1 John 2:10 kjv

He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

1 John 2:10 nkjv

He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.

1 John 2:10 niv

Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble.

1 John 2:10 esv

Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling.

1 John 2:10 nlt

Anyone who loves a fellow believer is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble.

1 John 2 verses

1 John 2 10 Meaning

1 John 2:10 declares that one who genuinely loves their fellow believer lives in spiritual light and avoids actions or attitudes that would lead to spiritual failure or harm themselves or others. This love serves as a foundational evidence of true spiritual standing and safeguards against the pitfalls of sin. It is a condition of abiding in Christ and in the truth of God.

1 John 2 10 Context

1 John 2:10 is embedded within a passage (1 John 2:7-11) where the Apostle John reiterates the "old commandment" which is simultaneously a "new commandment": the command to love one another. This verse directly contrasts with 1 John 2:9, which states that anyone who claims to be in the light yet hates their brother is still in darkness. John uses "light" and "darkness" as clear ethical and spiritual categories, linking one's walk with one's profession of faith. The entire epistle addresses issues related to false teachers (often proto-Gnostics) who claimed spiritual knowledge or a special relationship with God without demonstrating moral transformation or love for their fellow believers. John establishes clear tests of genuine fellowship with God: righteous living (walking in light), acknowledging Jesus Christ's full deity and humanity, and, crucially, loving one another. Love, in this context, is not merely an emotion but an active commitment and way of life that proves one's spiritual authenticity and keeps them from spiritual harm or from causing others to stumble.

1 John 2 10 Word analysis

• Whoever: The Greek is ho (ὁ), the definite article used here as a demonstrative pronoun, implying a general but inclusive reference, "the one who" or "anyone who." This emphasizes a universal truth applying to all true believers.
• loves: Greek agapōn (ἀγαγαπῶν), the present active participle of agapaō. This signifies a continuous, active, and abiding state of agape love. Agape is self-sacrificial, volitional, and divine love, distinct from phileō (affectionate love) or eros (romantic love). It's a love chosen and acted upon, often in spite of circumstances, flowing from God Himself.
• his brother: Greek ton adelphon autou (τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ). In a primary sense, "brother" refers to fellow Christians, those in the spiritual family of God. Given John's broader context, it also implicitly includes demonstrating Christ-like love to all humanity as image-bearers of God, especially those who may be in need, preventing any actions that cause them harm or lead them astray.
• remains: Greek menō (μένω), again in the present active indicative, denoting a continuous state of abiding, dwelling, or continuing. It is not a fleeting action but a settled condition. This echoes John's pervasive theme of "abiding in Christ" (Jn 15) and "abiding in the light" (1 Jn 1:7).
• in the light: Greek en tō phōti (ἐν τῷ φωτί). "The light" represents spiritual truth, purity, God's nature, holiness, and fellowship with Him. It stands in direct opposition to "darkness," which signifies sin, falsehood, and separation from God. To "remain in the light" means to live in conformity with God's character and truth, guided by His wisdom and purity.
• and in him: Greek kai en autō (καὶ ἐν αὐτῷ). This refers back to "whoever loves his brother"—the person embodying this loving state.
• there is no cause for stumbling: Greek skandalon ouk estin (σκάνδαλον οὐκ ἔστιν). Skandalon literally means a trap, snare, or the bait-stick of a trap. Figuratively, it denotes an offense, a cause of stumbling, a moral pitfall or temptation, or something that leads someone into sin or apostasy. The phrase "no cause for stumbling" implies two aspects:
  1. The loving person does not themselves stumble or fall into sin easily because their walk is aligned with God's light and love.
  2. They do not cause others (their "brothers") to stumble or fall through their words, actions, or example. Their conduct is pure and provides no legitimate reason for others to be offended, confused, or led astray.
• Words-group Analysis:
  • "Whoever loves his brother remains in the light": This phrase establishes the direct link between horizontal love (for others) and vertical communion (with God). True love for fellow believers is not merely a social nicety but a necessary indicator and condition of one's ongoing fellowship with God and spiritual integrity. It suggests that walking in love is walking in light.
  • "and in him there is no cause for stumbling": This outlines the ethical consequence of such a state of being. The internal disposition of love for one's brother, flowing from abiding in the light, produces an external effect of moral stability and blameless conduct. The person becomes both spiritually secure and a safe influence on others.

1 John 2 10 Bonus section

The emphasis on skandalon (stumbling block) highlights a crucial aspect of Christian responsibility beyond individual purity: the communal impact of one's actions. John makes it clear that one who walks in love by definition safeguards themselves from such moral pitfalls and equally refrains from placing such pitfalls in the path of others. This is an active rather than passive blamelessness. The absence of skandalon indicates a profound state of spiritual maturity, where one's love has refined their perception to avoid causing damage either to themselves (internal integrity) or to the community (external influence). This is contrasted starkly with the person who hates, as outlined in the preceding verse, whose entire existence is characterized by stumbling because they are still enveloped in darkness.

1 John 2 10 Commentary

1 John 2:10 powerfully asserts the inseparability of genuine faith from practical love and ethical conduct. John grounds true spirituality in action: the love for one's fellow believer. This "agape" love, divine in its source and nature, is not passive sentiment but active obedience and commitment, aligning the believer with God's own character, who is light and love. Remaining in this light means dwelling in truth, purity, and active fellowship with God, preventing one from tripping over their own sin or setting spiritual snares for others.

This verse stands as a core component of John's "tests" for authentic Christian experience. In a time when Gnostic teachings elevated "knowledge" over ethical behavior, John vehemently counteracts this by demonstrating that true spiritual illumination (remaining in the light) is made manifest by sacrificial love. Such love protects the believer from personal spiritual missteps and ensures their actions do not become stumbling blocks that could cause spiritual harm or offense to others, especially within the Christian community. It is the hallmark of spiritual maturity and the path of unhindered spiritual progression.

For practical application, consider:

• Personal Walk: Is my love for others active and tangible, reflecting Christ's love? Does this love illuminate my path and keep me from hidden sin?
• Impact on Others: Do my words, attitudes, and choices build up or potentially trip up my brothers and sisters in faith? Am I consciously seeking to live blamelessly to ensure I am no obstacle to another's spiritual journey?
• Confronting Disunity: How can active love contribute to resolving disagreements or divisions, ensuring no "cause for stumbling" within the church?