1 John 2:8

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.

Again {G3825}, a new {G2537} commandment {G1785} I write {G1125} unto you {G5213}, which thing {G3739} is {G2076} true {G227} in {G1722} him {G846} and {G2532} in {G1722} you {G5213}: because {G3754} the darkness {G4653} is past {G3855}, and {G2532} the true {G228} light {G5457} now {G2235} shineth {G5316}.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

Context

First John, written by the Apostle John, often called the "apostle of love," emphasizes the essentials of Christian faith: fellowship with God, walking in the light, and loving one another. In 1 John 2:7, John speaks of an "old commandment" which the believers had "from the beginning." This verse (1 John 2:8) then introduces the idea of this same commandment being "new." This apparent paradox is central to understanding the passage. The "old" commandment refers to the moral law, particularly the command to love, which was present from the Old Testament (e.g., Leviticus 19:18). The "newness" is tied to the advent of Christ and the new covenant era.

Key Themes

  • The "New" Commandment of Love: While the command to love was ancient, it became "new" in Jesus Christ. His life, death, and resurrection provided a perfect example and the power to obey it. It's new in its depth, scope, and the divine enablement it brings. Jesus Himself declared a "new commandment" to love one another as He has loved them. This commandment is now fully revealed and made possible through Christ.
  • Truth in Christ and Believers: The phrase "which thing is true in him and in you" signifies that this new commandment of love is not merely an abstract concept but a living reality. It is perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ (true in Him) and is progressively realized in the lives of believers who are united with Him (true in you). As believers walk in the light, their lives reflect the love of God.
  • Transition from Darkness to Light: This verse powerfully declares, "because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth." This highlights the profound spiritual transformation brought about by Christ. The "darkness" represents the reign of sin, ignorance, spiritual blindness, and separation from God that characterized the world before Christ's full revelation. The "true light" is Jesus Christ Himself, who came into the world to enlighten every man and bring truth, life, and salvation. His coming inaugurated a new era where spiritual darkness no longer holds absolute sway for those who believe.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "new" here is kainos (καινὸς), which means "new in quality or nature," not merely *neos* (νέος), meaning "new in time." This emphasizes that the commandment of love is not just a recent instruction, but one transformed and elevated by Christ's example and empowering presence. The "true light" uses the Greek alēthinon (ἀληθινὸν), stressing that Jesus is the authentic, genuine, and ultimate source of spiritual illumination, in contrast to any false lights or fleeting understandings.

Practical Application

This verse calls believers to live out the radical love exemplified by Christ. Since the "darkness is past" and the "true light now shineth" in and through believers, Christians are expected to reflect this light in their actions, attitudes, and relationships. It is a reminder that the Christian life is not about adhering to old laws in a legalistic way, but about living by the Spirit of Christ, allowing His love to flow through them. This means actively choosing love over hate, truth over deceit, and light over darkness in all aspects of life, recognizing that we are empowered by the very presence of Christ within us.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ephesians 5:8

    For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

  • Romans 13:12

    The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

  • John 13:34

    A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

  • John 8:12

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

  • John 1:9

    [That] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

  • 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.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:6

    For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
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