1 John 3:5

The purpose of the Incarnation was to “take away the sins” atone for the sins of the past and prevent sins in the future, αἴρειν, properly “lift up and carry away” (cf. Mark 6:29; John 2:16), but the idea of expiation is involved since it is “the Lamb of God” that “taketh away the sins”. ἐκεῖνος, see note on 1 John 2:6. ἁμαρτία, “sin,” i.e. the sinful principle: see note on 1 John 1:8.