What does 1 John 2:8 mean?

Explanation

The verse 1 John 2:8 from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible can be understood both literally and figuratively.

Literally, the apostle John is writing to fellow believers and stating that he is delivering a renewed (not entirely new) commandment, which is validated by its truth in both Jesus (him) and in the believers (you).

The "darkness" is metaphorically indicative of ignorance or sin, and with Jesus' presence, it "is past," implying that He has overcome it.

The "true light" represents Jesus, enlightenment, truth, and righteousness, which is described as already shining or being present in the world.

The deeper meaning implies that believers live in an era of fulfilled prophecy and revelation through Jesus, who illuminates spiritual truth and dispels the metaphorical darkness of sin.

Historical Context

The First Epistle of John is traditionally believed to have been written around 90-110 AD.

At this time, early Christians were facing internal and external challenges.

Gnostic beliefs, which included a variety of doctrines suggesting secret knowledge for salvation, were gaining traction.

John emphasizes the tangible reality of Jesus Christ (His life, death, and resurrection) against such teachings, intending to affirm the foundational beliefs of Christian faith.

It's also a period of transition from an era of direct apostolic teaching to a more established church structure.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse is rooted in Johannine themes like love, truth, and light versus darkness. The renewed commandment John mentions can be seen as an allusion to Jesus's teaching to love one another (John 13:34).

Theologically, it resonates with the understanding that Jesus brings light into a world darkened by sin, and His followers should continue to walk in that light.

Different denominations may emphasize different aspects, from the imperative of love as a reflection of true Christian identity, to the eschatological implications of "darkness passing" signaling the end of an age of sin and the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in daily life by encouraging believers to love others as an expression of living in the light of Christ.

To move from darkness to light in practical terms involves turning away from sin, deceit, or ignorance, and embracing truth, integrity, and enlightenment.

It promotes ethical behavior, compassion, and community as ways to reflect the transformative presence of Jesus in one's life.

Cross-References

• 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."
• Ephesians 5:8: "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:"
• John 1:4-5: "In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."

• 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."

Language Study

• "Commandment" (Greek: ἐντολή, entolē): This term commonly refers to a directive or authoritative prescription.

In this context, it hints the moral and ethical teachings of Jesus.

• "True" (Greek: ἀληθής, alēthēs): This adjective conveys the concept of truth, fidelity, and authenticity.
• "Light" (Greek: φῶς, phōs): Symbolic of purity, understanding, and divine revelation.
• "Darkness" (Greek: σκοτία, skotia): Often associated with evil, ignorance, or mired condition devoid of divine illumination.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This contrast between light and darkness appears in many religious traditions. For example, Zoroastrianism speaks of the battle between light and darkness as emblematic of good versus evil.

In ancient Egyptian mythology, the setting and rising sun represented the daily struggle and triumph over darkness.

These themes influence the symbolism in the Biblical text, which uses the light/dark dichotomy to represent the transformation brought by Christ similarly to how other myths use it to illustrate moral and cosmic struggles.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific understanding of light as a source of energy and life has parallels to the metaphor used by John.

While science doesn't comment on spiritual or ethical implications, it recognizes that light is essential to life on Earth and visibility (i.e., understanding one's environment).

The transition from darkness to light metaphorically used in this verse could be seen as symbolic of the broader human search for knowledge, understanding, and advancement.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer diverse viewpoints on this verse.

Matthew Henry’s commentary suggests that the new commandment John refers to is new in its enforcement by the example of Christ, who, as the true light, provides clearer and more direct understanding.

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible interprets the verse as referring to Jesus' command to love one another, which though not entirely new, was given new significance through His teaching and life.

In a similar vein, Adam Clarke’s commentary posits that believers are walking in the light of God through love and obedience to His commandments, which is seen in opposition to the "darkness" of error or later Gnostic influences.