Meaning, commentary and cross references
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
NIV · New International Version
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
WEB · World English Bible
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
What does 1 John 1:9 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins,.... Not to one other; for though it is our duty to confess our faults to our fellow creatures and fellow Christians which are committed against them, yet are under no obligation to confess such as are more immediately against God, and which lie between him and ourselves; or at least it is sufficient to confess and acknowledge in general what sinful creatures we are, without entering into particulars; for confession of sin is to be made to God, against whom it is committed, and who only can pardon: and a man that truly confesses his sin is one that the Spirit of God has convinced of it, and has shown him its exceeding sinfulness, and filled him with a godly sorrow for…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on 1 John 1:8–10
His duty in order thereto: If we confess our sins, Jo1 1:9. Penitent confession and acknowledgment of sin are the believer's business, and the means of his deliverance from his guilt. And, 2. His encouragement thereto, and assurance of the happy issue.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on 1 John 1:8–10
9. Si confitemur peccata nostra, fidelis est et justus, ut nobis peccata remittat; et purget nos ab omni injustitia. 10. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 10. Si dixerimus quod non peccavimus, mendacem facimus eum, et sermo ejus non est in nobis. 8.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: 1 John 1:6–10 (WEB)
6If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie and don’t tell the truth. 7But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses 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 righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say that we haven’t sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Cross references
- Psalms 32:5
- Proverbs 28:13
He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
- Jeremiah 33:8
I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against me. I will pardon all their iniquities by which they have sinned against me and by which they have transgressed against me.
- Psalms 51:2–5
- 1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.
- Ezekiel 36:25
I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.
- Hebrews 10:23
let’s hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful.
- 1 Timothy 1:15
The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
Key words
In the Baptist Catechism
- Q109. What is Prayer?
Prayer is an offering up of our desires to God, for things agreeable to His will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins and thankful acknowledgment of His mercies.