1 John 3:8
What does 1 John 3:8 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 John 3:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 John 3:8 means
A life characterized by sin aligns a person with the devil, who has been sinning “from the beginning.” John goes to the root: persistent sin is not morally neutral; it participates in the devil’s rebellion. In striking contrast, “the Son of God” appeared precisely to undo this—to “destroy the works of the devil.” Christ’s mission liberates from the tyranny of sin, breaks deceit, and overturns the devil’s claims. Believers cannot serve both masters. The verse invites sober self-examination and firm hope: the same Lord who exposed the devil’s works at His appearing continues to free His people from sin’s bondage.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000he that doeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. To this end was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901he that doeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. To this end was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The sinner is a child of the Evil One; for the Evil One has been a sinner from the first. And the Son of God was seen on earth so that he might put an end to the works of the Evil One.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862he who is doing the sin, of the devil he is, because from the beginning the devil doth sin; for this was the Son of God manifested, that he may break up the works of the devil;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He that committeth sin is of the devil: for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God appeared, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He that practises sin is of the devil; for from [the] beginning the devil sins. To this end the Son ofGod has been manifested, that he might undo the works of the devil.
Context
The contrast intensifies. After urging righteousness (verse 7), John assigns ongoing sin to the devil’s sphere and declares Christ’s counter-mission. This lays groundwork for verse 9’s language about new birth and the implanted “seed” that prevents sin’s dominion. The structure is familial and conflictual: two fathers, two works, two lifestyles. The point is not to frighten tender consciences but to unmask false security and to magnify Christ’s liberating purpose. The next verse explains why those begotten of God cannot continue in sin’s pattern—they carry God’s life within them.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 3:15
and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
- Hebrews 2:14
Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death he might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
- Revelation 20:2
And he laid hold on the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years,
- 1 John 3:5
And ye know that he was manifested to take away sins; and in him is no sin.
- 2 Peter 2:4
For if God spared not angels when they sinned, but cast them down to hell, and committed them to pits of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
- Ephesians 2:2
wherein ye once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the powers of the air, of the spirit that now worketh in the sons of disobedience;
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 John 3
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 John 3.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Adoption as Sons
God’s plan for us includes adoption into his family, bringing us from spiritual orphanhood to beloved children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Glorification
Glorification is the final stage of salvation, where believers receive perfect, incorruptible bodies and are made completely like Christ.
Topic
Bible Verses About God as Father
Understanding God as our Heavenly Father reveals His loving, protective, and provisionary nature toward His children.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Unworthy of Love
When you don't think you deserve love — what scripture says you actually are.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Unloved
When you can't feel anyone's love — verses for a love that doesn't depend on feeling.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Relapse and the Shame That Follows
Verses to read the morning after — when you fell again and don't know how to pray.