FocusHope, purification, and righteousness
Connection to the wholeThe hope of seeing Him is joined to purification and a contrast between righteous conduct and sin, testing what claimed sonship means.
interpretation 1 John 3:2
KJVBeloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
Read it in context
Children of God
Start reading at 1 John 3:1 (1 John 3:1 to 1 John 3:10).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The hope of seeing Him is joined to purification and a contrast between righteous conduct and sin, testing what claimed sonship means.
- 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
- 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
- 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
- 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
- 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
- 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
- 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
- 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
- 3:9 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.
- 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author, associated with the eyewitness testimony and teaching also found in the Gospel of John. Biblical references: 1 John 1:1; 1 John 1:3. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Epistles of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 John 3:1–5:21): The same community receives instruction about love, righteous conduct, testing spirits, faith in Jesus Christ, and prayer. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Believers in the name of the Son of God, addressed as children and beloved, facing false teaching and a separation within their community. No city is named. Biblical references: 1 John 2:19; 1 John 4:1; 1 John 5:13. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Children of God. Read 1 John 3:1 through 1 John 3:10 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The hope of seeing Him is joined to purification and a contrast between righteous conduct and sin, testing what claimed sonship means. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The writing addresses current claims, departures, and conduct among its readers without supplying a calendar date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? No city of destination or composition is explicitly named. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Children of God (1 John 3:1 to 1 John 3:10). Start reading at 1 John 3:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The writing centers on Jesus Christ come in the flesh, His cleansing and advocacy, and abiding in Him. Love and obedience are presented as tests of claimed fellowship. See 1 John 1:7, 1 John 2:1, 1 John 2:3, 1 John 4:2. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Test claims of fellowship by truth, love, and obedience. Assurance should be read with the letter's calls to abide and its warnings about deception. interpretation
Cited: 1 John 3:1, 1 John 3:10, 1 John 1:7, 1 John 2:1, 1 John 2:3, 1 John 4:2
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe letter does not name its author, but claims eyewitness testimony of the Word of life.
1 John 1:1
Early traditionEarly testimony names John the apostle, and the style closely matches the Gospel of John.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- now are we the 1 John 3:1 1 John 5:1 Isa 56:5 Rom 8:14-15,18 Gal 3:26 Gal 4:6
- it Ps 31:19 Rom 8:18 1 Cor 2:9 1 Cor 13:12 2 Cor 4:17
- when Mal 3:2 Col 3:4 Heb 9:28
- what Ps 17:15 Rom 8:29 1 Cor 15:49 Phil 3:21 2 Pet 1:4
- for Job 19:26 Ps 16:11 Matt 5:8 John 17:24 1 Cor 13:12 2 Cor 3:18 2 Cor 5:6-8
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 John 3
This letter does not name its writer or a geographical destination. It addresses a believing community as children, fathers, young men, and beloved, testing claims of fellowship through truth about Jesus, obedience, and love.
1 John 1:3 1 John 2:1 1 John 2:12 1 John 5:13
Love shown in action
1 John 3:11–24FocusCain's contrast and Christ's example
Connection to the wholeThe appeal to love moves from the negative example of Cain to Christ's self-giving and practical provision for a brother's need.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 John
This letter does not name its writer or a geographical destination. It addresses a believing community as children, fathers, young men, and beloved, testing claims of fellowship through truth about Jesus, obedience, and love.
1 John 1:3 1 John 2:1 1 John 2:12 1 John 5:13
The witnessed life and fellowship
1 John 1:1–2:2FocusLight, confession, and the advocate
Connection to the wholeThe opening testimony leads to tests of walking in the light and to the provision for sin through Jesus Christ.
interpretation Knowing and abiding
1 John 2:3–29FocusObedience, love, and resisted deception
Connection to the wholeThe letter tests claims to know God, warns against the world and antichrists, and urges the readers to abide in what they heard.
interpretation FocusRighteousness, love, and tested spirits
Connection to the wholeThe community's identity is connected to conduct and love, while competing spiritual claims are tested by their confession concerning Jesus Christ.
interpretation Love, faith, and testimony
1 John 4:7–5:12FocusGod's love and life in His Son
Connection to the wholeThe argument connects God's initiating love with mutual love, obedient faith, and the testimony God has given concerning His Son.
interpretation Assurance and final instruction
1 John 5:13–21FocusPrayer, guarding, and the true God
Connection to the wholeThe closing purpose statement joins assurance with prayer and watchfulness, ending with the warning to keep from idols.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.