1Jo 1:8-10 | RWP | e4.org | If we say ( εαν ειπωμεν ). See verse . We have no sin ( αμαρτιαν ουκ εχομεν ). For this phrase see ; , . That is, we have no personal guilt, no principle of sin. This some of the Gnostics held, since matter was evil and the soul was not contaminated by the sinful flesh, a thin delusion with which so-called Christian scientists delude themselves today. We deceive ourselves ( εαυτους πλανωμεν ). Present active indicative of πλαναω , to lead astray. We do not deceive others who know us. Negative statement again of the same idea, "the truth is not in us."

‏ 1 John 1:8-10

If we say ( εαν ειπωμεν ). See verse 6.

We have no sin ( αμαρτιαν ουκ εχομεν ). For this phrase see Joh 9:41; 15:22, 24. That is, we have no personal guilt, no principle of sin. This some of the Gnostics held, since matter was evil and the soul was not contaminated by the sinful flesh, a thin delusion with which so-called Christian scientists delude themselves today.

We deceive ourselves ( εαυτους πλανωμεν ). Present active indicative of πλαναω, to lead astray. We do not deceive others who know us. Negative statement again of the same idea, "the truth is not in us."

If we confess ( εαν ομολογωμεν ). Third-class condition again with εαν and present active subjunctive of ομολογεω, "if we keep on confessing." Confession of sin to God and to one another (Jas 5:16) is urged throughout the N.T. from John the Baptist (Mr 1:5) on.

Faithful ( πιστος ). Jesus made confession of sin necessary to forgiveness. It is God's promise and he is "righteous" ( δικαιος ).

To forgive ( ινα αφη ). Sub-final clause with ινα and second aorist active subjunctive of αφιημ.

And to cleanse ( κα αγιαση ). So again with ινα and the first aorist active subjunctive of καθαριζω (verse 7).

If we say ( εαν ειπωμεν ). As in verses 6, 8.

We have not sinned ( ουχ αμαρτηκαμεν ). Perfect active indicative of αμαρτανω. This is a denial of any specific acts of sin, while in verse 8 we have the denial of the principle of sin. David Smith observes that the claim to personal perfectionism has two causes, one the stifling of conscience in making God a liar ( ψευστην, the word used of the devil by Jesus in Joh 8:44), and the other ignorance of God's word, which is not in us, else we should not make such a claim.