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 2:11KJV
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1 John 2:11 (KJV)

What does 1 John 2:11 mean?

1 John 2:11 says that someone who hates his brother is living in darkness, does not know where he is going, and is spiritually blinded by that darkness. The verse uses the image of darkness to describe how hatred clouds a person’s understanding and direction in life.

The apostle John is writing to early Christians, warning them that hatred toward others is a sign of spiritual blindness. In the context of this letter, John is urging believers to love one another, making it clear that hatred is not just a minor flaw but something that separates a person from the light and truth found in Jesus.

The Greek behind 1 John 2:11

  • σκοτία (skotia, "darkness"): This word is used repeatedly in the verse to emphasize a state of spiritual blindness and separation from God’s truth. John uses it to show that hatred is not just a feeling but a condition that affects a person’s whole spiritual life.
  • μισέω (miseō, "hateth"): This Greek word means more than just strong dislike; it often implies active hostility or rejection. John’s use of this word shows that such an attitude is incompatible with walking in the light.
  • ἐτύφλωσεν (etuphōsen, "blinded"): This verb means to make blind or to cause someone to be unable to see. Here, it highlights that darkness (spiritual ignorance or hatred) has an active effect, making it impossible for a person to see the right path.

Why 1 John 2:11 matters

  • 1 John 2:11 clarifies that hatred is not a neutral or private emotion but a sign of being spiritually lost, which challenges the idea that personal feelings do not affect one’s relationship with God.
  • The verse connects the theme of love and light that runs through John’s letter, showing that how believers treat each other is central to living in God’s truth.
  • This verse helps explain why John is so insistent on love among believers: without it, a person cannot truly know where they are going or claim to live in the light.

Where else these words appear

“blinded” Greek G5186 · used in 3 verses

  • John 12:40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
  • 2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

“darkness” Greek G4653 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
  • John 6:17 And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.
  • John 20:1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

“hateth” Greek G3404 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
  • Luke 19:14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.
  • Romans 9:13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.

“whither” Greek G4226 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
  • Luke 22:11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
  • John 14:5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?