1 John 2:9 kjv

He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

1 John 2:9 nkjv

He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now.

1 John 2:9 niv

Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.

1 John 2:9 esv

Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.

1 John 2:9 nlt

If anyone claims, "I am living in the light," but hates a fellow believer, that person is still living in darkness.

1 John 2 verses

1 John 2 9 Meaning

This verse declares a fundamental truth regarding genuine Christian identity: merely claiming to be in God's light is void if accompanied by hatred towards a fellow believer. Such a person, despite their profession, remains in a state of spiritual darkness, alienated from true divine fellowship and understanding. It establishes a practical and visible test for one's spiritual condition, revealing hypocrisy.

1 John 2 9 Context

1 John chapter 2 focuses on what it means to genuinely know God, emphasizing that true knowledge is not merely intellectual assent or a spiritual claim, but is evidenced by obedience to His commands, particularly the command to love. The epistle of 1 John generally counters false teachings (proto-Gnosticism) prevalent in the early church, which often emphasized mystical knowledge (gnosis) or spiritual experiences over ethical conduct and loving fellowship. John explicitly confronts those who claimed spiritual enlightenment or a special relationship with God ("in the light") yet neglected fundamental moral responsibilities, chief among them brotherly love. This verse, following discussions on walking in light and obeying Christ's commandments, directly addresses the hypocrisy of such claims. It sets up a contrast with the succeeding verse, 1 John 2:10, which describes the one who loves his brother as genuinely walking in the light without stumbling.

1 John 2 9 Word analysis

• He that saith (λέγων – legōn): This is a present participle, implying a continual, ongoing assertion or claim. It highlights a profession, a statement made by someone about themselves. John emphasizes that this is merely a verbal declaration, often unaccompanied by corresponding reality.
• he is in the light (ἐν τῷ φωτὶ – en tō phōti): The phrase "in the light" signifies spiritual communion with God, who "is light" (1 John 1:5). It represents truth, righteousness, divine fellowship, and freedom from spiritual ignorance or moral corruption. To be "in the light" is to possess and live out God's character.
• and hateth (μισῶν – misōn): Another present participle, indicating a persistent state or active practice of hatred. This Greek word (miseō) denotes a strong aversion, animosity, or active ill-will. In Johannine thought, hatred is the antithesis of love, and as such, the antithesis of God. It signifies a refusal of fellowship, even active malice towards a fellow believer.
• his brother (τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ – ton adelphon autou): Primarily refers to a fellow Christian, a member of the spiritual family of God. John's letters often define the Christian community through familial terms. The command to love often applies within the believing community first and then extends to all people, but within this immediate context, the focus is on intramural Christian relationships.
• is in darkness (ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ – en tē skotia): The complete opposite of being "in the light." "Darkness" represents spiritual ignorance, moral corruption, sin, separation from God, and a state where truth is obscured or rejected. It means operating outside God's divine illumination and character.
• even until now (ἕως ἄρτι – heōs arti): This temporal phrase emphasizes the persistence of the condition. It means that despite any profession or amount of time elapsed, if hatred persists, the individual has never genuinely entered or currently resides in the light. They have remained continuously in a state of darkness, reinforcing the severity and ongoing nature of their spiritual plight.
• Words-group by words-group analysis:
  • "He that saith he is in the light": This group of words speaks to an intellectual or verbal claim of spiritual status. It describes someone who self-identifies as spiritually enlightened or genuinely connected with God. It represents an assertion rather than a verified reality.
  • "and hateth his brother": This is the stark counter-evidence, an action that directly contradicts the prior claim. It highlights that the presence of active animosity or malice towards a fellow believer is fundamentally incompatible with the purported state of being "in the light." It functions as the critical diagnostic sign.
  • "is in darkness even until now": This concludes the verse with the severe judgment. It declares the true spiritual condition of the claimant. The "darkness" is a current and continuing reality, unaffected by the person's claims. "Even until now" emphasizes that this state of spiritual blindness and separation has never genuinely changed.

1 John 2 9 Bonus section

The strength of John's language in this verse underscores the radical and foundational nature of love in Christian theology and practice. John is not describing a momentary lapse but a continuous state ("hateth," "is in darkness"). The implication is that hatred, far from being a minor failing, is a fundamental symptom of an unregenerate heart, contradicting the very nature of God, who "is light" and "is love." The phrase "even until now" could imply that those professing light but exhibiting hatred have never actually come into the light, or they have definitively departed from it, maintaining a continuous state of spiritual blindness and hostility. This teaching serves as a stern warning against religious hypocrisy and a constant call to self-examination for all who claim the name of Christ.

1 John 2 9 Commentary

1 John 2:9 provides a sharp, unflinching criterion for discerning true Christian profession. It serves as a spiritual lie detector: a mere verbal declaration of being "in the light"—of walking with God, possessing spiritual knowledge, or living in truth—is utterly invalidated by the presence of active hatred or animosity towards a fellow believer. John leaves no room for compartmentalization; genuine spiritual life cannot coexist with animosity within the brotherhood. Hatred signifies an enduring state of "darkness," a condition of spiritual ignorance and alienation from God, irrespective of any outward claims. This verse cuts through religious pretense, asserting that visible love for the Christian community is the authentic and unavoidable fruit of genuine transformation and a living relationship with God.