1 John 3:6

Whosoever abideth. Another of John’s comprehensive statements (cf. chs. 2:23; 3:4, 9, 15; 1 John 4:15; 5:1). The word “abideth” may suggest an active willingness to remain in union with Christ. The form of the verb in Greek implies continuity — whosoever continues to abide.

Sinneth not. Or, “does not continue to sin,” or “does not habitually sin,” as the form of the Greek verb implies. The apostle is here speaking of habitual sin, not of occasional mistakes which every Christian is prone to make (see on ch. 2:1). John knows that Christians are inveigled into sin (ch. 1:8, 10), but he also knows the remedy for such failures (chs. 1:9; 2:1). Here he is speaking of the ideal state that is attainable by one who habitually abides in the protecting presence of the sinless Saviour.

Whosoever sinneth. That is, whosoever habitually sins (see above on “whosoever abideth”). John refers to the one who habitually sins, the one who continues to practice sin.

Hath not seen. The one who continues to sin demonstrates that he has not retained his original vision of Christ.

Know him. See on ch. 2:3.