3

There is debate on this verse do to the KJV making it sound like a Christian here, someone born of God never sins. But we know this can’t be true because in 1 John 2:1 it says “if any man sin” we have Jesus as an advocate. A Christian can sin the KJV makes this clear keeping the entire 1 John book in context. The Corinthian church was called carnal, an example of this. Therefore, if one is sinning it doesn’t mean they aren’t saved. God will eventually lovingly chastise you to partake of His holiness if one doesn’t repent (Hebrews 12). Some say John is speaking of the dual nature in a believer (flesh and Spirit) but contextually as we just noted and looking at the Greek tenses this does not seem to be the case.

The KJV rendering of 1 John 3:9 is not incorrect, but it is incomplete in that it fails to convey the ongoing nature of the verb “doth.” In the underlying Greek, the verb ποιεῖ (poiei) is in the present active indicative, third person singular. In Koine Greek, this tense-form typically signifies continuous, habitual, or characteristic action, especially when unqualified by specific time markers. Thus, it does not refer to a one-time or isolated act of sin, but rather to a pattern or lifestyle of sinning. The negative particle οὐ (“not”) simply negates the action but does not alter the aspect of the verb. Therefore, the phrase οὐ ποιεῖ should be understood as “he/she/it does not continually (or habitually) do” in this case, referring to sin. To break it down:

1. “doth”, Strong’s G4160: ποιεῖ (poiei):

Root: ποιέω (poieō), meaning “to do, make.”

Form: Present Active Indicative, 3rd Person Singular.

Tense and Aspect: As previously noted, the present tense in the indicative mood typically denotes an ongoing, continuous, or habitual action in Greek. For ποιεῖ, this suggests “he/she/it is doing” or “he/she/it does (regularly).” In the indicative mood, the present tense in Koine Greek typically denotes continuous, repeated, or habitual action especially when unqualified by time indicators.”

1. “not”, Strong’s G3756: ὐ (ou):

Function: A negative particle meaning “not.”

Role: It negates the verb ποιεῖ, so the action described by ποιεῖ is denied (e.g., “does not do”). It doesn’t affect the tense or aspect, so the ongoing/habitual nature of ποιεῖ remains.

1. “commit sin”, Strong’s G266: ἁμαρτίαν (hamartian):

Root: ἁμαρτία (hamartia), meaning “sin” or “sinful act.”

Form: Noun, Accusative Singular Feminine.

Role: This is the direct object of the verb ποιεῖ. In Greek, the phrase ποιέω ἁμαρτίαν is an idiom meaning “to commit sin” or “to sin.” The accusative case indicates that ἁμαρτίαν is the object of the action described by ποιε

Aspectual Contribution: As a noun, ἁμαρτίαν doesn’t carry tense or aspect itself. However, its meaning (“sin”) combined with the present tense of ποιεῖ shapes the overall sense. The phrase ποιεῖ ἁμαρτίαν, when negated by οὐ, would mean “he/she/it does not commit sin” or “he/she/it is not sinning.”

In conclusion, the phrase οὐ ποιεῖ ἁμαρτίαν translates to “he/she/it does not commit sin” or “he/she/it is not sinning.”

The present tense of ποιεῖ indicates an ongoing or habitual action. In this context, it suggests that the subject is not characterized by habitually or continuously committing sin. This could imply a general state of not sinning (habitual) or an ongoing condition of not being in the act of sinning, depending on the context.

Greek present tense verbs, especially with verbs like ποιέω in idiomatic expressions, often carry a gnomic (general truth) or habitual sense when used with abstract nouns like ἁμαρτία. Thus, οὐ ποιεῖ ἁμαρτίαν likely describes a habitual or characteristic state rather than a single, isolated event. The KJV literal rendering is accurate in wording, but not in aspect, and this is crucial in Greek.

NKJV and other translations change this “doeth not” to practice but the Greek word used here is still Strong’s g4160 poieō meaning to do and not Strong’s g4238 pras'-so which actually means practice

If we “believe” the gospel, we are obeying God. Notice “his commandment” is singular here after verse 22 just used the pural case. This is similar to when Jesus was asked about works of God to be done and He responds in the singular telling to just believe on Him (John 6:28-29). There is only one thing to do to be saved, believe upon the Lord Jesus. When someone does this they are doing His commandment. Those that don’t believe are called disobedient.

1. 1 Peter 2:7 says “Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,”

Once you do the commandment, believing upon Jesus then you will naturally love one another, fulfilling the second half of the verse.

1. The Spirit will overflow for believers

   John 7:38-39 ”He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water... this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive”

2. God’s love will come out through the overflow of the Spirit

   Romans 5:5 ”because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost”

3. Fruit is guaranteed for one that believes

   John 15:5 ”He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit” Abiding is the same as believing (1 John 4:15) and it is forever (2 John 2).

4. Love is of the Spirit, therefore it will come out

   Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love..."