verb tense issues in 1 John 3:9

[joseph47parker]

So, on another forum, a guy asked me about various translations of a few verses. It seemed that some of the confusion might be eliminated with an adequate understanding of the verb tenses. Since I’m not yet to verbs, I thought I would post his concerns here and see if you guys had an opinion on it. First, the translation of 1 John 3:9.

This has been translated several different ways. The way the KJV reads, it would seem to imply that a Christian “cannot sinâ€￾, the NIV states that they cannot “continue to sinâ€￾, the ESV states they cannot “make a practice of sinningâ€￾.

Could somebody translate this verse and explain the verb tenses used and make a statement to the proper translation.

Secondly, could some of you address John 9:31
Here the verse states that God does not listen to sinners, which is held in tension with 1 John 1:10. Could someone please address these translations as well. Thanks.

[Bert]

So, on another forum, a guy asked me about various translations of a few verses. It seemed that some of the confusion might be eliminated with an adequate understanding of the verb tenses. Since I’m not yet to verbs, I thought I would post his concerns here and see if you guys had an opinion on it. First, the translation of 1 John 3:9.

This has been translated several different ways. The way the KJV reads, it would seem to imply that a Christian “cannot sinâ€￾, the NIV states that they cannot “continue to sinâ€￾, the ESV states they cannot “make a practice of sinningâ€￾.

Could somebody translate this verse and explain the verb tenses used and make a statement to the proper translation.

I wouldn't want to base a theological position on a verb's tense but it does come into play. The present tense (which has a continues aspect) of ποιεῖ and δύναται indicates to me this is not speaking about an individual act of sin but about living a life of sin. Other texts support this but the KJV's rendering is not supported by the rest of the Bible.

Secondly, could some of you address John 9:31
Here the verse states that God does not listen to sinners, which is held in tension with 1 John 1:10. Could someone please address these translations as well. Thanks.

Grammar is not going to help here. You are going to have to use the rest of the Bible guide you in understanding these verses. In English as well as in Greek. The man who was healed is putting á¼￾μαÏ￾τωλῶν (sinful) over against θεοσεβής (godly), not over against ἀναμάÏ￾τητος (sinless).
1 John 1:10 speaks about someone who claims that he has not committed sins rather so there is not a tension between these verses.

[Kasper]

Joseph on what basis do you say that "ο γεγεννημεÌ￾νος εκ του θεου" translates to 'a Christian'? This may be what is meant, but it is certainly not a literal translation.

[vir litterarum]

the NASB is generally considered the most accurate translation of the Bible into English, so from now on you ought to consult it in addition to the KJV when considering such issues.

[Bert]

Joseph on what basis do you say that "ο γεγεννημεÌ￾νος εκ του θεου" translates to 'a Christian'? This may be what is meant, but it is certainly not a literal translation.

In fairness, he said; "it would seem to imply..."

[Bert]

the NASB is generally considered the most accurate translation of the Bible into English, so from now on you ought to consult it in addition to the KJV when considering such issues.

The most accurate? That is definitely not a generally held view. The most ridgidly copying the Greek sentence structure, that is a generally helf view.

[joja]

Re; JOHN 9:31

The blind man that was healed is telling them that God
honors the prayers of true worshippers.

A sinner before asking God for anything should first
confess his sins to God and recognize Who He is.
God is in His Word and His will is to obey His Word.

---------------------------
JHN 9:30 The man answered and said unto them,
Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not
from whence he is, and [yet] he hath opened mine eyes.


Jhn 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners:
but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will,
him he heareth.


Jhn 9:32 Since the world began was it not heard that
any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.


Jhn 9:33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.