there is a kind of sin described as "unto death," and John does not say that people should pray about that situation.

John, writing to a community of believers, is addressing how Christians should respond when they see another believer sinning. The verse distinguishes between sins that are "not unto death" and a "sin unto death," without specifying exactly what the latter is. The main idea is that prayer can bring restoration for many sins, but there are some situations where John does not encourage prayer in the same way.

The Greek behind 1 John 5:16

• ἁμαρτία (hamartia, G266): This word means "sin" and is used here to distinguish between different kinds of wrongdoing. The repetition emphasizes the seriousness of the matter and the distinction John is making.
• πρὸς θάνατον (pros thanaton, G4314 + G2288): This phrase means "unto death" or "leading to death." The Greek construction suggests a sin with a result or consequence of death, which has led to much discussion about what kind of sin John means.
• ἐρωτάω (erōtaō, G2065): Translated as "pray" or "ask," this word often carries the sense of making a request, sometimes with a sense of urgency or personal concern. John uses it to encourage believers to intercede for others, but with a clear limit in certain cases.

Why 1 John 5:16 matters

• 1 John 5:16 clarifies that not all sin is treated the same way in the Christian community, highlighting the seriousness of some actions and the role of prayer in restoration.
• The verse draws attention to the responsibility believers have for one another, especially in praying for those who have stumbled, but also sets boundaries for when prayer is encouraged.
• This verse connects to the larger theme in 1 John of life, death, and fellowship with God, showing that spiritual life and death are real concerns for the community.