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Selected Verse: 1 John 3:5 - King James

Verse	Translation	Text
1Jo 3:5	King James	And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

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A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
Additional proof of the incompatibility of sin and sonship; the very object of Christ's manifestation in the flesh was to take away (by one act, and entirely, aorist) all sins, as the scapegoat did typically. and--another proof of the same. in him is no sin--not "was," but "is," as in Jo1 3:7, "He is righteous," and Jo1 3:3, "He is pure." Therefore we are to be so.

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]

Additional proof of the incompatibility of sin and sonship; the very object of Christ's manifestation in the flesh was to take away (by one act, and entirely, aorist) all sins, as the scapegoat did typically.

and--another proof of the same.

in him is no sin--not "was," but "is," as in Jo1 3:7, "He is righteous," and Jo1 3:3, "He is pure." Therefore we are to be so.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
And ye know that he was manifested - The Lord Jesus, the Son of God. "You know that he became incarnate, or appeared among people, for the very purpose of putting an end to sin," Mat 1:21. Compare the notes at Ti1 3:16. This is the "second" argument in this paragraph, Jo1 3:4-10, by which the apostle would deter us from sin. The argument is a clear one, and is perhaps the strongest that can be made to bear on the mind of a true Christian - that the Lord Jesus saw sin to be so great an evil, that he came into our world, and gave himself to the bitter sorrows of death on the cross, to redeem us from it. To take away our sins - The essential argument here is, that the whole work of Christ was designed to deliver us from the dominion of sin, not to furnish us the means of indulgence in it; and that, therefore, we should be deterred from it by all that Christ has done and suffered for us. He perverts the whole design of the coming of the Saviour who supposes that his work was in any degree designed to procure for his followers the indulgences of sin, or who so interprets the methods of his grace as to suppose that it is now lawful for him to indulge his guilty passions. The argument essentially is this: (1) That we profess to be the followers of Christ, and should carry out his ends and views in coming into the world; (2) that the great and leading purpose of his coming was to set us free from the bondage of transgression; (3) that in doing this he gave himself up to a life of poverty, and shame, and sorrow, and to a most bitter death on the cross; and, (4) that we should not indulge in that from which he came to deliver us, and which cost him so much toil and such a death. How could we indulge in that which has brought heavy calamity upon the head of a father, or which has pierced a sister's heart with many sorrows? Still more, how can we be so ungrateful and hardhearted as to indulge in that which crushed our Redeemer in death? And in him is no sin - An additional consideration to show that we should be holy. As he was perfectly pure and spotless, so should all his followers aim to be; and none can truly pretend to be his who do not desire and design to become like him. On the personal holiness of the Lord Jesus, see the Heb 7:26 note, and Pe1 2:23 note.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]

And ye know that he was manifested - The Lord Jesus, the Son of God. "You know that he became incarnate, or appeared among people, for the very purpose of putting an end to sin," Mat 1:21. Compare the notes at Ti1 3:16. This is the "second" argument in this paragraph, Jo1 3:4-10, by which the apostle would deter us from sin. The argument is a clear one, and is perhaps the strongest that can be made to bear on the mind of a true Christian - that the Lord Jesus saw sin to be so great an evil, that he came into our world, and gave himself to the bitter sorrows of death on the cross, to redeem us from it.

To take away our sins - The essential argument here is, that the whole work of Christ was designed to deliver us from the dominion of sin, not to furnish us the means of indulgence in it; and that, therefore, we should be deterred from it by all that Christ has done and suffered for us. He perverts the whole design of the coming of the Saviour who supposes that his work was in any degree designed to procure for his followers the indulgences of sin, or who so interprets the methods of his grace as to suppose that it is now lawful for him to indulge his guilty passions. The argument essentially is this:

(1) That we profess to be the followers of Christ, and should carry out his ends and views in coming into the world;

(2) that the great and leading purpose of his coming was to set us free from the bondage of transgression;

(3) that in doing this he gave himself up to a life of poverty, and shame, and sorrow, and to a most bitter death on the cross; and,

(4) that we should not indulge in that from which he came to deliver us, and which cost him so much toil and such a death. How could we indulge in that which has brought heavy calamity upon the head of a father, or which has pierced a sister's heart with many sorrows? Still more, how can we be so ungrateful and hardhearted as to indulge in that which crushed our Redeemer in death?

And in him is no sin - An additional consideration to show that we should be holy. As he was perfectly pure and spotless, so should all his followers aim to be; and none can truly pretend to be his who do not desire and design to become like him. On the personal holiness of the Lord Jesus, see the Heb 7:26 note, and Pe1 2:23 note.

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]
Ye know John's characteristic appeal to Christian knowledge. Compare Jo1 2:20, Jo1 2:21; Jo1 4:2, Jo1 4:14, Jo1 4:16; Jo1 5:15, Jo1 5:18; Jo3 1:12. He (ἐκεῖνος) Christ, as always in this Epistle. See on Joh 1:18. Was manifested See on Joh 21:1. Including Christ's whole life on earth and its consequences. The idea of manifestation here assumes the fact of a previous being. John various terms to describe the incarnation. He conceives it with reference to the Father, as a sending, a mission. Hence ὁ πέμψας με He that sent me (Joh 4:34; Joh 6:38; Joh 9:4; Joh 12:44, etc.): ὁ πέμψας με πατήρ the Father that sent me (Joh 5:37; Joh 8:18; Joh 12:49, etc.): with the verb ἀποστέλλω to send as an envoy, with a commission; God sent (ἀπέστειλεν) His Son (Joh 3:17; Joh 10:36; Jo1 4:10; compare Joh 6:57; Joh 7:29; Joh 17:18). With reference to the Son, as a coming, regarded as a historic fact and as an abiding fact. As a historic event, He came (ἧλθεν, Joh 1:11); this is He that came (ὁ ἐλθὼν, Jo1 5:6). Came forth (ἐξῆλθον; Joh 8:42; Joh 16:27, Joh 16:28; Joh 17:8). As something abiding in its effects, am come, hath come, is come, marked by the perfect tense: Light is come (ἐλήλυθεν, Joh 3:19). Jesus Christ is come (ἐληλυθότα, Jo1 4:2). Compare Joh 5:43; Joh 12:46; Joh 18:37). In two instances with ἥκω I am come, Joh 8:42; Jo1 5:20. Or with the present tense, as describing a coming realized at the moment: whence I come (ἔρχομαι, Joh 8:14); compare Joh 14:3, Joh 14:18, Joh 14:28; also Jesus Christ coming (ἐρχόμενον, Jo2 1:7). With reference to the form: in flesh (σάρξ). See Joh 1:14; Jo1 4:2; Jo2 1:7. With reference to men, Christ was manifested (Jo1 1:2; Jo1 3:5, Jo1 3:8; Joh 1:31; Joh 21:1, Joh 21:14). To take away (ἵνα ἄρῃ) See on Joh 1:29. Our sins (τὰς ἁμαρτίας ἡμῶν) Omit ἡυῶν our. Compare Joh 1:29, τὴν ἁμαρτίαν, the sin. The plural here regards all that is contained in the inclusive term the sin: all manifestations or realizations of sin. In Him is no sin (ἁμαρτία ἐν αὐτῷ οὐκ ἔστιν) Lit., in Him sin is not. He is essentially and forever without sin. Compare Joh 7:18.

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]

Ye know

John's characteristic appeal to Christian knowledge. Compare Jo1 2:20, Jo1 2:21; Jo1 4:2, Jo1 4:14, Jo1 4:16; Jo1 5:15, Jo1 5:18; Jo3 1:12.

He (ἐκεῖνος)

Christ, as always in this Epistle. See on Joh 1:18.

Was manifested

See on Joh 21:1. Including Christ's whole life on earth and its consequences. The idea of manifestation here assumes the fact of a previous being. John various terms to describe the incarnation. He conceives it with reference to the Father, as a sending, a mission. Hence ὁ πέμψας με He that sent me (Joh 4:34; Joh 6:38; Joh 9:4; Joh 12:44, etc.): ὁ πέμψας με πατήρ the Father that sent me (Joh 5:37; Joh 8:18; Joh 12:49, etc.): with the verb ἀποστέλλω to send as an envoy, with a commission; God sent (ἀπέστειλεν) His Son (Joh 3:17; Joh 10:36; Jo1 4:10; compare Joh 6:57; Joh 7:29; Joh 17:18). With reference to the Son, as a coming, regarded as a historic fact and as an abiding fact. As a historic event, He came (ἧλθεν, Joh 1:11); this is He that came (ὁ ἐλθὼν, Jo1 5:6). Came forth (ἐξῆλθον; Joh 8:42; Joh 16:27, Joh 16:28; Joh 17:8). As something abiding in its effects, am come, hath come, is come, marked by the perfect tense: Light is come (ἐλήλυθεν, Joh 3:19). Jesus Christ is come (ἐληλυθότα, Jo1 4:2). Compare Joh 5:43; Joh 12:46; Joh 18:37). In two instances with ἥκω I am come, Joh 8:42; Jo1 5:20. Or with the present tense, as describing a coming realized at the moment: whence I come (ἔρχομαι, Joh 8:14); compare Joh 14:3, Joh 14:18, Joh 14:28; also Jesus Christ coming (ἐρχόμενον, Jo2 1:7). With reference to the form: in flesh (σάρξ). See Joh 1:14; Jo1 4:2; Jo2 1:7. With reference to men, Christ was manifested (Jo1 1:2; Jo1 3:5, Jo1 3:8; Joh 1:31; Joh 21:1, Joh 21:14).

To take away (ἵνα ἄρῃ)

See on Joh 1:29.

Our sins (τὰς ἁμαρτίας ἡμῶν)

Omit ἡυῶν our. Compare Joh 1:29, τὴν ἁμαρτίαν, the sin. The plural here regards all that is contained in the inclusive term the sin: all manifestations or realizations of sin.

In Him is no sin (ἁμαρτία ἐν αὐτῷ οὐκ ἔστιν)

Lit., in Him sin is not. He is essentially and forever without sin. Compare Joh 7:18.

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
And ye know that he - Christ. Was manifested - That he came into the world for this very purpose. To take away our sins - To destroy them all, root and branch, and leave none remaining. And in him is no sin - So that he could not suffer on his own account, but to make us as himself.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins - He came into the world to destroy the power, pardon the guilt, and cleanse from the pollution of sin. This was the very design of his manifestation in the flesh. He was born, suffered, and died for this very purpose; and can it be supposed that he either cannot or will not accomplish the object of his own coming? In him is no sin - And therefore he is properly qualified to be the atoning sacrifice for the sins of men.

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³ And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

⁷ Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

²³ Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

²⁶ For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

⁴ Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
⁵ And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
⁶ Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
⁷ Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
⁸ He 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.
⁹ Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
¹⁰ 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.

¹⁶ And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

²¹ And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

¹⁸ He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

²⁹ The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

¹⁴ This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

¹ After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.

³¹ And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

⁸ He 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.

⁵ And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

² (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

⁷ For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

² Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

¹⁴ And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

⁷ For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

²⁸ Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

¹⁸ I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

¹⁴ Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.

²⁰ And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

⁴² Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

³⁷ Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

⁴⁶ I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

⁴³ I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

² Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

¹⁹ And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

⁸ For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.

²⁸ I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

²⁷ For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.

⁴² Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

⁶ This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

¹¹ He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

¹⁸ As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

²⁹ But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.

⁵⁷ As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.

¹⁰ Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

³⁶ Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?

¹⁷ For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

⁴⁹ For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

¹⁸ I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.

³⁷ And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.

⁴⁴ Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.

⁴ I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

³⁸ For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

³⁴ Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

¹ After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.

¹⁸ No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

¹² Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.

¹⁸ We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

¹⁵ And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

¹⁶ And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

¹⁴ And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

² Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

²¹ I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

²⁰ But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.