John 11:9
What does John 11:9 mean?
A plain-English look at John 11:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 11:9 means
Jesus answers with a proverb about the twelve hours of daylight. He teaches that there is a divinely appointed time to work; within that time, one does not stumble, because the light of this world gives clarity for the path. He implies that His mission is presently in that God-ordained day, and He walks without fear because He sees by the light given. The principle extends to disciples: obedience in God’s timing carries its own safety, not by removing danger, but by providing guidance. The verse encourages trust that God’s purposes illumine the way until the appointed night comes.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If a man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If a man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then Jesus said in answer, Are there not twelve hours in the day? A man may go about in the day without falling, because he sees the light of this world.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus answered, `Are there not twelve hours in the day? if any one may walk in the day, he doth not stumble, because the light of this world he doth see;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus answered: Are there not twelve hours of the day? If a man walk in the day he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any one walk in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world;
Context
Jesus responds to the disciples’ concern by reframing risk through the metaphor of day and night. Verse 9 begins the thought: daylight equals God’s appointed opportunity, when one can walk without stumbling. The next verse completes the contrast by describing what happens in the night. This teaching justifies His return to Judæa and instructs His followers about courage shaped by divine timing. It prepares for the announcement about Lazarus’s condition, which will necessitate their immediate journey.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 12:35
Jesus therefore said unto them, Yet a little while is the light among you. Walk while ye have the light, that darkness overtake you not: and he that walketh in the darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
- Jeremiah 31:9
They shall come with weeping; and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by rivers of waters, in a straight way wherein they shall not stumble; for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my first-born.
- John 9:4
We must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
- Proverbs 3:23
Then shalt thou walk in thy way securely, And thy foot shall not stumble.
- Luke 13:31
In that very hour there came certain Pharisees, saying to him, Get thee out, and go hence: for Herod would fain kill thee.
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