Devine Scripture

1 John 1:10

What does 1 John 1:10 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 John 1:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 John 1:10 means

John presses the point further: saying we have not sinned contradicts God Himself. Such denial implies that God’s assessment of humanity is false and shows that His word does not dwell in us. This is more than a personal mistake; it is a tragic indictment of the heart that refuses the light. The gospel begins with truth about God and truth about ourselves. Only those who accept God’s verdict on their sin are ready to receive His verdict of forgiveness through Jesus. To end the chapter here heightens the urgency: honesty before God is nonnegotiable for those who would walk in the light.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

If we say that we have no sin, we make him false and his word is not in us.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

if we may say--`we have not sinned,' a liar we make Him, and His word is not in us.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar: and his word is not in us.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Context

This final warning completes the trilogy of tests (verses 6, 8, 10) that expose false claims. It answers any lingering attempt to minimize sin by showing the theological cost—impugning God’s truthfulness and revealing a heart untouched by His word. The stage is now set for the next section, where John will affirm the aim that believers not sin and will present Christ’s advocacy and atoning work as the provision when they do. The chapter closes with a call to humility and candor before God.

v.9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

v.10This passage

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 John 5:10

    He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in him: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he hath not believed in the witness that God hath borne concerning his Son.

  • Job 24:25

    And if it be not so now, who will prove me a liar, And make my speech nothing worth?

  • Psalms 130:3

    If thou, Jehovah, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?

  • 2 John 1:2

    for the truth’s sake which abideth in us, and it shall be with us for ever:

  • 1 John 2:4

    He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;

  • Colossians 3:16

    Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God.

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