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1 John 1:7-9 KJV
1 John · chapter 1 · verses 7–9
7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.1 John 1:7-9 · King James Version
What 1 John 1:7-9 means
Three ifs in a row, and they belong together. Walking in the light is not being sinless; John says the cleansing happens while you walk there. Then he blocks the exit — claiming to have no sin is self-deception. Confession is what the light is for.
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1 John 1:7-9 in context
5This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
6If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Commentary
Cross references
- Ephesians 5:8
- Romans 13:12
- Revelation 1:5
- Ephesians 1:7
- Revelation 7:14
- Hebrews 9:14
- 1 John 2:9-10
- 1 Corinthians 6:11
- Romans 3:23
- Ecclesiastes 7:20
- James 3:2
- Isaiah 53:6
Key words (Strong's)
- unrighteousnessadikiainjustice, of a judge, unrighteousness of heart and life, a deed violating law and…G93 →
- fellowshipkoinōniafellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation, intercourse, the…G2842 →
- cleansethkatharizōto make clean, cleanse, from physical stains and dirt, utensils, food, a leper, to…G2511 →
- ourselvesheautouhimself, herself, itself, themselvesG1438 →
- faithfulpistostrusty, faithful, of persons who show themselves faithful in the transaction of business…G4103 →
- deceiveplanaōto cause to stray, to lead astray, lead aside from the right way, to go astray, wander…G4105 →
- confesshomologeōto say the same thing as anotherG3670 →
- forgiveaphiēmito send away, to bid going away or depart, of a husband divorcing his wife, to send…G863 →
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The apostle, having declared the truth and dignity of the author of the gospel, brings a message or report from him, from which a just conclusion is to be drawn for the consideration and conviction of the professors of religion, or professed entertainers of this glorious gospel. I.
— Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on verses 5-7