1 John 5:16 — “If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that.”

Extended Explanation

This verse can sound confusing at first, but the main point is clear: When you see another believer sinning, pray for them.
John is encouraging Christians to care enough about each other to pray when someone is struggling with sin. He says that when we do, God will respond by giving them life—that is, helping them turn back to Him and live in His grace and truth.

But then John mentions something serious: “a sin that leads to death.”
What does that mean? Many Bible teachers understand this to mean a kind of willful, hardened rejection of God—persistent unbelief and rebellion that refuses to repent, which leads to spiritual death. John is likely not talking about one specific act but about a heart that ultimately rejects Jesus and refuses God’s forgiveness.

John is not forbidding prayer altogether for such people, but he is warning that some sin leads to spiritual death because it is rooted in a heart that rejects God entirely.

Historical Context

In John’s time, some people in the church were denying that Jesus was the Son of God and turning away from the truth. These false teachers were leading others astray and living in rebellion against God.

John is likely addressing this situation. He is encouraging believers to pray for fellow Christians caught in sin so they can be restored. But he is also acknowledging that some people reject God so completely that they close themselves off to repentance and life.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches the seriousness of sin, the power of prayer, and the reality of spiritual death.
It shows that:

• Prayer matters. God listens when we pray for others who are struggling.

• Sin is dangerous. It can lead people away from life and truth.

• There is a point when sin, if fully embraced and unrepented, leads to death. Persistent rejection of God’s grace leads to eternal separation from Him.

This verse is not meant to cause fear but to encourage believers to pray and to take sin seriously.

Literary Analysis

John uses careful language here.
He talks about two kinds of situations:

1. A believer committing sin that does not lead to death—something that requires prayer and restoration.

2. A sin that leads to death—something rooted in complete rejection of God.

The structure of the sentence shows that John is encouraging prayer but also acknowledging that some situations are beyond what prayer alone will fix because the person’s heart is closed to God.

Cross-References

• James 5:19-20 — “Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death.”

• Matthew 12:31-32 — Jesus speaks of the unforgivable sin—blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

• Hebrews 10:26-27 — “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left.”

• 1 John 1:9 — “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse is a call to pray for others who are struggling.
When you see a fellow believer caught in sin, don’t gossip, judge, or ignore them. Pray. Ask God to work in their heart and bring them back.

It also reminds believers that sin is serious. Persistent, willful rejection of God can lead to spiritual death.

But the main point is encouragement: Pray for one another, and God will respond.

How This Verse Shows God’s Love

This verse shows God’s love because He invites His people to pray for each other, knowing that He listens and acts.
It shows that God wants to restore and forgive those who sin. He is not eager to condemn—He is eager to bring people back to life.

Even when John speaks of sin that leads to death, it is a warning born out of love, urging people not to harden their hearts against God.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse is deeply connected to Jesus’ mission.
Jesus came to bring forgiveness and life to sinners (Luke 19:10).
Because of His death and resurrection, God offers forgiveness to anyone who repents and believes.

However, the person who rejects Jesus and refuses His grace is rejecting the only source of life.
Jesus Himself said:

• John 8:24 — “If you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.”

• John 3:36 — “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life.”

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How do you usually respond when you see another believer struggling with sin?

2. What does this verse teach you about the importance of praying for others?

3. Why do you think John warns about a “sin that leads to death”?

4. How can this verse help you take sin seriously without falling into fear?

5. Is there someone in your life right now you need to be praying for?