Devine Scripture

1 John 2:8

What does 1 John 2:8 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 John 2:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 John 2:8 means

John can also call the commandment “new” because in Jesus it has been freshly realized and empowered. The old word is now seen with new brightness: Christ has fulfilled and exemplified it, and by His work the darkness is passing and the true light already shines. The age of Messiah has dawned; believers live in that light and are to reflect it. In them, as in Him, love is taking root and spreading. The command is new in quality and era—not altered, but elevated and energized in the person and work of Jesus and the transforming presence of His life among His people.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Again, a new commandment write I unto you, which thing is true in him and in you; because the darkness is passing away, and the true light already shineth.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Again, a new commandment write I unto you, which thing is true in him and in you; because the darkness is passing away, and the true light already shineth.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Again, I give you a new law, which is true in him and in you; for the night is near its end and the true light is even now shining out.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

again, a new command I write to you, which thing is true in him and in you, because the darkness doth pass away, and the true light doth now shine;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

Verse 8 complements verse 7’s emphasis on continuity by stressing the newness that Christ brings: the light of His kingdom is already shining, displacing darkness. On this basis, John now applies a test of light versus darkness in community life (verses 9–11). Claims to be “in the light” are measured by love for one’s brother. The next verses set stark alternatives: love shows true light; hatred reveals ongoing darkness and blindness.

v.7Beloved, no new commandment write I unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning: the old commandment is the word which ye heard.

v.8This passage

v.9He that saith he is in the light and hateth his brother, is in the darkness even until now.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 8:12

    Again therefore Jesus spake unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.

  • 2 Timothy 1:10

    but hath now been manifested by the appearing of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,

  • Acts 26:18

    to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith in me.

  • John 1:9

    There was the true light, even the light which lighteth every man, coming into the world.

  • Malachi 4:2

    But unto you that fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings; and ye shall go forth, and gambol as calves of the stall.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:4

    in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them.

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