1 John 1:9 kjv

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

1 John 1:9 nkjv

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9 niv

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9 esv

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

1 John 1:9 nlt

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

1 John 1 verses

1 John 1 9 Meaning

This verse states that if believers confess their sins, God, who is both faithful and just, will forgive them of those sins and cleanse them from all unrighteousness. It establishes the divine promise of restoration and purification for those who acknowledge their moral failings, highlighting God's character as the foundation for this gracious provision.

1 John 1 9 Context

First John is a letter written to a community of believers facing internal strife and external doctrinal challenges, likely from Gnostic or proto-Gnostic false teachers. These teachers denied the full humanity of Christ, minimized the reality of sin, and claimed a special knowledge (gnosis) that set them apart. John opens his letter by emphasizing the real, tangible experience of fellowship with the incarnate Christ (1 Jn 1:1-4). He then establishes that walking in fellowship with God, who is light, means walking in the light and acknowledging one's sin (1 Jn 1:5-7). Verse 9 directly follows the strong statements that to deny one has sin is to deceive oneself (1 Jn 1:8) and to make God a liar (1 Jn 1:10). Thus, 1 John 1:9 serves as the practical and redemptive response to the acknowledgment of sin, providing the solution for the believers who stumble and contrasting with the error of the false teachers who claimed sinlessness. It is a vital statement on continued forgiveness for believers.

1 John 1 9 Word analysis

• If we confess:
  • If: A conditional particle, ean (ἐάν) in Greek, meaning "if" or "whenever." It suggests a real possibility and prerequisite action by the believer. It is not hypothetical but invites response.
  • we confess: From homologeo (ὁμολογέω), meaning "to say the same thing as," "to agree with," "to admit," "to declare openly." This is more than merely acknowledging a fact; it is a full, open admission and agreement with God about the nature and reality of one's sin. It implies an internal agreement, repentance, and speaking out the sin before God. It's a personal and genuine admission, not just a formal utterance.
• our sins:
  • Refers to transgressions, failures to conform to God's standard, falling short (hamartia, ἁμαρτία). In 1 John, it often speaks of specific acts of disobedience or breaking God's commands (1 Jn 3:4), reinforcing the tangible reality of moral failing which the Gnostics denied. The plural "sins" suggests individual instances rather than merely a sinful nature.
• he is faithful:
  • he: Refers unequivocally to God, implied from the light in verse 5.
  • is faithful: Pistos (πιστός). This describes an intrinsic attribute of God's character. God is trustworthy, dependable, and true to His promises. His faithfulness is rooted in His very nature; He cannot deny Himself (2 Tim 2:13). It assures the believer that God will indeed do what He says He will do regarding forgiveness.
• and just:
  • and just: Dikaios (δίκαιος). This is also a core attribute of God, referring to His righteousness and integrity. God is not only faithful to His promises but also righteous and fair in His dealings. His justice requires sin to be dealt with, and it has been perfectly dealt with through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross (Rom 3:25-26). Therefore, when He forgives the repentant sinner, He does so righteously, in alignment with the full satisfaction of His justice provided by Christ, thus upholding His divine standard.
• to forgive us our sins:
  • to forgive: Aphiemi (ἀφίημι), meaning "to send away," "to let go," "to dismiss," "to pardon," "to release from a debt." This signifies a complete removal of the guilt, penalty, and consequence of sin. It's a legal act of cancellation.
  • our sins: Same as above, emphasizing that the confessed transgressions are those that God fully pardons.
• and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness:
  • to cleanse: Katharizo (καθαρίζω), meaning "to make clean," "to purify." This is more than just forgiveness; it's a purification. Forgiveness deals with the penalty and guilt of past sins, while cleansing speaks of purification from the defiling nature and ongoing power of sin and its effects, moving towards spiritual purity and a right standing with God. It indicates ongoing sanctification.
  • from all unrighteousness: Pasa adikias (πάσης ἀδικίας). Adikia means "injustice," "wrongdoing," "unrighteousness." This comprehensive phrase signifies not only the removal of specific acts of sin but also a purging from every kind of wrong action, attitude, or spiritual impurity. It addresses the totality of one's moral failure, bringing comprehensive restoration and holiness.

1 John 1 9 Bonus section

• The forgiveness spoken of in 1 John 1:9 primarily addresses fellowship forgiveness for believers, distinguishing it from salvation forgiveness (which occurs at conversion when one believes in Christ and is fully justified). Believers, having been fully reconciled to God, still need ongoing spiritual cleansing to maintain intimate fellowship with Him.
• The progression from "sins" to "all unrighteousness" shows the breadth of God's purification. "Sins" refer to specific acts, while "unrighteousness" encompasses the deeper condition or the sum total of all moral failings. God's work in cleansing is comprehensive, dealing with both the individual deeds and the collective state of defilement.
• The "justice" of God in forgiving sin is foundational. It's not a sentimental overlooking of wrong, but a righteous act based on the finished work of Christ. Because Jesus absorbed the just wrath for sin, God can now extend forgiveness to those who confess without compromising His own holy standard. This understanding strongly refutes any idea of cheap grace; it is grace paid for by immeasurable cost.
• This verse counters the self-righteousness that either denies sin or believes one can overcome sin purely by one's own efforts. It re-establishes God's active role as the forgiver and cleanser, contingent on the humility of confession.

1 John 1 9 Commentary

1 John 1:9 offers profound comfort and clarity regarding the believer's ongoing relationship with God despite the persistence of sin. John acknowledges that Christians still commit sins, refuting the false teaching that perfect sinlessness is attainable in this life (1 Jn 1:8, 10). The solution to this dilemma is confession. True confession involves genuine repentance, an aligning of one's perspective with God's about the nature of the sin, and a heartfelt admission. God's response is anchored in two immutable attributes: His faithfulness (He always keeps His word and promises mercy to the contrite) and His justice (He can righteously forgive because Christ has paid the full penalty for sin on the cross, thus satisfying His justice). Forgiveness means the sin is blotted out and its penalty removed. Cleansing refers to an inner purification, addressing not only the specific confessed sins but also the defiling nature of sin in general, leading to restoration of fellowship and ongoing sanctification. This verse does not suggest a license to sin but rather a gracious provision for spiritual renewal for those who walk in the light and confront their own failures honestly before God. It affirms that our ongoing communion with God is not severed by sin, but by our failure to confess and receive His mercy.