1 John 2:8 kjv

Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.

1 John 2:8 nkjv

Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.

1 John 2:8 niv

Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.

1 John 2:8 esv

At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.

1 John 2:8 nlt

Yet it is also new. Jesus lived the truth of this commandment, and you also are living it. For the darkness is disappearing, and the true light is already shining.

1 John 2 verses

1 John 2 8 Meaning

The apostle John states that while he previously referenced an "old commandment" of love, he is now simultaneously writing to them about a "new commandment." This commandment is identified as "true" in Christ Himself and in believers, signifying its authentic manifestation and living reality through Him. The urgency and validity of this command are underscored by the present reality that the spiritual "darkness"—representing sin, ignorance, and error—is progressively diminishing, while "the true light"—Christ Himself and His redemptive work—is already illuminating the world, bringing forth life and truth.

1 John 2 8 Context

This verse stands at a pivotal point in John's first epistle, connecting his initial claims about walking in light (1 Jn 1:5-7) and truth (1 Jn 1:8-10, 2:4) with his practical admonition to love (1 Jn 2:7-11). Earlier, John presented the "old commandment" as a general principle of love already known to believers, echoing the teaching of Jesus (John 13:34). Here, he reintroduces the same commandment but now explicitly calls it "new," shifting focus from its content (which remains ancient) to its new significance and transformative power in Christ. The immediate context of 1 John 2 deals with distinguishing genuine believers from those who claim fellowship with God but live in sin or denial of Christ. John addresses claims of knowledge or "light" that do not lead to obedience, particularly obedience rooted in love for God and others. This verse contrasts the diminishing realm of spiritual darkness with the encroaching reality of "the true light," a theme crucial to combatting any gnostic-like influences that might elevate abstract knowledge above righteous living and loving relationships.

1 John 2 8 Word analysis

• Again (πάλιν, palin): This adverb signifies a repetition or return to a previous theme. It connects back to the "old commandment" mentioned in verse 7, showing that while the commandment itself is ancient, John is presenting it from a fresh perspective, or with a renewed emphasis.
• I am writing a new commandment (ἐντολὴν καινὴν γράφω, entolēn kainēn graphō):
  • new (καινὴν, kainēn from kainos): This Greek word means new in quality, fresh, superior, or of a different kind, rather than simply new in time (neos). The commandment to love was "old" in content (Lev 19:18), but it is "new" because of its full revelation and perfect embodiment in Christ, and its empowered fulfillment in believers by the Spirit. It has new depth, motive (Christ's love for us), and scope (as a distinguishing mark of Christ's disciples).
  • commandment (ἐντολὴν, entolēn): A divine injunction or mandate, emphasizing its authoritative source.
  • I am writing (γράφω, graphō): Highlights John's apostolic authority in articulating God's will. The present tense indicates an ongoing action or present reality being conveyed.
• which is true (ὅ ἐστιν ἀληθές, ho estin alēthes):
  • true (ἀληθές, alēthes): Means authentic, genuine, real, as opposed to counterfeit or illusory. The "new" quality of the commandment is genuinely realized and effective. It's not just a theoretical truth but a practical, living one.
• in Him and in you (ἐν αὐτῷ καὶ ἐν ὑμῖν, en autō kai en hymin):
  • in Him (ἐν αὐτῷ, en autō): Refers to Christ. The new commandment of love finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment, demonstration, and power in Jesus Christ. His life, death, and resurrection perfectly exemplify this love (John 15:13).
  • and in you (καὶ ἐν ὑμῖν, kai en hymin): Refers to believers. The commandment is "true" in believers when they genuinely embody this Christ-like love through the power of the Holy Spirit. Their lives become the lived proof and visible manifestation of this commandment's authenticity. This counters any purely intellectual or detached spirituality.
• because the darkness is passing away (ὅτι ἡ σκοτία παράγεται, hoti hē skotia paragetai):
  • darkness (ἡ σκοτία, hē skotia): Symbolizes sin, evil, spiritual ignorance, unbelief, and moral depravity.
  • is passing away (παράγεται, paragetai): This verb, in the present tense, denotes an ongoing process of fading or receding. It suggests that the spiritual darkness is not static but actively losing its power and grip as God's redemptive plan unfolds. It reflects an eschatological reality that has already begun (inaugurated eschatology).
• and the true light is already shining (καὶ τὸ φῶς τὸ ἀληθινὸν ἤδη φαίνει, kai to phōs to alēthinon ēdē phainei):
  • true light (τὸ φῶς τὸ ἀληθινὸν, to phōs to alēthinon): This refers preeminently to Jesus Christ, who is the source of all spiritual light, truth, and life (John 1:9, 8:12).
  • already (ἤδη, ēdē): This adverb signifies that the light's arrival is not future, but a present reality. Christ has come; His redemptive work is accomplished; the Spirit has been given. The era of genuine enlightenment has dawned.
  • is shining (φαίνει, phainei): Also in the present tense, emphasizing the continuous, active radiation of Christ's light in the world.

1 John 2 8 Bonus section

The interplay between "darkness is passing away" (παράγεται, paragetai, implying a receding or moving away) and "true light is already shining" (ἤδη φαίνει, ēdē phainei, present, ongoing action) creates a profound eschatological tension. This indicates an "already but not yet" reality within Christian experience. The definitive victory over darkness was achieved in Christ's death and resurrection (the "already" of the light shining), yet the full, complete eradication of all darkness and evil is still to come (the "not yet" where darkness continues its gradual departure). Believers live in this tension, empowered by the already shining light to participate in the ongoing retreat of darkness through lives lived in obedience to the "new" commandment of love. This also implicitly critiques those who claim spiritual enlightenment ("light") but whose actions contradict the core manifestation of true light, which is love.

1 John 2 8 Commentary

In 1 John 2:8, John brilliantly redefines the commandment to love, moving it from a mere external injunction to a living, internal reality. While the ethical requirement to love one's neighbor was an ancient truth rooted in the Mosaic Law, Christ's perfect embodiment of this love, His command to love as He loved, and the indwelling Holy Spirit's enablement transform it into something "new" – not in content, but in power and depth. It becomes true in Christ because He fulfilled it perfectly, and true in believers as they genuinely manifest His love in their lives. This truth is affirmed by the eschatological shift that began with Christ's advent: the domain of spiritual darkness is actively receding, vanquished by the already-present and continuously shining "true light" of Christ. Therefore, loving in truth and in deed is not an optional extra for the Christian, but a vital sign that one is truly walking in God's light, reflecting the diminishing darkness and the burgeoning kingdom of God's Son.