1 John 3:9 akjv — Whoever is born of God does not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

American King James Version

"Whoever is born of God does not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. "

— 1 John 3:9, American King James Version

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1 John 3:9 in Other Translations

7 versions All translations

1 John 3 — Context

6

Whoever stays in him sins not: whoever sins has not seen him, neither known him.

7

Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

8

He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

9

Whoever is born of God does not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

10

In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whoever does not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loves not his brother.

11

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

12

Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And why slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.

1 John 3:9 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 John 3:9 say?
1 John 3:9 in the American King James Version reads: “Whoever is born of God does not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. ”
Where is 1 John 3:9 in the Bible?
1 John 3:9 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 John, chapter 3, verse 9.
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 3:9.
What translation should I read 1 John 3:9 in?
1 John 3:9 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 3:9?
1 John 3:9 reads (AKJV): “Whoever is born of God does not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. ” 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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