1 John 5:17 — “All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, John is continuing his teaching about sin and its seriousness. He says plainly that all wrongdoing is sin. That means any time we break God’s commands, fail to love others, or live outside His will, it is sin.

But then John adds something that sounds surprising. He says there is sin that does not lead to death.
What does he mean by that?

John is not saying some sins are “okay” or unimportant. All sin is serious because it separates us from God. But he is making a distinction between two kinds of sin:

1. Sin that is part of the believer’s struggle—a sin that can be confessed, forgiven, and turned away from.

2. Sin that leads to death—ongoing, willful rejection of God’s truth and grace, which leads to spiritual death because the person refuses to repent and believe.

John is reassuring believers that not every sin is a death sentence. For those who turn back to God, forgiveness and life are always available.

Historical Context

At the time John wrote this letter, false teachers were leading people away from the truth about Jesus. Some were denying who He was and encouraging sin without repentance.

John is addressing a church community where people may have wondered if falling into sin meant they were hopeless. He is making it clear that sin is serious—but God is ready to forgive those who confess and return to Him.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches two important truths:

1. All sin is wrong. There is no such thing as harmless sin.

2. Not all sin leads to spiritual death. For those who repent and believe in Jesus, there is always forgiveness.

It also teaches that the ultimate, deadly sin is to reject God’s offer of life in Jesus. That sin leads to death because it cuts a person off from the only source of forgiveness and life.

Literary Analysis

John uses simple, strong language in this verse:

• “All wrongdoing is sin.” He leaves no room to excuse bad behavior.

• “There is sin that does not lead to death.” He balances the warning with hope.

This pattern of both warning and encouragement is common in John’s writing. He wants readers to take sin seriously without falling into fear or despair.

Cross-References

• Romans 3:23 — “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

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

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

• Hebrews 10:26-27 — A warning about deliberate, ongoing sin without repentance.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For believers today, this verse is a reminder to take sin seriously—but also to remember that God’s forgiveness is greater than our failures.

It challenges Christians not to excuse sin or take it lightly but also encourages them not to live in fear when they stumble. God is willing to forgive those who turn back to Him.

It also reminds believers that the real danger is willfully rejecting God and refusing His grace.

How This Verse Shows God’s Love

This verse shows God’s love in how it balances truth and mercy.
God is honest about the seriousness of sin, but He is also clear that forgiveness is always available to those who repent.

It shows that God doesn’t delight in condemning people. He wants to restore them and give them life.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse points directly to the reason Jesus came.
He came to deal with sin—both the everyday struggles and the deeper rebellion of the heart.

Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, sin does not have to lead to death:

• John 3:17 — “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

• Romans 6:23 — “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

For those who trust in Jesus and turn from sin, there is life.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse shape the way you think about sin?

2. Do you sometimes treat certain sins as “not a big deal”? How does this verse challenge that thinking?

3. How does this verse encourage you when you struggle with sin?

4. What does this verse teach you about the danger of willfully rejecting God’s grace?

5. How can you encourage others to confess and turn back to God when they sin?