Bible Strands
1 John 3:12
Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The author addresses believers immediately after commanding mutual love and warning that the world will hate them for their new life.
The words — The text uses ἐκ τοῦ πονηροῦ (ek tou ponērou), literally "of the evil one," to describe Cain’s origin and allegiance.
The thread — The narrative echoes Genesis 4 where Abel’s righteous offering contrasts with Cain’s jealousy, and Hebrews 11:4 notes Abel was commended as righteous by faith.
Why it lands — The text demands readers examine whether their actions align with righteousness or selfishness, warning that opposition from the world is expected for those who live righteously.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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 brother’s righteous.
Cross-references
- Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous when God gave approval to his gifts. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.
- Genesis 4:4 while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering,
- Proverbs 29:27 An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.
- Genesis 4:25 And Adam again had relations with his wife, and she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, “God has granted me another seed in place of Abel, since Cain killed him.”
- Jude 1:11 Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed for profit into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion.
- Proverbs 29:10 Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life.
- Luke 11:51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, all of it will be charged to this generation.
- Psalms 37:12 The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them,
- Psalms 38:20 Those who repay my good with evil attack me for pursuing the good.
- Matthew 23:35 And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.