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 2:8KJV
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1 John 2:8 (KJV)

What does 1 John 2:8 mean?

1 John 2:8 says that the writer is giving a new commandment, which is already true in Jesus and in the believers, because spiritual darkness is fading away and the true light is now shining. This verse highlights a change that has come with Jesus, bringing light that replaces the old darkness.

The apostle John is writing to early Christians, reminding them that the message and way of life Jesus brought is both new and already present among them. John’s words suggest that the coming of Jesus has started a new era, where the truth and love he taught are now visible and active, pushing away the darkness of ignorance or sin.

The Greek behind 1 John 2:8

  • "new" (καινὴν, kainēn): This word means something fresh or unprecedented, not just recent. John emphasizes that the commandment is new in quality, not simply in time.
  • "darkness" (σκοτία, skotia): This refers to spiritual or moral darkness. John uses it to describe the old way of living, which is now "passing away" because of Jesus.
  • "true" (ἀληθινός, alēthinos): This word means genuine or real, as opposed to something shadowy or incomplete. John is saying the light Jesus brings is the real thing, not just a hint or preview.
  • "light" (φῶς, phōs): This is often understood as a symbol for truth, goodness, or God’s presence. The verse says this true light is already shining, not just promised for the future.

Why 1 John 2:8 matters

  • 1 John 2:8 clarifies that the commandment to love is not just an old rule repeated, but something made new and alive through Jesus’s example and presence.
  • The verse shows that the arrival of Jesus marks a turning point: spiritual darkness is not just challenged, but is actually passing away, replaced by the reality of God’s light.
  • This verse connects to the rest of 1 John, which often contrasts darkness and light, helping readers see that following Jesus means living in a new reality where truth and love are meant to be visible.

Where else these words appear

“past” Greek G3855 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 9:9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
  • Mark 2:14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.
  • John 9:1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.

“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.

“true” Greek G227 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
  • John 8:14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.
  • Romans 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

“true” Greek G228 · used in 25 verses

  • Luke 16:11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
  • John 19:35 And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.
  • Revelation 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?