1 John 2:11 kjv

But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

1 John 2:11 nkjv

But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

1 John 2:11 niv

But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.

1 John 2:11 esv

But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

1 John 2:11 nlt

But anyone who hates a fellow believer is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness.

1 John 2 verses

1 John 2 11 Meaning

First John 2:11 declares that a person who harbors hatred for a fellow believer is spiritually adrift, dwelling and moving in profound spiritual darkness. This state prevents them from discerning their spiritual path or ultimate destination, for the very darkness they inhabit has obscured their spiritual vision and understanding. It's a statement on the existential consequence of unlove for those within the Christian community.

1 John 2 11 Context

First John chapter 2 focuses on tests of genuine Christian faith, particularly in contrast to the false teachings prevalent during John's time. The chapter transitions from Christ's role as advocate and propitiation for sins (vv. 1-2) to the necessity of obeying God's commands as proof of knowing Him (vv. 3-6). John then specifically introduces the "new commandment"—love—which is both ancient and eternally new (vv. 7-8). Verses 9-11 directly develop this theme by contrasting the state of one who loves his brother (walking in light) with one who hates him (walking in darkness). This verse acts as a strong polemic against those who might profess knowledge of God or claim spiritual enlightenment yet harbor malice or indifference towards fellow believers. It's a foundational ethical expectation within the early Christian community, setting clear boundaries between genuine discipleship and empty profession.

1 John 2 11 Word analysis

• But he who hates (ὁ μισῶν, ho misōn): The Greek "misōn" is a present participle, indicating a continual state or characteristic action, not just a passing emotion. It describes one whose settled disposition or habitual practice is hostility. This hatred is contrasted directly with "love" (ἀγαπάω, agapao) in verse 10. In Johannine theology, "hatred" often implies a total rejection or animosity, antithetical to God's nature, which is love. It refers specifically to animosity within the brotherhood, pointing to a spiritual issue between believers.
• his brother (τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ, ton adelphon autou): Refers to a fellow Christian, a member of the family of God. John’s emphasis is on intra-community relationships. This is distinct from a general hatred for humanity, although Christian love extends to all. The focus is on the breach of familial unity in Christ.
• is in darkness (ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ ἐστίν, en tē skotia estin): "Darkness" (σκοτία, skotia) represents not merely the absence of light but a state of moral depravity, spiritual ignorance, separation from God, and a realm dominated by sin and spiritual forces hostile to God. It signifies an unregenerate spiritual condition, akin to death or separation from truth. "Is in" denotes an abiding state or sphere of existence.
• and walks in darkness (καὶ ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ περιπατεῖ, kai en tē skotia peripatei): "Walks" (περιπατεῖ, peripatei) metaphorically means to conduct one's life, to live or behave. This reinforces that the "being in darkness" is not merely theoretical but expressed in one's actions, conduct, and manner of life. It implies a consistent, practiced way of living that reflects one's inner spiritual state. The actions and character align with darkness.
• and does not know (καὶ οὐκ οἶδεν, kai ouk oiden): "Knows" (οἶδεν, oiden) in John often implies a deep, experiential knowledge, spiritual insight, or true understanding that comes from fellowship with God. Here, it signifies a lack of spiritual discernment. This is not intellectual ignorance but spiritual incomprehension regarding divine truth.
• where he is going (ποῦ ὑπάγει, pou hypagei): "Going" (ὑπάγει, hypagei) refers to one's destination, course, or ultimate end. Spiritually, this means lacking a clear direction or purpose. The individual is aimless in their spiritual journey because they lack the divine light to guide them. It implies spiritual confusion and a trajectory away from God’s kingdom.
• because the darkness (ὅτι ἡ σκοτία, hoti hē skotia): The use of "because" introduces the reason for their spiritual disorientation. It is the darkness itself that is the active agent in blinding.
• has blinded his eyes (ἐτύφλωσεν τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ, etyphlōsen tous ophthalmous autou): "Blinded" (ἐτύφλωσεν, etyphlōsen) refers to being deprived of sight, here spiritual sight. The darkness is personified as actively obscuring spiritual perception, preventing truth from being seen. The "eyes" (ὀφθαλμούς, ophthalmous) represent spiritual understanding or perception. This self-inflicted spiritual blindness is a consequence of choosing to dwell in and practice darkness, and it hinders the ability to perceive divine truth and God's will. It suggests an active opposition of the heart to the light.

1 John 2 11 Bonus section

This verse highlights the profound ethical dimension of Johannine theology. For John, light and darkness are not just abstract concepts but directly correlate with the moral and relational choices of individuals. Hatred, therefore, is not merely an emotional failing but an indicator of allegiance to the realm of darkness, opposed to God. The language here echoes OT themes of the wicked stumbling in the dark and Jesus' teachings about walking in the light (Prov 4:19, Jn 12:35). The inability to "know where he is going" speaks to a complete lack of divine guidance and a trajectory that leads away from life and into spiritual peril, reinforcing the seriousness of breaking the commandment to love one another. The verse reveals that the self-imposed darkness due to hatred becomes a feedback loop, further obscuring spiritual understanding and perpetuating the spiritual lostness.

1 John 2 11 Commentary

First John 2:11 serves as a stark warning and a profound diagnostic tool for spiritual authenticity. It unequivocally links an individual's ethical disposition—specifically, their attitude towards other believers—with their fundamental spiritual state. To "hate his brother" is not a trivial flaw but a definitive sign that one "is in darkness" and "walks in darkness." This hatred signifies a lack of genuine fellowship with God, who is light and love. The consequence of such a state is severe: spiritual disorientation. The one who hates cannot "know where he is going," not because of mere intellectual ignorance, but because the very environment of darkness has "blinded his eyes," rendering him incapable of spiritual discernment. He cannot see God’s path or understand his true spiritual destiny. This verse thus functions as a powerful refutation against any claim of Christian maturity or spiritual enlightenment that is devoid of love for fellow believers, making it a critical litmus test for true spiritual regeneration. It underscores that Christianity is not merely a set of beliefs but a transformative relationship manifested in relational love.