TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
Complete Jewish Bible
Yet I am writing you a new command, and its reality is seen both in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.
Berean Standard Bible
Then again, I am also writing to you a new commandment, which is true in Him and also in you. For the darkness is fading and the true light is already shining.
American Standard Version
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.
World English Bible Messianic
Again, I write a new commandment to you, which is true in him and in you; because the darkness is passing away, and the true light already shines.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Againe, a new comandement I write vnto you, that which is true in him, and also in you: for the darkenes is past, and that true light now shineth.
Young's Literal Translation
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;
In the KJVVerse 30,559 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 John 2 verses 7–11
7 ¶ Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.
8 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.
9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
11 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.
The seventh verse may be supposed either to look backward to what immediately preceded (and then it is walking as Christ walked that is here represented as no new, but an old commandment; it is that which the apostles would certainly inculcate wherever they brought Christ's gospel), or to look forward to what the apostle is now going to recommend, and that is the law of fraternal love; this is the message heard from the beginning (Jo1 3:11), and the old commandment, Jo2 1:5. Now, while the apostle addresses himself to the recommendation of such a practice, he is ready to give an instance thereof in his affectionate appellation: "Brethren, you who are dear to me in the bond of that love to which I would solicit you;" and so the precept of fraternal love is recommended,
I. As an old one: I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment, which you had from the beginning, Jo1 2:7. The precept of love must be as old as human nature; but it might admit divers enactions, enforcements, and motives. In the state of innocence, had human nature then been propagated, men must have loved one another as being of one blood, made to dwell on the earth, as being God's offspring, and bearing his image. In the state of sin and promised recovery, they must love one another as related to God their Maker, as related to each other by blood, and as partners in the same hope. When the Hebrews were peculiarly incorporated, they must accordingly love each other, as being the privileged people, whose were the covenants and the adoption, and of whose race the Messiah and head of the church must spring; and the law of love must be conveyed with new obligations to the new Israel of God, to the gospel church, and so it is the old commandment, or the word which the children of the gospel Israel have heard from the beginning, Jo1 2:7.
II. As a new one: "Again, to constrain you to this duty the more, a new commandment I write unto you, the law of the new society, the Christian corporation, which thing is true in him, the matter of which was first true in and concerning the head of it; the truth of it was first and was abundantly in him; he loved the church, and gave himself for it: and it is true in you; this law is in some measure written upon your hearts; you are taught of God to love one another, and that because" (or since, or forasmuch as) "the darkness is past, the darkness of your prejudiced unconverted (whether Jewish or Gentile) minds, your deplorable ignorance of God and of Christ is now past, and the true light now shineth (Jo1 2:8); the light of evangelical revelation hath shone with life and efficacy into your hearts; hence you have seen the excellency of Christian love, and the fundamental obligation thereto." Hence we see that the fundamentals (and particularly the fundamental precepts) of the Christian religion may be represented either as new or old; the reformed doctrine, or doctrine of religion in the reformed churches, is new and old - new, as taught after long darkness, by the lights of the reformation, new as purged from the adulterations of Rome; but old as having been taught and heard from the beginning. We should see that that grace or virtue which was true in Christ be true also in us; we should be conformable to our head. The more our darkness is past, and gospel light shines unto us, the deeper should our subjection be to the commandments of our Lord, whether considered as old or new. Light should produce a suitable heat. Accordingly, here is another trial of our Christian light; before, it was to be approved by obedience to God; here by Christian love. 1. He who wants such love in vain pretends his light: He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even unto now, Jo1 2:9. It is proper for sincere Christians to acknowledge what God has done for their souls; but in the visible church there are often those who assume to themselves more than is true, there are those who say they are in the light, the divine revelation has made its impression upon their minds and spirits, and yet they walk in hatred and enmity towards their Christian brethren; these cannot be swayed by the sense of the love of Christ to their brethren, and therefore remain in their dark state, notwithstanding their pretended conversion to the Christian religion. 2. He who is governed by such love approves his light to be good and genuine: He that loveth his brother (as his brother in Christ) abideth in the light, Jo1 2:10. He sees the foundation and reason of Christian love; he discerns the weight and value of the Christian redemption; he sees how meet it is that we should love those whom Christ hath loved; and then the consequence will be that there is no occasion of stumbling in him (Jo1 2:10); he will be no scandal, no stumbling-block, to his brother; he will conscientiously beware that he neither induce his brother to sin nor turn him out of the way of religion, Christian love teaches us highly to value our brother's soul, and to dread every thing that will be injurious to his innocence and peace. 3. Hatred is a sign of spiritual darkness: But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, Jo1 2:11. Spiritual light is instilled by the Spirit of grace, and one of the first-fruits of that Spirit is love; he then who is possessed with malignity towards a Christian brother must needs be destitute of spiritual light; consequently he walks in darkness (Jo1 2:11); his life is agreeable to a dark mind and conscience, and he knows not whither he goes; he sees not whither this dark spirit carries him, and particularly that it will carry him to the world of utter darkness, because darkness hath blinded his eyes, Jo1 2:11. The darkness of regeneracy, evidenced by a malignant spirit, is contrary to the light of life; where that darkness dwells, the mind, the judgment, and the conscience will be darkened, and so will mistake the way to heavenly endless life. Here we may observe how effectually our apostle is now cured of his once hot and flaming spirit. Time was when he was for calling for fire from heaven upon poor ignorant Samaritans who received them not, Luk 9:54. But his Lord had shown him that he knew not his own spirit, nor whither it led him. Having now imbibed more of the Spirit of Christ, he breathes out good-will to man, and love to all the brethren. It is the Lord Jesus that is the great Master of love: it is his school (his own church) that is the school of love. His disciples are the disciples of love, and his family must be the family of love.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 7–11. Public domain.
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Clement of Alexandria (as quoted by Cassiodorus)AD 215
From the Latin Translation of Cassiodorus
"This is the commandment; for the darkness" of perversion, that is, "has passed away, and, lo, the true light has already shone," - that is, through faith, through knowledge, through the Covenant working in men, through prepared judgments.
TertullianAD 220
On Modesty
Nay, but this whole world is the one house of all; in which world it is more the heathen, who is found in darkness, whom the grace of God enlightens, than the Christian, who is already in God's light. Finally, it is one "straying" which is ascribed to the ewe and the drachma: (and this is an evidence in my favour); for if the parables had been composed with a view to a Christian sinner, after the loss of his faith, a second loss and restoration of them would have been noted.
CyprianAD 258
Treatise XII. Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews.
That charity and brotherly affection are to be religiously and stedfastly practised. In Malachi: "Hath not one God created us? Is there not one Father of us all? Why have ye certainly deserted every one his brother? " Of this same thing according to John: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you." Also in the same place: "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, even as I have loved you. Greater love than this has no man, than that one should lay down his life for his friends." Also in the same place: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God." Also in the same place: "Verily I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth concerning everything, whatever you shall ask it shall be given you from my Father which is in heaven. For wherever two or three are gathered together in my name, I am with them." Of this same thing in the first Epistle to the Corinthians: "And I indeed, brethren, could not speak unto you as to spiritual, but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I have given you milk for drink, not meat: for while ye were yet little ye were not able to bear it, neither now are ye able. For ye are still carnal: for where there are in you emulation, and strife, and dissensions, are ye not carnal, and walk after man? " Likewise in the same place: "And if I should have all faith, so that I can remove mountains, but have not charity, I am nothing. And if I should distribute all my goods for food, and if I should deliver up my body to be burned, but have not charity, I avail nothing. Charity is great-souled; charity is kind; charity envieth not; charity dealeth not falsely; is not puffed up; is not irritated; thinketh not evil; rejoiceth not in injustice, but rejoiceth in the truth. It loveth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, beareth all things. Charity shall never fail." Of this same thing to the Galatians: "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and accuse one another, see that ye be not consumed one of another." Of this same thing in the Epistle of John: "In this appear the children of God and the children of the devil. Whosoever is not righteous is not of God, and he who loveth not his brother. For he who hateth his brother is a murderer; and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him." Also in the same place: "If any one shall say that he loves God, and hates his brother, he is a liar: for he who loveth not his brother whom he seeth, how can he love God whom he seeth not? " Of this same thing in the Acts of the Apostles: "But the multitude of them that had believed acted with one soul and mind: nor was there among them any distinction, neither did they esteem as their own anything of the possessions that they had; but all things were common to them." Of this same thing in the Gospel according to Matthew: If thou wouldest offer thy gift at the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave thou thy gift before the altar, and go; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift at the altar." Also in the Epistle of John: "God is love l and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." Also in the same place: "He who saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is a liar, and walketh in darkness even until now."
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Ten Homilies on 1 John 1
"Dearly beloved, I write unto you no new commandment, but the old commandment which ye had from the beginning." What commandment calls he "old"? "Which ye had," saith he, "from the beginning. Old" then, in this regard, that ye have already heard it: otherwise he will contradict the Lord, where He saith, "A new commandment give I unto you, that ye love one another." But why an "old" commandment? Not as pertaining to the old man. But why? "Which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard." Old then, in this regard, that ye have already heard it. And the selfsame he showeth to be new, saying, "Again, a new commandment write I unto you." Not another, but the selfsame which he hath called old, the same is also new. Why? "Which thing is true in Him and in you." Why old, ye have already heard: that is, because ye knew it already. But why new? "Because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth." Lo, whence it is new: because the darkness pertains to the old man, but the light to the new man. What saith the Apostle Paul? "Put ye off the old man, and put ye on the new." And again what saith he? "Ye were sometime darkness, but now light in the Lord."
Hilary of ArlesAD 449
INTRODUCTORY COMMENTARY ON 1 JOHN
The commandment is true in him because he loved us so much that he died for us, and it will be true in us also if we love one another.
Andreas of CaesareaAD 614
CATENA
The new dimension to the commandment is that now the light has come into the world, our Lord Jesus, because of whom the power of the devil has passed away.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Catholic Epistles
Which is true in him and in you, etc. Behold here is the new, for darkness pertains to the old man and the light truly to the new man. Finally, the Apostle Paul says: Put off the old man and put on the new one (Eph. IV); and again: You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord (Eph. V).
Ishodad of MervAD 850
COMMENTARIES
By “commandment” John means the revelation of the dispensation. It cannot be called new with respect to God, but from the human point of view it was a mystery hidden in the Creator from the beginning.
OecumeniusAD 990
Commentary on 1 John
Brothers, I am not writing a new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. Again, I write a new commandment to you, which is true in Him and in you: because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. He who says he is in the light and hates his brother is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
It concerns the love for one's neighbor, and it states that the connection to God or love is first known through love for one's neighbor. For it cannot happen that one who has been enlightened by the knowledge of God and filled with His love has darkness due to hatred against his brother. Indeed, light and darkness cannot coexist in the same and according to the same. Therefore, one who is illuminated by love for God is ignited towards the love of his brother, and having God, he also has light towards his brother.
He who says he loves God and hates his brother is in continuous darkness, always blind in his intellectual eyes as one who has lost the light that was from the connection with God and with his brother: nor does he know how to proceed thereafter. Since this letter was general and directed commonly to all, both Jews and Greeks: to the Jews indeed he directs his speech when he says, "I am not writing a new commandment to you, but an old one," speaking of love. For it is written in the tablets of Moses: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Lev. 19:18) To the Greeks, indeed (let someone say), what is written about the ancient commandment, when this is found nowhere? Therefore, we say that there was also a written law concerning love for neighbors. Where and how? Indeed, it is written on the tablet of the heart through natural understanding. And that the natural intelligences sown in us are called law, Paul is correct to confirm this statement, who says: "I see another law opposing the law of my mind which is in me." (Rom. 7:23) The law, therefore, or the old commandment, was also received by the Greeks, as nature itself is a lawgiver, that they should be kind to all relatives and love one another, inasmuch as man is a social animal: which could not happen without love. Moreover, the ancients write in history that many men have exposed themselves to death for one another. Our Savior gives a greater sign of love when he says, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." (Jn. 15:13) Thus, concerning the commandment of love for one's neighbor, which has long been established for both Jews and Greeks, John says: "Besides the old commandment that you heard about loving your neighbor, I am writing a new commandment to you: which is true in him who made you familiar with God, and in you who have communion with Him. For he himself says: “I have come as a light into the world,” (Jn. 12:46) and the true light, according to his word, now shines (Jn. 1:9); furthermore, in the light, darkness cannot stand (Jn. 1:5): let the true light of love shine from now on (Matt. 5:16), with genuine affection towards your brother, and let the darkness of hatred pass away, that is, let it depart, let it perish."
The phrase means passing away also, as the blessed Paul, where he says, “For the form of this world is passing away.” (1 Cor. 7:31) — In another manner concerning this: “I write a new commandment to you." This commandment is new, in that the commandment of Moses was not universal, but distinct according to those who were of the same kin or tribe, urging to love only friends (Lev. 19:18), while having hatred for enemies, as it says: "You shall love your friend and hate your enemy." (Matt. 5:43) The command of the Lord and His apostles, however, is very new, instructing: "Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you," (Luke 6:27) holding to natural existence, and not to that natural affection which clings to wicked men given over to evil arts out of malice.
"he who hates his brother." This kind of thing is said in these words: He who says he is of Christ and hates his brother is a liar and is not of Christ. For if Christ loved him so much that he laid down his life for him, how can he who claims to be of Christ hate his brother for whom Christ died? Or even in this way: Whoever says he is of God and hates his brother who is Christ (for he himself says, "I will declare your name to my brothers" Ps. 21:23) is not of God, but of the Devil. For if he were of God, he would surely love his brother, and thus also Christ.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
First John 2:8 presents a profound declaration that while the commandment of love is ancient, it is simultaneously "new" in its fulfillment and empowering reality through Jesus Christ. This paradox is resolved by understanding that the truth of this commandment is perfectly embodied in Christ and is actively realized in believers, signifying a transformative shift from spiritual darkness to the illuminating presence of God's true light.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse immediately follows 1 John 2:7 where John refers to an "old commandment" that believers have had "from the beginning." The "again, a new commandment I write unto you" in 1 John 2:8 sets up a deliberate contrast and clarification. John is not introducing a completely different command, but rather re-presenting the same foundational command of love, now infused with new meaning and power through Christ. This serves to deepen the understanding of Christian ethics, moving beyond mere adherence to rules to a life empowered by divine love, which is a central theme throughout 1 John. The subsequent verses, 1 John 2:9-11, further elaborate on the practical implications of walking in this light and living out this love, contrasting it sharply with remaining in darkness.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Apostle John wrote this epistle to a community of believers facing various challenges, including the rise of Gnostic-like heresies that denied the true humanity of Christ and often led to moral laxity or extreme asceticism. These false teachings threatened to undermine the core tenets of Christian faith and practice. In this environment, John emphasizes foundational truths: the reality of Christ's incarnation, the necessity of walking in fellowship with God, and the indispensable role of love for one another as evidence of true faith. The concept of "light" and "darkness" was a common metaphor in both Jewish and Hellenistic thought, often representing truth versus error, good versus evil, or divine presence versus spiritual absence. John employs this imagery to starkly differentiate the Christian life, characterized by divine illumination and love, from the world's spiritual ignorance and moral decay.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in 1 John. Firstly, it underscores the nature of Christian love as both ancient in its divine origin (rooted in the Old Testament command to love one's neighbor, as seen in Leviticus 19:18) and radically new in its manifestation and empowerment through Christ. Jesus Himself declared a "new commandment" in John 13:34 to love one another as He had loved them, elevating the standard and providing the divine enablement. Secondly, it highlights the transformative power of Christ's advent, depicting a decisive shift from the "darkness" of sin, ignorance, and spiritual separation to the "true light" of God's presence and truth. This transition is not merely intellectual but experiential, as believers are brought into fellowship with God through Christ, as detailed in 1 John 1:5-7. Finally, it reinforces the union of believers with Christ, asserting that the truth of this commandment is "in him and in you," meaning that Christ is the perfect embodiment of this love, and believers, united with Him, are called and enabled to live it out.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
John masterfully employs several literary devices in this concise verse. Paradox is central, as he presents a commandment that is both "old" (from 1 John 2:7) and "new" within the same breath, compelling the reader to seek a deeper meaning. This paradox is resolved through the lens of Christ's fulfillment. Symbolism is profoundly used with "darkness" representing sin, ignorance, and spiritual death, and "light" symbolizing truth, righteousness, divine presence, and ultimately, Jesus Christ Himself. The phrase "the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth" employs Antithesis, creating a sharp contrast between two opposing spiritual realities, emphasizing the decisive victory of light over darkness. This also functions as a Metaphor for the spiritual transformation experienced by believers who move from a state of spiritual blindness to illumination through Christ. The active verb "shineth" (phaínō) gives the light a dynamic, ongoing quality, reinforcing its present and active power.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse encapsulates the transformative power of the New Covenant, where the law is not abolished but fulfilled and internalized through Christ. The "new commandment" of love, though ancient in its essence, gains its qualitative newness from its perfect embodiment in Jesus and its enablement by the Holy Spirit within believers. It moves beyond external adherence to an internal, Spirit-empowered living out of God's character. The passing of darkness and the shining of true light speak to the inaugurated eschatology of the Christian faith – the decisive victory over sin and death has occurred in Christ, and believers now live in the dawn of His kingdom, even as they await its full consummation. This reality calls for a life that reflects the light and love of God, serving as a witness to a world still shrouded in spiritual darkness.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First John 2:8 serves as a powerful reminder of the profound spiritual reality that underpins the Christian life. We are no longer defined by the "darkness" of our former lives – characterized by sin, ignorance, and alienation from God – but by the "true light" that has dawned in Jesus Christ. This isn't merely a theological concept but a call to active transformation. If the darkness is truly past and the light now shines in us, then our lives should visibly reflect this truth. This means actively choosing love over hate, truth over deceit, and compassion over indifference in our daily interactions. It challenges us to examine whether our actions, attitudes, and relationships truly bear witness to the light of Christ within us, or if we are still clinging to remnants of the old darkness. The "new commandment" of love, empowered by Christ, becomes the practical outworking of this spiritual reality, urging us to live as children of light, radiating God's love to a world still in need of His illuminating truth.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does John mean by "new commandment" when he just called it "old" in the previous verse?
Answer: John is not contradicting himself but revealing a deeper truth about the commandment to love. In 1 John 2:7, he calls it "old" because it was given "from the beginning" – referring to its ancient origin in God's moral law (e.g., Leviticus 19:18) and the foundational teaching believers received from the start of their Christian journey. However, in 1 John 2:8, he calls it "new" because its meaning, depth, and the power to fulfill it have been radically transformed and fully revealed through Jesus Christ. It's "new" in its perfect embodiment in Christ, its empowering by the Holy Spirit, and its elevated standard (loving "as I have loved you," John 13:34). It's a qualitative newness, not merely a chronological one.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First John 2:8 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is both the perfect embodiment of the "new commandment" and the "true light" that dispels all darkness. The "new commandment" to love is new because it is perfectly lived out by Christ Himself, who laid down His life for us (1 John 3:16). He is the ultimate example and the divine enabler of this love, making it a living reality "in him and in you." Furthermore, Jesus is explicitly identified as the "true light" (John 1:9) who came into the world to overcome the "darkness" of sin and spiritual death (John 1:5). His incarnation, atoning death, and resurrection decisively brought about the passing of this darkness, inaugurating a new era where His illuminating truth and life now shine forth. Believers, united with Christ through faith, participate in this victory, receiving His light and being empowered by His Spirit to walk in love, thereby manifesting the truth of this "new commandment" in their transformed lives (Ephesians 5:8).