What is the definition of 1 John 3:12? 🙋 🔍
Not as Cain, [who] was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brotherâs righteous.
Explanation:
Okay, let's break down this verse together. It’s a really important passage in the Bible and it speaks about love, forgiveness, and how we should treat others. Here's what it means in simpler terms:
The Basic Idea:
This verse is saying that 💎we shouldn’t act like Cain💎, who was a terrible person and killed his brother. It’s emphasizing the importance of being good and loving people.
Let’s unpack each part:
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“1 John 3:12”
: This is the title of the verse – it's from the first letter of John, a book known for its love and guidance.
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“Not as Cain…”
: This immediately sets up a comparison. The verse is about 💎not💎 acting like someone who did terrible things.
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“…who was of that wicked one…”
: This means Cain was a bad person – perhaps a thief, murderer, or someone who caused harm. He’s being compared to a negative example.
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“and slew his brother.”
: This is the core of the verse. Cain killed his brother.
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“Because his own works were evil…”
: This explains 💎why💎 Cain did this. His actions (killing his brother) were wrong, and he was responsible for that. It’s a consequence of his bad choices.
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“…and his brotherâs righteous.”
: This is the crucial part. The brother was good – he was right, honest, and just. Because of this goodness, God sees him as righteous (good in His eyes). Cain's actions were 💎wrong💎, but God loves those who are righteous.
In short:
The verse warns us against acting like someone who is inherently evil. It’s about choosing to be good, loving, and just – even when it’s difficult. It emphasizes that forgiveness and love are more important than revenge.
What does this mean for 💎us💎?
This verse encourages us to:
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Be kind:
Treat others with compassion and understanding.
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Forgive:
Don't hold onto anger or resentment.
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Love:
Show God’s love through our actions, even when it’s challenging.
Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? Or would you like a different way to understand this verse? For example, are you curious about its connection to forgiveness?