1 John 1:8
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Studiennotiz
Study Note
'If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us' — the verse targets a specific theological claim circulating in the Johannine community, possibly a perfectionist teaching denying ongoing sinfulness in the believer. The self-deception ('plānōmen heautous') described is particularly serious because it prevents recourse to the confession that brings cleansing (verse 9), making the denial of sin the obstacle to the remedy for sin. The phrase 'the truth is not in us' uses Johannine language of truth as an indwelling presence (John 8:44; 1 John 2:4), indicating that sin-denial is incompatible with authentic participation in the truth that is Christ. The verse does not contradict 1 John 3:9 ('whoever is born of God does not make a practice of sinning') but addresses claims of achieved sinlessness that eliminate the need for ongoing confession and forgiveness.
Andere Übersetzungen
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
if we may say--`we have not sin,' ourselves we lead astray, and the truth is not in us;
If we say that we have no sin, we are false to ourselves and there is nothing true in us.
Querverweise
If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and …
If they sin against thee, (for there is no man which sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and …
I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?
Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.
What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be …
How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?
And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.
Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath …