Paragraph 3:4–6

Read 3:4–6 in both Berean Standard Bible and Good News Translation. Compare the two versions.

Paragraph Theme: These verses show that it is impossible to continue sinning and at the same time remain in union with Christ.

3:4a

who practices sin: (Tense) The tense shows that John is here referring to continual or habitual sinning.

lawlessness: (Alternative Interpretations) The Greek word used here is the same as that for “lawlessness” in the second part of this verse. (See the next note.) There are two views of its meaning here:

(1) It probably means “rejects the authority of God’s law, rebels against God.” (Revised Standard Version, Living Bible)

(2) Some think it means “disobeys God’s law.” (Good News Translation, The Jerusalem Bible, King James Version, Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

3:4b

lawlessness: (Emotive Impact) The Greek word here is a very strong word. It indicates the sort of terrible rebellion against God that no one would want to be accused of. This effect should be kept in your translation.

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.