King James Version

What Does 1 John 2:10 Mean?

1 John 2:10 in the King James Version says “He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. occasion: Gr. scandall” — study this verse from 1 John chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. occasion: Gr. scandall”

1 John 2:10 · KJV

Context

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. occasion: Gr. scandall

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.

12

I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. John presents the positive contrast to verse 9's warning. "He that loveth his brother" (ho agapōn ton adelphon autou) uses present participle, indicating habitual, ongoing love as lifestyle. This is agapē—self-giving, covenant love modeled on Christ's love, not mere affection or sentiment. "His brother" (ton adelphon) encompasses all fellow believers—the community of faith bound together in Christ.

"Abideth in the light" (en tō phōti menei)—"abideth" (menei) means remains, dwells, continues steadfastly. This person doesn't merely experience the light occasionally but lives in it continuously. Love for brothers both evidences and sustains one's position in the light. Where genuine love exists, there is ongoing fellowship with God and experience of His truth.

"And there is none occasion of stumbling in him" (kai skandalon en autō ouk estin)—skandalon means a trap, snare, or cause of stumbling. This phrase can mean either: (1) there is nothing in this person to cause others to stumble—their loving conduct doesn't provoke offense or lead others into sin; or (2) there is nothing to cause this person himself to stumble—love keeps one from falling into sin. Likely both are true. Love produces moral clarity, stability, and safety both for oneself and others. The loving person walks securely in light without stumbling and doesn't cause others to stumble.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of causing others to stumble (skandalizō) was important in Jewish ethics and early Christian teaching. Paul extensively discussed not being a stumbling block to weaker brothers (Romans 14:13-21, 1 Corinthians 8:9-13). Jesus warned severely against causing little ones to stumble (Matthew 18:6). The community of faith was to be characterized by mutual care preventing stumbling.

In the Gnostic crisis, false teachers caused enormous stumbling. Their contempt for ordinary believers, moral license, and doctrinal errors led many astray. They claimed enlightenment yet produced division, confusion, and sin. John's test exposed them: those truly in the light love brothers and don't cause stumbling. The Gnostics failed this test—their teaching and conduct caused widespread stumbling.

The Reformation emphasized both aspects of this verse. Calvin taught that love for believers provides assurance (evidencing one's position in light) and enables sanctification (preventing stumbling into sin). Puritan devotional writers explored how love stabilizes Christian experience—those who love walk in bright confidence, while those who hate struggle in dark uncertainty. Love provides both moral clarity (knowing right from wrong) and moral strength (doing right, avoiding wrong).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does loving fellow believers practically prevent you from stumbling into sin or doctrinal error?
  2. In what ways might your attitudes or actions be causing other believers to stumble spiritually?
  3. How can you cultivate love for difficult brothers and sisters, knowing that such love evidences and sustains your position in the light?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ὁ1 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀγαπῶν2 of 15

“He that loveth”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

τὸν3 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφὸν4 of 15

“brother”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

αὐτῷ5 of 15

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐν6 of 15

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ7 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

φωτὶ8 of 15

“the light”

G5457

luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)

μένει9 of 15

“abideth”

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

καὶ10 of 15

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

σκάνδαλον11 of 15

“occasion of stumbling”

G4625

a trap-stick (bent sapling), i.e., snare (figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin)

ἐν12 of 15

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτῷ13 of 15

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

οὐκ14 of 15

“none”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔστιν·15 of 15

“there is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 John 2:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 John 2:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 3:14Romans 9:32-33Hosea 6:3Romans 14:13Matthew 13:212 Peter 1:10

Test Your Knowledge

1 John 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 John Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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