1 John 3:12
New International Version
Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous.

New Living Translation
We must not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because Cain had been doing what was evil, and his brother had been doing what was righteous.

English Standard Version
We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous.

Berean Standard Bible
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 Literal Bible
not as Cain, who was of the evil one and slew his brother. And why did he slay him? Because his works were evil, but those of his brother, righteous.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.

New American Standard Bible
not as Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And for what reason did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil, but his brother’s were righteous.

NASB 1995
not as Cain, who was of the evil one and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous.

NASB 1977
not as Cain, who was of the evil one, and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous.

Legacy Standard Bible
not as Cain, who was of the evil one and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous.

Amplified Bible
and not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother [Abel]. And why did he murder him? Because Cain’s deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous.

Christian Standard Bible
unlike Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
unlike Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil, and his brother’s were righteous.

American Standard Version
not as Cain was of the evil one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

Contemporary English Version
Don't be like Cain, who belonged to the devil and murdered his own brother. Why did he murder him? He did it because his brother was good, and he was evil.

English Revised Version
not as Cain was of the evil one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Don't be like Cain. He was a child of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain murder his brother? Because the things Cain did were evil and the things his brother did had God's approval.

Good News Translation
We must not be like Cain; he belonged to the Evil One and murdered his own brother Abel. Why did Cain murder him? Because the things he himself did were wrong, and the things his brother did were right.

International Standard Version
Do not be like Cain, who was from the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because what he was doing was evil and his brother's actions were righteous.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
not like Cain who was of the evil one and brutally murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his deeds were evil, but his brother's were righteous.

New Heart English Bible
unlike Cain, who was of the evil one, and killed his brother. Why did he kill him? Because his works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

Webster's Bible Translation
Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And why did he slay him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

Weymouth New Testament
We are not to resemble Cain, who was a child of the Evil one and killed his own brother. And why did he kill him? Because his own actions were wicked and his brother's actions righteous.

World English Bible
unlike Cain, who was of the evil one and killed his brother. Why did he kill him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s righteous.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
not as Cain—he was of the evil one, and he slew his brother. And for [what] reason did he slay him? Because his works were evil, and those of his brother [were] righteous.

Berean Literal Bible
not as Cain, who was of the evil one and slew his brother. And why did he slay him? Because his works were evil, but those of his brother, righteous.

Young's Literal Translation
not as Cain -- of the evil one he was, and he did slay his brother, and wherefore did he slay him? because his works were evil, and those of his brother righteous.

Smith's Literal Translation
Not as Cain was of the evil one, and slew his brother. And for what slew he him? Because his works were evil, and those of his brother just.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Not as Cain, who was of the wicked one, and killed his brother. And wherefore did he kill him? Because his own works were wicked: and his brother's just.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Do not be like Cain, who was of the evil one, and who killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because his own works were wicked, but his brother’s works were just.

New American Bible
unlike Cain who belonged to the evil one and slaughtered his brother. Why did he slaughter him? Because his own works were evil, and those of his brother righteous.

New Revised Standard Version
We must not be like Cain who was from the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Not as Cain, who belonged to the wicked one and slew his brother. And why did he kill him? Because his own works were evil, and those of his brother were righteous.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Not like Cain who was from The Evil One and murdered his brother; and why did he murder him? Only because his works were evil and those of his brother were righteous.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Not as Cain, who was of the wicked one, and slew his brother: and for what reason did he slay him? because his own works were evil, and his brother's, righteous.

Godbey New Testament
not as Cain was of the evil one, and slew his brother; and on account of what did he slay him? Because his own works were evil, and those of his brother righteous.

Haweis New Testament
Not as Cain, who was of the wicked one, and slew his brother: and wherefore did he slay him? Because his own works were wicked, and those of his brother righteous.

Mace New Testament
not acting like Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother: but why did he slay him? because his own actions were evil, and his brother's were virtuous.

Weymouth New Testament
We are not to resemble Cain, who was a child of the Evil one and killed his own brother. And why did he kill him? Because his own actions were wicked and his brother's actions righteous.

Worrell New Testament
not as Cain who was of the evil one, and slew his brother. And wherefore did he slay him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

Worsley New Testament
and why did he slay him? because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Love One Another
11This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 12Do 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. 13So do not be surprised, brothers, if the world hates you.…

Cross References
Genesis 4:3-8
So in the course of time, Cain brought some of the fruit of the soil as an offering to the LORD, / while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, / but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell. ...

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.

Jude 1:11
Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion.

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.

Hebrews 12:24
to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

John 8:44
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.

Matthew 5:21-22
You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ / But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.

Proverbs 29:10
Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life.

1 John 2:9-11
If anyone claims to be in the light but hates his brother, he is still in the darkness. / Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him. / But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness. He does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

John 3:12-15
If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? / No one has ascended into heaven except the One who descended from heaven—the Son of Man. / Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, ...

1 John 4:20
If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.

James 4:2
You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask.

1 Peter 4:15
Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.

Romans 3:15
“Their feet are swift to shed blood;

Isaiah 1:15
When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.


Treasury of Scripture

Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And why slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

as.

Genesis 4:4-15,25
And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: …

Hebrews 11:4
By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

Jude 1:11
Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

of.

1 John 3:8
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

1 John 2:13,14
I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father…

Matthew 13:19,38
When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side…

And.

1 Samuel 18:14,15
And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him…

1 Samuel 19:4,5
And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to theeward very good: …

1 Samuel 22:14-16
Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king's son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine house? …

and his.

Matthew 23:35
That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

Luke 11:51
From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.

Hebrews 11:4
By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

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Account Actions Brother's Cain Child Death Deeds Evil Good Kill Killed Murder Murdered Reason Resemble Righteous Slay Slew Unlike Wherefore Wicked Works
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Account Actions Brother's Cain Child Death Deeds Evil Good Kill Killed Murder Murdered Reason Resemble Righteous Slay Slew Unlike Wherefore Wicked Works
1 John 3
1. He declares the singular love of God toward us, in making us his sons;
3. who therefore ought obediently to keep his commandments;
11. as also to love one another as brothers.














Do not be like Cain
This phrase serves as a direct admonition to the readers, urging them to avoid the path of Cain. In the Greek, the word "Cain" (Κάϊν) is a transliteration from the Hebrew קַיִן (Qayin), which means "acquired" or "possessed." Cain is a historical figure from Genesis 4, known for being the firstborn of Adam and Eve and the first murderer. His actions are a cautionary tale against jealousy and hatred. The exhortation here is to avoid the spiritual lineage of Cain, which is characterized by sin and rebellion against God.

who belonged to the evil one
The phrase "belonged to the evil one" indicates a spiritual affiliation with Satan, the adversary of God. In the Greek, "evil one" is ὁ πονηρός (ho ponēros), often used to describe Satan. This highlights the spiritual battle between good and evil, emphasizing that Cain's actions were not merely human failings but were influenced by a deeper, malevolent force. This serves as a warning to believers to guard their hearts and align themselves with God rather than the forces of darkness.

and murdered his brother
The act of murder is described with the Greek word ἔσφαξεν (esphaxen), which implies a violent and deliberate act. This recalls the account in Genesis 4:8, where Cain kills Abel out of jealousy and anger. The gravity of this sin is underscored by the fact that it was fratricide, the killing of one's own brother, which is a profound violation of familial and divine law. This serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of sin when left unchecked.

And why did he murder him?
This rhetorical question invites the reader to reflect on the motivations behind Cain's actions. It is not merely a historical inquiry but a moral and spiritual examination of the heart. The question challenges believers to consider the root causes of sin, such as envy, pride, and a lack of love, and to address these issues within themselves.

Because his own actions were evil
The Greek word for "evil" here is πονηρά (ponēra), which denotes actions that are morally corrupt and contrary to God's will. Cain's deeds were not aligned with God's righteousness, and this moral failure is presented as the underlying reason for his hatred and violence. This serves as a warning that evil actions stem from a heart that is not right with God, and believers are called to pursue righteousness in all their ways.

and his brother’s were righteous
The contrast between Cain and Abel is stark, with Abel's actions described as δίκαια (dikaia), meaning "righteous" or "just." Abel's righteousness is a reflection of his faith and obedience to God, as seen in Hebrews 11:4, which commends Abel's offering as being made in faith. This highlights the biblical principle that righteousness is not merely about external actions but is rooted in a heart that seeks to honor God. The verse calls believers to emulate Abel's example of faith and righteousness, standing firm in their commitment to God's ways despite opposition.

Verse 12. - The sentence is of an elliptical form, common in language. The full sense is, "Not that we should do even as Cain, who was of the evil one, and slew his brother." Cain's conduct typifies the attitude of the world towards Christians. Σφάζειν in the New Testament occurs only here and in Revelation. In the LXX and the New Testament it seems to mean "slay" without necessarily implying the cutting the throat of a victim. That Cain's works were evil is not stated in Genesis, but is inferred from God's rejection of him. Compare carefully the remarkably parallel passage, Hebrews 11:4. The wicked envy the good the blessedness of their goodness, and try to destroy what they cannot share. The war between good and evil is one of extermination; but the wicked would destroy the righteous, while the righteous would destroy wickedness by converting the wicked.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[Do] not [be]
οὐ (ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

like
καθὼς (kathōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2531: According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.

Cain,
Κάϊν (Kain)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2535: (Hebrew), Cain, son of Adam and Eve and brother of Abel. Of Hebrew origin; Cain, the son of Adam.

[who] belonged to
ἦν (ēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

evil [one]
πονηροῦ (ponērou)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4190: Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

murdered
ἔσφαξεν (esphaxen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4969: To slay, kill by violence, slaughter, wound mortally. A primary verb; to butcher or to slaughter, or, to maim.

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

brother.
ἀδελφὸν (adelphon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

why
χάριν (charin)
Preposition
Strong's 5484: Accusative case of charis as preposition; through favor of, i.e. On account of.

did he slay
ἔσφαξεν (esphaxen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4969: To slay, kill by violence, slaughter, wound mortally. A primary verb; to butcher or to slaughter, or, to maim.

him?
αὐτόν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

Because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

[own]
τὰ (ta)
Article - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

deeds
ἔργα (erga)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.

were
ἦν (ēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

evil,
πονηρὰ (ponēra)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4190: Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful.

while
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

those
τὰ (ta)
Article - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

of
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

brother
ἀδελφοῦ (adelphou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

[were] righteous.
δίκαια (dikaia)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1342: From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy.


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NT Letters: 1 John 3:12 Unlike Cain who was of the evil (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo)
1 John 3:11
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