What does 1 John 3:4 mean?

Explanation

1 John 3:4 focuses on the concept of sin in relation to law.

The apostle John lays out a straightforward equation: sin equals lawlessness.

This phrase suggests that sin should not solely be understood as individual acts of wrongdoing but rather any act that deviates from the law of God.

The "law" in question for John's audience refers mostly to the moral law as established throughout the Scriptures.

This verse carries a dual meaning: a literal one where sin is simply not following the law, and a deeper one which suggests that sin is fundamentally a breach of the relationship between God and humans.

Historical Context

The First Epistle of John is generally thought to have been written between 90 and 110 AD.

The recipient audience are believed to be Christians who were facing false teachings and heresies, specifically Gnosticism.

Gnostics believed in a radical dualism separating the material from the spiritual and often regarded their spiritual purity as untouched by their physical actions.

The apostle John is addressing a community confused about what sin is and how it affects their relationship with God and each other.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse has been understood in various ways.

Some Christian traditions interpret this passage as emphasizing the holiness and righteousness of God, whose law reflects His character, thus, breaking this law is a direct offense against Him.

Other scholars suggest that this verse highlights the necessity of grace, because if sin is equated to lawbreaking, then humanity is in constant need of forgiveness and reconciliation with God, since no one can perfectly keep the law.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, 1 John 3:4 can challenge individuals to examine their own lives for places where they might be disregarding God's law, whether through actions, thoughts, or omissions.

It calls for a deeper self-reflection on one's relationship with God and others, and encourages one to strive for a life of obedience and righteousness out of love for God and His commandments.

Cross-References

• Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
• Romans 4:15: "Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression."
• Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
• James 2:10: "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."

Language Study

The key term in the original Greek text of 1 John 3:4 is "anomia," often translated as "lawlessness" or "iniquity." The term "anomia" is a compound of "a" (without) and "nomos" (law), literally meaning without law or negating the law.

It indicates not only the act of breaking the law but also the condition of being without the guidance or restraint that the law provides.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other religious traditions, such as Judaism, the concept of law (Torah) is central, and sin could be seen as deviation from the Torah.

In some ancient myths, the god's laws order the cosmos, and transgressing these laws might lead to chaos.

In Hinduism, the concept of "Dharma" is somewhat analogous to law, and not performing one's dharma might be seen akin to sin.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no direct scientific perspective on the concept of sin as it pertains to divine law since this concept is inherently theological and spiritual.

However, psychology explores the impact of moral transgressions on human behavior, which may have parallels to the feelings of guilt or separation that might be experienced when one feels they have "sinned."

Commentaries

Commentaries on 1 John 3:4 often delve into the nature of sin and its consequences.

Matthew Henry's Commentary, for instance, suggests that sin is a "contrariety and opposition to the law of God." The Pulpit Commentary emphasizes the manifestation of sin as "lawlessness," indicating an attitude of rebellion against God's order.

Contemporary scholars like David L.

Allen interpret this passage in the context of assurance of salvation, insisting that a true understanding of sin against God's law leads to a life transformation evidenced by righteous living.