What does John 11:9 mean?

Explanation

John 11:9, spoken by Jesus, uses a time-related metaphor to convey a spiritual principle.

Here, Jesus refers to the natural division of the day into twelve hours, which was a common way to refer to daylight hours in Jewish culture.

The "twelve hours in the day" are indicative of the time when the sun is up, providing light and enabling vision and movement without stumbling.

Jesus uses this imagery to imply that there is a designated period or season for work and activity that is provided and ordained by God.

He suggests that when one is walking in God's appointed time, they are walking in the light, and therefore they don't stumble because God's truth and purpose illumine their path.

The "light of this world" can be interpreted as the divine guidance and truth that Jesus himself embodies and imparts to humanity.

Historical Context

The verse is part of the narrative found in John 11, which details the events leading up to the raising of Lazarus.

During this time, Jesus was ministering in an environment of increasing hostility from the Jewish religious leaders.

When his disciples caution him against going back to Judea because the Jewish leaders there had previously tried to stone him, Jesus responds with this saying about the "twelve hours in the day."

The "twelve hours in the day" reflects the ancient Jewish timekeeping system, which divided the daylight period from sunrise to sunset into twelve equal parts regardless of the season, meaning that the length of these hours would change throughout the year.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, John 11:9 can suggest several important themes:

• Divine Timing: Jesus is emphasizing the importance of acting within God's timetable, which is safe and illuminated by divine truth.
• Guidance: The reference to light can be seen as Jesus inviting people to trust in his guidance, being the "light of the world" (John 8:12).
• Opportunity: The verse can also be understood as a call to make use of the opportunities that God provides and to perform good deeds while there is time.
• Providence: Lastly, the verse speaks of divine providence, assuring that one will not fail if one follows the path set by God, who provides the 'light' necessary to navigate through life.

Different denominations may focus on various aspects of this theological perspective based on their doctrines and teachings.

Practical Applications

In a contemporary context, believers can take from this verse a reminder to be aware of and seize the opportunities to do good and fulfill their mission while they can.

It underscores the importance of recognizing the 'daylight' that God gives, times of opportunity and clarity for action, preventing spiritual 'stumbling.' Practically, people can apply this principle by prioritizing their time and focusing on actions that align with their faith and values.

Cross-References

• John 9:4: "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work."
• 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."

• Ephesians 5:14-16: "Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

Language Study

In the original Koine Greek of the New Testament, the key words to be studied include:

• "ὥραι ἐνδεκα" (horai endeka): often translated as "twelve hours," referring to the division of the daytime into twelve equal periods.
• "περιπατεῖ" (peripatei): a word meaning "to walk," implying living or acting.
• "προσκόπτει" (proskoptei): meaning "to stumble," used metaphorically to indicate encountering problems or falling into sin.

The usage of these terms further cements the metaphor of life being like a day's journey, where following divine guidance - the 'light' - ensures a safe and purposeful walk.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Ancient cultures often personified time and light in their religious narratives.

For instance, in various pagan religions, the sun god was a common figure.

In Egyptian mythology, Ra was the god of the sun who traveled across the sky during the day and passed through the underworld at night, mirroring the journey of life and death.

In several religious traditions, light is synonymous with knowledge, goodness, and divine presence.

In contrast, darkness often represents ignorance, evil, and separation from the divine. Jesus's use of light as a metaphor aligns with these widespread cultural symbols but places it firmly within the monotheistic context of Jewish understanding of God providing guidance and good times for action.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse may evoke discussions about the nature of light and its importance in human life.

Scientifically, daylight regulates various biological processes through circadian rhythms, and exposure to sunlight is vital for vitamin D synthesis.

Although these scientific perspectives were not in the view of the ancient audience, they can enrich the understanding of light as a life-sustaining element, analogous in some ways to the spiritual sustenance Jesus claims to provide.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators offer a variety of interpretations of John 11:9. Here are a few:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary: Suggests that Jesus teaches people to work while it is called today and highlights the providence that keeps people safe during their 'day,' or time of service.
• Barnes' Notes on the Bible: Notes that Jesus implies the necessity of working while it is proper and safe, with the daylight representing the safety and call of duty.
• The Expositor's Greek Testament: Comments on the associations of "light" and "day" with life and activity as opposed to "night" and "darkness," symbolizing death and inactivity, seen in the context of Jesus's mission.