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1 John 3:12

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 brother's righteous.

My Notes

Commentary

Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.

Baptist theologian, 1697–1771

Gill's Exposition

Not as Cain,.... That is, let us not be like him, or do as he did, hate the brethren. The apostle illustrates brotherly love by its contrary, in the instance of Cain, who was the first instance and…

Presbyterian pastor, 1798–1870

Barnes' Notes

Not as Cain - Not manifesting the spirit which Cain did. His was a most remarkable and striking instance of a want of love to a brother, and the case was well adapted to illustrate the propriety of…

Methodist theologian, 1762–1832

Adam Clarke

Not as Cain - Men should not act to each other as Cain did to his brother Abel. He murdered him because he was better than himself. But who was Cain? Εκ του πονηρου ην, he was of the devil. And who…

Nonconformist minister, 1662–1714

Matthew Henry

1 John 3:11-13

The apostle, having intimated that one mark of the devil's children is hatred of the brethren, takes occasion thence,

I. To recommend fraternal Christian love, and that from the excellence, or…

Academic commentary, 1882–1921

Cambridge Bible

A brother's love suggests its opposite, a brother's hate, and that in the typical instance of it, the fratricide Cain.

Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one Better, as R.V., Not as Cain was of the…