1 John 3:7
What does 1 John 3:7 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 John 3:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 John 3:7 means
John, with tender authority, warns his “little children” not to be misled. Righteousness is not a mere label; it is lived. The one who practices righteousness shows a true share in Christ’s righteousness—“even as he is righteous.” The standard is not shifting cultural norms but the character of Christ. This does not teach that we establish righteousness by our works; rather, our works reveal the reality of a righteous standing and new birth. The verse cuts through empty claims: a righteous life, however imperfect, is the necessary fruit of knowing the Righteous One, while a profession without practice exposes deception.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000My little children, let no man lead you astray: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901My little children, let no man lead you astray: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949My little children, let no man take you out of the true way: he who does righteousness is upright, even as he is upright;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Little children, let no one lead you astray; he who is doing the righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Little children, let no man deceive you. He that doth justice is just, even as he is just.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Children, let no man lead you astray; he that practises righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
Context
The warning responds to contemporary error and anticipates the sharper contrast in verse 8 with the devil’s works. Having said that abiding and sin are incompatible (verse 6), John now positively states the mark: doing righteousness. He reinforces the Christ-centered standard, preparing his readers for the two-line family contrast (children of God versus children of the devil) that culminates in verse 10. This verse stabilizes the community against flattering talkers who separate salvation from obedience, reminding them that the true knowledge of Christ always issues in tangible righteousness.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 5:9
(for the fruit of the light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth),
- Psalms 45:7
Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated wickedness: Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee With the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
- Matthew 5:20
For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.
- 1 John 2:26
These things have I written unto you concerning them that would lead you astray.
- 1 John 3:3
And every one that hath this hope set on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
- Ephesians 5:6
Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience.
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