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

1 JOHN 2:9KJV
Know the Bible

1 John 2:9 (KJV)

What does 1 John 2:9 mean?

1 John 2:9 says that anyone who claims to be living in the light—meaning living in truth and closeness with God—but still hates their fellow believer is actually still in darkness. The verse points out that a person’s attitude toward others reveals whether they are truly walking in God’s light or not.

The apostle John is writing to early Christians, warning them against self-deception. In the context of this letter, “light” stands for God’s truth and moral purity, while “darkness” means being separated from God and living in sin. John is making it clear that genuine faith is shown by love for others, not just by words or claims.

The Greek behind 1 John 2:9

  • φῶς (phōs, “light”): This word is often used in the New Testament to represent God’s presence, truth, and purity. Here, it highlights the idea that living in God’s way is not just about belief, but about a transformed way of relating to others.
  • μισέω (miseō, “hateth”): This Greek word means more than just strong dislike; it can include active hostility or rejection. John is not just talking about fleeting negative feelings, but a settled attitude of animosity.
  • σκοτία (skotia, “darkness”): This word often refers to moral or spiritual blindness. John uses it to show that hatred is a sign of being cut off from God’s truth, no matter what someone claims about themselves.

Why 1 John 2:9 matters

  • 1 John 2:9 clarifies that spiritual claims must be matched by real-life actions, especially in how believers treat each other.
  • The verse warns against the danger of self-deception—thinking you are close to God while harboring hatred.
  • This verse connects to the wider theme of 1 John, where love for others is a key mark of genuine faith and fellowship with God.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“now” Greek G737 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • John 9:25 He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

“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.

“light” Greek G5457 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
  • Acts 26:23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.