King James Version
What Does John 11:10 Mean?
“But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.”
Context
8
His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?
9
Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
10
But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
11
These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
12
Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(10) **But if a man walk in the night . . .**—He passes in this verse from the material to the spiritual truth. This first clause still holds of the natural night, and the danger to men who walk in it, but it holds, too, of the darkness in which men walk who do not see, as He is seeing, the light of heaven falling upon the moral path. In the second clause the moral truth is expressed with a prominence which excludes the other.
**Because there is no light in him.**—The light is now not that “of this world,” but that which is within man.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
John 11:10 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 John 11:10
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge