A.T. Robertson Commentary 1 John 3

What manner of love (ποταπην αγαπην). Qualitative interrogative as in 2 Peter 3:11; Matthew 8:27. Only here in John's writings. Originally of what country or race.

Hath bestowed (δεδωκεν). Perfect active indicative of διδωμ, state of completion, "the endowment of the receiver" (Vincent).

That we should be called (ινα κληθωμεν). Sub-final use of ινα with the first aorist passive subjunctive of καλεω, to call or name, as in Mt 2:23.

Children (τεκνα). As in Joh 1:12 and with an allusion to γεγεννητα in 2:29 in an effort "to restore the waning enthusiasm of his readers, and to recall them to their first love" (Brooke).

And such we are (κα εσμεν). "And we are." A parenthetical reflection characteristic of John (κα νυν εστιν in Joh 5:25 and κα ουκ εισιν in Re 2:2; 3:9) omitted by Textus Receptus, though, in the old MSS.

Because it knew him not (οτ ουκ εγνω αυτον). Second aorist active indicative of γινωσκω, precisely the argument in Joh 15:18f.

Now (νυν). Without waiting for the παρουσια or second coming. We have a present dignity and duty, though there is greater glory to come.

It is not yet made manifest (ουπω εφανερωθη). First aorist passive indicative of φανεροω. For the aorist indicative with ουπω with a future outlook Brooke notes Mr 11:2; 1 Corinthians 8:2; Hebrews 12:4; Revelation 17:10,12.

What we shall be (τ εσομεθα). Not τινες (who), but τ (what) neuter singular predicate nominative. "This what suggests something unspeakable, contained in the likeness of God" (Bengel).

If he shall be manifested (εαν φανερωθη). As in 2:28, which see. The subject may be Christ as in verse 9, or the future manifestation just mentioned. Either makes sense, probably "it" here better than "he."

Like him (ομοιο αυτω). Αυτω is associative instrumental case after ομοιο. This is our destiny and glory (Romans 8:29), to be like Jesus who is like God (2 Corinthians 4:6).

We shall see him even as he is (οψομεθα αυτον καθως εστιν). Future middle indicative of οραω. The transforming power of this vision of Christ (1 Corinthians 13:12) is the consummation of the glorious process begun at the new birth (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Set on him (επ' αυτω). Resting upon (επ) with locative rather than εις, looking to, Acts 24:15. That is upon Christ (Brooke), upon God (D. Smith), upon God in Christ (Westcott).

Purifieth himself (αγνιζε εαυτον). Present active indicative of αγνιζω, old verb, from αγνος (pure from contamination), used of ceremonial purifications (John 11:55; Acts 21:24,26 as in Ex 19:10) and then of personal internal cleansing of heart (James 4:8), soul (1 Peter 1:22), self (here). Cf. Php 2:12f. the work of both God and man.

As he is pure (καθως εκεινος αγνος εστιν). As in 2:6; 3:9 εκεινος (emphatic demonstrative) refers to Christ. Christ can be termed αγνος "in virtue of the perfection of his humanity" (Westcott). Our destiny is to be conformed to the image of God in Christ (Romans 8:29).

Sin is lawlessness (η αμαρτια εστιν η ανομια). The article with both subject and predicate makes them coextensive and so interchangeable. Doing sin is the converse of doing righteousness (2:29). The present active participle (ποιων) means the habit of doing sin.

He (εκεινος). As in verse 3; John 1:18.

Was manifested (εφανερωθη). Same form as in verse 2, but here of the Incarnation as in Joh 21:1, not of the second coming (1 John 2:28).

To take away sins (ινα τας αμαρτιας αρη). Purpose clause with ινα and first aorist active subjunctive of αιρω as in Joh 1:29. In Isa 53:11 we have αναφερω for bearing sins, but αιρω properly means to lift up and carry away (John 2:16). So in Heb 10:4 we find αφαιρεω and Heb 10:11 περιαιρεω, to take away sins completely (the complete expiation wrought by Christ on Calvary). The plural αμαρτιας here, as in Col 1:14, not singular (collective sense) αμαρτιαν as in Joh 1:29.

And in him is no sin (κα αμαρτια εν αυτω ουκ εστιν). "And sin (the sinful principle) in him is not." As Jesus had claimed about himself (John 7:18; John 8:46) and as is repeatedly stated in the N.T. (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 7:26; Hebrews 9:13).