1 John 3:10 kjv

In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

1 John 3:10 nkjv

In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.

1 John 3:10 niv

This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God's child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.

1 John 3:10 esv

By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.

1 John 3:10 nlt

So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God.

1 John 3 verses

1 John 3 10 Meaning

This verse declares the clear and unmistakable distinction between those who are truly children of God and those who belong to the devil. This distinction is made evident not by mere profession, but by consistent, observable behavior: whoever does not habitually practice righteousness and whoever does not love his fellow believer shows they are not spiritually connected to God.

1 John 3 10 Context

1 John 3 focuses on the characteristics and behavior of "children of God." Having established that genuine belief leads to a life free from sin (1 Jn 3:6-9), this verse serves as a crucial summary and explicit criterion. It contrasts the nature and actions of God's children with those of the devil, who practices sin. Historically, John was likely countering early Gnostic influences that minimized the importance of moral conduct, asserting that spiritual enlightenment was separate from ethical living. The verse underscores that true spiritual parentage manifests in tangible, consistent ethical and relational practices within the community of believers, dispelling any notion that one can claim to be "of God" while habitually living in sin or devoid of love for others.

1 John 3 10 Word analysis

• By this (ἐν τούτῳ – en toutō): "In this" or "by this." This demonstrative phrase points forward to the evidence that is about to be presented—the observable criteria by which true spiritual identity is determined. It emphasizes that the proof is tangible.
• it is evident (φανερά – phanera): Clear, manifest, obvious, plain to see. It signifies that the distinction is not hidden or subjective but demonstrably observable through one's life.
• who are the children of God (τέκνα θεοῦ – tekna theou): Literally "children of God." Tekna refers to offspring, emphasizing a shared nature and lineage. Being "children of God" implies being "born of God" (1 Jn 2:29, 3:9), sharing His character.
• and who are the children of the devil (τέκνα τοῦ διαβόλου – tekna tou diabolou): Literally "children of the devil." This is the stark antithesis to "children of God." Those belonging to the devil likewise bear his characteristics and nature, manifested in a lifestyle of sin and hatred. This strong Johannine dualism leaves no neutral ground.
• whoever does not practice righteousness (πᾶς ὁ μὴ ποιῶν δικαιοσύνην – pas ho mē poiōn dikaiosynēn):
  • whoever (πᾶς ὁ – pas ho): Everyone, every single one. No exceptions.
  • does not practice (μὴ ποιῶν – mē poiōn): The negative particle mē (instead of ou) indicates a subjective denial or choice. Poiōn is the present active participle of poieō, meaning "to do, to make, to perform, to practice." The present tense denotes a continuous, habitual action or lifestyle, not a singular stumble or momentary lapse. It's the characteristic pattern of one's life.
  • righteousness (δικαιοσύνην – dikaiosynēn): Moral uprightness, justice, conformity to God's revealed will and standard of what is right and just.
• is not of God (οὐκ ἔστιν ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ – ouk estin ek tou theou): "Is not from God" or "does not originate from God." The negation ouk (objective, factual denial) asserts a definitive absence of divine origin or relationship.
• nor is the one who does not love his brother (καὶ ὁ μὴ ἀγαπῶν τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ – kai ho mē agapōn ton adelphon autou):
  • nor is (καὶ ὁ μὴ – kai ho mē): And the one who does not. Introduces the second critical test.
  • love (ἀγαπῶν – agapōn): Present active participle of agapaō, referring to agape love—self-sacrificial, benevolent love originating from God. Like poiōn, the present tense emphasizes a continuous, characteristic attitude and action.
  • his brother (τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ – ton adelphon autou): Refers specifically to fellow believers within the Christian community (as elsewhere in 1 John), not humanity in general.
• Words-group analysis:
  • Children of God / Children of the Devil: This binary distinction highlights spiritual lineage and nature. It is a dualistic framework showing two fundamental spiritual allegiances, each with defining characteristics. One's ultimate spiritual paternity is revealed by ongoing life.
  • Does not practice righteousness / Does not love his brother: These are presented as the two critical, objective, and visible proofs of one's spiritual allegiance. They are inseparable. A lack of habitual righteous conduct and a lack of consistent, active love for fellow believers signify a spiritual disconnect from God and association with the devil's nature. This implies a lifestyle, not just isolated acts.

1 John 3 10 Bonus section

The context of 1 John 3:10 also implicitly functions as a warning against antinomianism—the belief that once saved, one is no longer bound by moral law. John emphatically refutes this, insisting that new birth (being born of God) changes one's nature and thus, one's behavior. The shift is from habitually sinning to habitually doing righteousness, with love as its ultimate expression. The lack of these "practices" suggests not a momentary lapse, but a defining characteristic of one's life. It is crucial to understand that John is speaking about a lifestyle and character, not absolute perfection, which no one attains in this life (1 Jn 1:8). The direction and desire of the heart, made visible through consistent actions, are the true indicators of spiritual parentage. This verse also serves as a guide for self-examination, calling believers to assess their lives by these divine standards.

1 John 3 10 Commentary

1 John 3:10 provides clear and uncompromising criteria for discerning spiritual identity. It asserts that true connection to God, characterized by being His child through new birth, is inherently and observably expressed in two vital ways: the habitual practice of righteousness and the consistent demonstration of brotherly love. Conversely, a life habitually marked by unrighteousness (disregard for God's standards) and a lack of self-sacrificial love for fellow believers indicate that one does not belong to God, but rather aligns with the spiritual lineage of the devil.

This verse challenges mere verbal profession of faith by demanding tangible evidence in ethical conduct and relational attitudes. It’s not about earning salvation through good deeds, but about good deeds—a righteous life and brotherly love—serving as the undeniable evidence that one is truly regenerated and walking with God. This divine standard leaves no room for claims of spiritual standing that are unaccompanied by practical obedience and Christ-like affection towards others. It is a sharp corrective to any doctrine that separates faith from its moral and relational fruit, reinforcing that genuine belief inevitably transforms one's life.

• Example: Someone who professes Christianity but consistently engages in dishonest business practices shows little 'practice of righteousness'.
• Example: Someone who claims to be a believer but is perpetually critical, dismissive, or actively harmful towards other Christians lacks the 'love for his brother'.