1 John 3:8 web — He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. To this end the Son of God was revealed…

World English Bible

"He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. To this end the Son of God was revealed, that he might destroy the works of the devil."

— 1 John 3:8, World English Bible

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1 John 3:8 in Other Translations

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1 John 3 — Context

5

You know that he was revealed to take away our sins, and in him is no sin.

6

Whoever remains in him doesn't sin. Whoever sins hasn't seen him, neither knows him.

7

Little children, let no one lead you astray. He who does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

8

He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. To this end the Son of God was revealed, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

9

Whoever is born of God doesn't commit sin, because his seed remains in him; and he can't sin, because he is born of God.

10

In this the children of God are revealed, and the children of the devil. Whoever doesn't do righteousness is not of God, neither is he who doesn't love his brother.

11

For this is the message which you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another;

1 John 3:8 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 John 3:8 say?
1 John 3:8 in the World English Bible reads: “He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. To this end the Son of God was revealed, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”
Where is 1 John 3:8 in the Bible?
1 John 3:8 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 John, chapter 3, verse 8.
Who wrote 1 John?
1 John is traditionally attributed to John the Apostle. It was written c. AD 85–95.
What is the book of 1 John about?
John writes to help believers know they have eternal life. Three tests run through the letter: do you walk in the light, love one another, and confess that Jesus is the Christ come in the flesh? Where these are present, assurance follows.
What are the major themes of 1 John?
1 John explores themes including Assurance, Love, Light, Truth vs. Error, Eternal Life. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 John 3:8.
What translation should I read 1 John 3:8 in?
1 John 3:8 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 John 3:8?
1 John 3:8 reads (WEB): “He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. To this end the Son of God was revealed, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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