1 John 3:9 web — 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.

World English Bible

"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."

— 1 John 3:9, World English Bible

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1 John 3:9 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

1 John 3 — Context

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;

12

unlike Cain, who was of the evil one, and killed his brother. Why did he kill him? Because his 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 World English Bible reads: “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.”
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 (WEB): “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.” 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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