1 John 2:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} he that hateth {G3404} his {G846} brother {G80} is {G2076} in {G1722} darkness {G4653}, and {G2532} walketh {G4043} in {G1722} darkness {G4653}, and {G2532} knoweth {G1492} not {G3756} whither {G4226} he goeth {G5217}, because {G3754} that darkness {G4653} hath blinded {G5186} his {G846} eyes {G3788}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the person who hates his brother is in the dark — yes, he is walking in the dark, and he doesn’t know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

Berean Standard Bible

But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness. He does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

American Standard Version

But he that hateth his brother is in the darkness, and walketh in the darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because the darkness hath blinded his eyes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 2:11 serves as a stark warning, portraying the spiritual peril of one who harbors hatred toward a fellow believer. Such a person is not merely experiencing a temporary lapse but is fundamentally immersed in and guided by spiritual darkness, losing all sense of direction and purpose because their spiritual perception has been entirely obscured by the very darkness that hatred generates.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands in direct, antithetical relationship to the preceding verse, [1 John 2:10](/1_john/2-10 "1 John 2:10 - The One Who Loves His Brother Abides in the Light"). John employs a common Johannine literary technique of sharp contrasts (light/darkness, love/hatred, truth/falsehood) to delineate the authentic Christian life from its counterfeit. Following the exhortation to "walk in the light" ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Walking in the Light")) and the assurance that love for a brother signifies abiding in the light, verse 11 presents the dire consequence of its opposite: hatred. It is part of John's broader argument that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but is tangibly demonstrated through ethical conduct, particularly love for one another, which he presents as a primary "test" of true fellowship with God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First John was likely written in a period when the early Christian community was grappling with internal divisions and external pressures, particularly from emerging false teachings often labeled as proto-Gnosticism. These ideologies frequently emphasized esoteric knowledge or spiritual experiences over ethical behavior, sometimes leading to a disregard for moral commandments, including the command to love. John's epistle vigorously counters such tendencies by asserting that true spiritual enlightenment and fellowship with God are inextricably linked to practical righteousness and, preeminently, to love for fellow believers. The concept of "darkness" would have resonated with both Jewish and Hellenistic audiences, symbolizing ignorance, evil, and separation from divine truth.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme is the profound spiritual **darkness** that inevitably accompanies and is perpetuated by hatred. John consistently uses the imagery of light and darkness throughout his writings to represent spiritual truth, God's presence, and righteousness versus spiritual ignorance, sin, and separation from God. This verse highlights that hatred is not merely an emotional state but a spiritual condition that actively obscures one's ability to discern God's will and walk in His path. It reinforces the theme that **love is the distinguishing mark of true discipleship**, as taught by Jesus in [John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - The New Commandment") and reiterated by John throughout this epistle, especially in [1 John 4:7-8](/1_john/4-7-8 "1 John 4:7-8 - God Is Love"). The verse also touches on themes of **spiritual discernment** and **moral direction**, asserting that those in darkness lack the capacity to know "whither he goeth," indicating a loss of spiritual compass and purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hateth (Greek, _miséō'_):** This term signifies a strong, active aversion or hostility, not merely a passive dislike or indifference. In the biblical context, "hate" can sometimes mean to "love less" (as in [Luke 14:26](/luke/14-26 "Luke 14:26 - Hating Father and Mother")), but in 1 John 2:11, its contrast with "love" in the preceding verse ([1 John 2:10](/1_john/2-10 "1 John 2:10 - Abiding in the Light")) confirms its meaning as genuine animosity or active ill-will towards a fellow believer. It denotes a state of mind and heart fundamentally opposed to the nature of God, who is love.
* **darkness (Greek, _skotía'_):** This word denotes dimness or obscurity, used both literally and figuratively. In John's writings, it consistently symbolizes spiritual ignorance, moral corruption, sin, and separation from God, who is light. It is not merely the absence of light but an active, blinding force that obscures truth and spiritual reality. The repetition of this word emphasizes its pervasive and debilitating effect on the one who hates.
* **blinded (Greek, _typhlóō'_):** Derived from the word for "blind," this verb means to make blind or, figuratively, to obscure. Here, it indicates that the spiritual darkness, which is a consequence of hatred, actively renders a person incapable of seeing spiritual truth. It's not just that they are in darkness, but the darkness itself has performed an action upon their eyes, making them unable to perceive the path of righteousness or the will of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he that hateth his brother is in darkness":** This clause establishes the fundamental spiritual state of the one who harbors animosity towards a fellow believer. It is not merely an action they perform, but a condition they inhabit. To hate a brother is to exist within the realm of spiritual darkness, separated from the light of God's truth and presence.
* **"and walketh in darkness":** This expands on the previous clause, indicating that the state of being "in darkness" translates into a manner of life. "Walking" in biblical parlance often refers to one's conduct, lifestyle, or spiritual journey. Thus, one who hates not only resides in spiritual darkness but also conducts their life according to its principles, guided by ignorance and sin rather than by divine light.
* **"and knoweth not whither he goeth":** This highlights the consequence of walking in darkness: a complete loss of spiritual direction and purpose. Without the light of God's truth, the individual lacks moral clarity, spiritual discernment, and an understanding of God's will for their life. They wander aimlessly, unable to perceive the right path or their ultimate spiritual destination.
* **"because that darkness hath blinded his eyes":** This final clause provides the reason for the spiritual disorientation. The darkness itself, born of hatred, has actively obscured their spiritual vision ("eyes"). This is a powerful image, suggesting that the very condition of hatred has rendered them incapable of perceiving truth, understanding God's commands, or recognizing the path of righteousness. Their spiritual blindness is a self-inflicted consequence of their animosity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse makes powerful use of **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. "Darkness" is a central metaphor, symbolizing spiritual ignorance, sin, and separation from God, contrasting sharply with the "light" that represents God's truth and presence. The act of "walking in darkness" is a metaphorical description of a life lived outside of God's will and guidance. The phrase "hath blinded his eyes" employs the **Symbolism** of physical blindness to represent spiritual inability to perceive truth. The repetition of "darkness" throughout the verse creates a strong sense of its pervasive and oppressive nature, emphasizing the inescapable reality for one who hates. There is also a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship established: hatred leads to being in darkness, which leads to walking in darkness, which leads to not knowing where one is going, all because the darkness itself has caused spiritual blindness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the theological truth that hatred is fundamentally antithetical to the nature of God and the essence of Christian fellowship. Since God is light and in Him is no darkness at all ([1 John 1:5](/1_john/1-5 "1 John 1:5 - God Is Light")), to harbor hatred is to dwell in a realm utterly alien to God's character. It reveals a spiritual condition where the individual is alienated from divine truth and guidance, unable to discern the path of righteousness. The spiritual blindness described is not merely a lack of knowledge but an active incapacity to perceive spiritual reality, a self-imposed impediment to walking with God and experiencing true communion with Him and His people. This underscores the vital importance of love as the primary evidence of genuine conversion and ongoing fellowship with God.

* [1 John 2:10](/1_john/2-10 "1 John 2:10 - The One Who Loves His Brother Abides in the Light")
* [John 12:35](/john/12-35 "John 12:35 - Walk While You Have the Light")
* [Matthew 6:23](/matthew/6-23 "Matthew 6:23 - The Eye Is the Lamp of the Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First John 2:11 serves as a sobering mirror for self-examination, challenging believers to honestly assess the state of their hearts concerning relationships with others, especially fellow Christians. It reveals that harboring hatred, bitterness, or unresolved animosity is not a minor character flaw but a profound spiritual ailment that plunges one into darkness, obscuring spiritual vision and hindering one's walk with God. This verse calls us to actively pursue reconciliation, forgiveness, and genuine love, recognizing that the absence of love is a dangerous indicator of spiritual blindness. It compels us to pray for hearts transformed by God's love, enabling us to see others through His eyes and to walk in the light of His truth, discerning His will and purpose for our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be harboring unresolved anger, bitterness, or hatred towards others, especially fellow believers?**
* **How might these negative emotions be affecting my spiritual vision and my ability to discern God's will for my life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to actively cultivate love, forgiveness, and reconciliation in my relationships?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of what it means to truly "walk in the light"?**

### FAQ
**Does "hatred" in this verse refer only to intense malice, or can it include lesser forms of animosity or prolonged resentment?**

Answer: While "hateth" (Greek, _miséō'_) can certainly denote intense malice, John's broader emphasis throughout his epistles on the necessity of love suggests that any persistent, unaddressed animosity, resentment, or unforgiveness towards a fellow believer falls under the umbrella of what he considers antithetical to walking in the light. The contrast with "love" in [1 John 2:10](/1_john/2-10 "1 John 2:10 - The One Who Loves His Brother Abides in the Light") implies that even a lack of active, demonstrable love can indicate a heart that is not fully aligned with God's light. The spiritual blindness described is a consequence of any form of spiritual darkness, not just the most extreme. Therefore, it serves as a warning against any attitude that diminishes or rejects the love commanded by Christ for His followers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
This verse finds its ultimate fulfillment and counterpoint in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of light and love. He declared, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). The spiritual darkness and blindness described in [1 John 2:11](/1_john/2-11 "1 John 2:11 - Hatred Leads to Darkness") are precisely what Christ came to overcome. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus broke the power of darkness, offering forgiveness and the capacity to love. He commanded His disciples to "love one another: as I have loved you" ([John 13:34](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - The New Commandment")), setting His own sacrificial love as the standard. Those who hate are blinded by darkness, but Christ, the true Light, opens the eyes of the spiritually blind, enabling them to see God's truth and walk in His path. He transforms hearts of hatred into hearts capable of divine love, fulfilling the prophecy that He would "give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace" ([Luke 1:79](/luke/1-79 "Luke 1:79 - The Dawn from On High")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 12:35

Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

Titus 3:3

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

Revelation 3:17

Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

1 John 1:6

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

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.

1 John 2:9

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