New Testament
1 John 3:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Don't 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.
Compare translations
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.
What 1 John 3:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we are reminded not to follow the example of Cain, who represents the darker side of human nature. Cain killed his brother Abel out of jealousy and anger because Abel's actions were good and pleasing, while his own were not. This story highlights the destructive power of envy and how it can lead to terrible choices. Cain's actions stemmed from his own wrongdoing, which made him resentful of his brother's righteousness. The contrast between Cain and Abel serves as a warning about the consequences of allowing negative feelings to fester. Instead of embracing love and kindness, Cain chose a path of violence and hatred. This verse encourages us to reflect on our own actions and motivations, urging us to choose goodness over evil. By doing so, we can foster healthier relationships and a more positive environment around us, avoiding the pitfalls that Cain fell into. Ultimately, it’s a call to live with integrity and to support one another in our journeys toward righteousness.
How to apply 1 John 3:12 to your life
To apply this lesson, examine your feelings towards others. Are there moments when jealousy or resentment creeps in? Instead of allowing these feelings to grow, choose to celebrate others' successes and focus on your own positive actions. This can lead to healthier relationships and a more supportive community. Remember, kindness is always a better choice than envy or anger.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 John Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 John 3:12
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 John 3:12
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 1 John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Early Christian communities
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 John 3:12 mean?
1 John 3:12 warns against following Cain's example of jealousy and violence. It highlights how Cain's evil actions led him to murder his righteous brother Abel, serving as a reminder to choose goodness over negative feelings.
What is the significance of Cain in 1 John 3:12?
Cain represents the darker aspects of human nature, particularly jealousy and anger. His actions serve as a cautionary tale about how allowing negative emotions to fester can lead to destructive choices.
How does 1 John 3:12 relate to brotherhood?
This verse emphasizes the importance of supporting one another in righteousness rather than succumbing to envy. It contrasts Cain's violent actions with the ideal of brotherhood, urging us to foster love and kindness.
What themes are present in 1 John 3:12?
Key themes in 1 John 3:12 include jealousy, murder, righteousness, and the consequences of evil actions. The verse serves as a reminder of the destructive power of negative emotions and the importance of choosing good.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.