3:4 lawlessness. (m-12) To translate this 'sin is the transgression of the law,' as in A.V., is wrong, and gives a false definition of sin, for sin was in the world, and death as a consequence, before the giving of the law. see Romans 5:13 ; Romans 7:13 . The Greek reads 'sin is lawlessness,' that is, the absence of the principle of law (not the law), or, in other words, of the control of God over the soul. I ought to have no will of my own, but be in obedience. The statement is reciprocal, and may be read 'lawlessness is sin.'
3:6 Whoever (b-1) whoever (b-8) Lit. 'every one that.' known (c-15) Ginosko . perfect tense; implying here the continuously present state of not seeing or knowing.
3:20 us, (k-6) Subjunctive. 'That,' ver. 20, refers to 'hereby' in ver. 19. It is showing what tests 'in truth.' The repetition of 'that' is nothing uncommon. It is found in Ephesians 2:11 ,Ephesians 2:12 . What 'hereby' refers to very commonly follows in John, as in vers. 16,24, and ch. 4.17, and elsewhere, frequently indeed with 'that.' 'God being greater' is evidently a testing, searching thing.
Bibliographical Information Darby, John. "Commentary on 1 John 3". "John Darby's Synopsis of the New Testament". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/dsn/1-john-3.html. 1857-67.
Introduction
1:2 report (b-15) which (c-21) Hostis . as Matthew 7:24 . The character, not merely the statement of the fact, 'which was such a one as that.'
Verse 1
3:1 children (g-16) Teknon (not a diminutive), as vers. 2,10; ch. 5.2; 2 John 1:4 ,2 John 1:13 ; 3 John 1:4 .
Verse 2
3:2 manifested; (h-17) Actual manifestation is here meant; not merely a revelation for faith. know (i-19) Oida , as ch. 2.29. it (k-22) Or 'he.'
Verse 3
3:3 him (l-9) Him who is to be manifested.
Verse 4
3:4 lawlessness. (m-12) To translate this 'sin is the transgression of the law,' as in A.V., is wrong, and gives a false definition of sin, for sin was in the world, and death as a consequence, before the giving of the law. see Romans 5:13 ; Romans 7:13 . The Greek reads 'sin is lawlessness,' that is, the absence of the principle of law (not the law), or, in other words, of the control of God over the soul. I ought to have no will of my own, but be in obedience. The statement is reciprocal, and may be read 'lawlessness is sin.'
Verse 5
3:5 know (a-3) Oida , as ch. 2.29.
Verse 6
3:6 Whoever (b-1) whoever (b-8) Lit. 'every one that.' known (c-15) Ginosko . perfect tense; implying here the continuously present state of not seeing or knowing.
Verse 9
3:9 Whoever (d-1) Or 'no one that has been begotten (or 'is born') of God practises.' see vers. 6,10; ch. 2.29.
Verse 10
3:10 practise (e-18) Poieo , as ch. 1.6; 2.17 (does), 29; 3.4,7,8,9,22. see Romans 1:32 .
Verse 14
3:14 know (a-2) Oida , as ch. 2.29. [his] (f-21) Lit. 'the.'
Verse 15
3:15 know (a-12) Oida , as ch. 2.29.
Verse 16
3:16 known (g-4) Perfect tense, as ch. 2.3.
Verse 17
3:17 substance, (h-7) 'What is necessary to life,' 'subsistence.'
Verse 19
3:19 persuade (i-14) Or 'assure.'
Verse 20
3:20 us, (k-6) Subjunctive. 'That,' ver. 20, refers to 'hereby' in ver. 19. It is showing what tests 'in truth.' The repetition of 'that' is nothing uncommon. It is found in Ephesians 2:11 ,Ephesians 2:12 . What 'hereby' refers to very commonly follows in John, as in vers. 16,24, and ch. 4.17, and elsewhere, frequently indeed with 'that.' 'God being greater' is evidently a testing, searching thing.
Verse 21
3:21 not, (l-7) Subjunctive, as ver. 20, and ch. 1.6,7.
Verse 22
3:22 practise (e-15) Poieo , as ch. 1.6; 2.17 (does), 29; 3.4,7,8,9,22. see Romans 1:32 .