New International VersionAnyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble.
New Living TranslationAnyone who loves a fellow believer is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble.
English Standard VersionWhoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling.
Berean Standard BibleWhoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him.
Berean Literal BibleThe one loving his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling.
King James BibleHe that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
New King James VersionHe who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.
New American Standard BibleThe one who loves his brother and sister remains in the Light, and there is nothing in him to cause stumbling.
NASB 1995The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him.
NASB 1977The one who loves his brother abides in the light and there is no cause for stumbling in him.
Legacy Standard BibleThe one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him.
Amplified BibleThe one who loves and unselfishly seeks the best for his [believing] brother lives in the Light, and in him there is no occasion for stumbling or offense [he does not hurt the cause of Christ or lead others to sin].
Christian Standard BibleThe one who loves his brother or sister remains in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThe one who loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.
American Standard VersionHe that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is no occasion of stumbling in him.
Contemporary English VersionBut if we love others, we are in the light, and we don't cause problems for them.
English Revised VersionHe that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThose who love other believers live in the light. Nothing will destroy the faith of those who live in the light.
Good News TranslationIf we love others, we live in the light, and so there is nothing in us that will cause someone else to sin.
International Standard VersionThe person who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no reason for him to stumble.
NET BibleThe one who loves his fellow Christian resides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.
New Heart English BibleHe who loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no occasion for stumbling in him.
Webster's Bible TranslationHe that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is no occasion of stumbling in him.
Weymouth New TestamentHe who loves his brother man continues in the light, and his life puts no stumbling-block in the way of others. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him.
World English BibleHe who loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no occasion for stumbling in him. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionhe who is loving his brother, he remains in the light, and there is not a stumbling-block in him;
Berean Literal BibleThe one loving his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling.
Young's Literal Translation he who is loving his brother, in the light he doth remain, and a stumbling-block in him there is not;
Smith's Literal TranslationHe loving his brother remains in light, and there is no stumbling-block in him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe that loveth his brother, abideth in the light, and there is no scandal in him.
Catholic Public Domain VersionWhoever loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause of offense in him.
New American BibleWhoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is nothing in him to cause a fall.
New Revised Standard VersionWhoever loves a brother or sister lives in the light, and in such a person there is no cause for stumbling. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for displeasure in him.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishBut he who loves his brother dwells in light and there is no violation in him. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentHe that loves his brother abides in the light, and there is in him no cause for offense.
Godbey New TestamentThe one loving his brother with divine love abides in the light, and there is no stumbling in him.
Haweis New TestamentHe that loveth his brother is in the light, and occasion of stumbling in him there is none.
Mace New Testamenthe that loves his brother, abides in the light, and will be secure from stumbling.
Weymouth New TestamentHe who loves his brother man continues in the light, and his life puts no stumbling-block in the way of others.
Worrell New TestamentHe that loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no occasion of stumbling in him.
Worsley New Testamentwhereas, he that loveth his brother, abideth in the light, and is in no danger of stumbling.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context A New Commandment… 9If anyone claims to be in the light but hates his brother, he is still in the darkness. 10Whoeverloveshisbrotherremainsinthelight,andthere isnocause of stumblinginhim.11But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness. He does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.…
Cross References John 13:34-35A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. / By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”
John 15:12-13This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. / Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
1 John 3:14-15We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death. / Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer.
1 John 4:20-21If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. / And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must love his brother as well.
Matthew 22:37-40Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ / This is the first and greatest commandment. / And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ...
Romans 13:8-10Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. / The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” / Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Galatians 5:14The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
James 2:8If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. / Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. ...
Ephesians 5:2and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.
Colossians 3:14And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.
1 Peter 4:8Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Leviticus 19:18Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
Deuteronomy 6:5And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Proverbs 10:12Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.
Treasury of Scripture He that loves his brother stays in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. that loveth. 1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth nothis brother abideth in death. Hosea 6:3 Then shall we know,if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latterand former rain unto the earth. John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word,then are ye my disciples indeed; occasion of stumbling. Matthew 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. Matthew 18:7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! Luke 17:1,2 Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woeunto him, through whom they come! … Jump to Previous AbidesAbidethCauseContinuesErrorLifeLovesOccasionOthersPutsStumbleStumblingStumbling-BlockWayJump to Next AbidesAbidethCauseContinuesErrorLifeLovesOccasionOthersPutsStumbleStumblingStumbling-BlockWay1 John 2 1.He comforts them against the sins of infirmity.3.Rightly to know God is to keep his commandments;9.to love our brothers;15.and not to love the world.18.We must beware of antichrists;20.from whose deceits the godly are safe, preserved by perseverance in faith, and holiness of life.Whoever loves his brotherThis phrase emphasizes the importance of love within the Christian community. The term "brother" refers to fellow believers, highlighting the familial bond among Christians. This concept is rooted in Jesus' commandment to love one another ( John 13:34-35). The early church, as seen in Acts 2:42-47, exemplified this love through communal living and mutual support. The Greek word for love here is "agape," which denotes selfless, sacrificial love, reflecting the love of Christ. remains in the light
"Light" symbolizes truth, purity, and the presence of God. In biblical literature, light often contrasts with darkness, representing sin and ignorance.John 1:5 states, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it," indicating the triumph of Christ's truth over sin. To "remain in the light" suggests living in accordance with God's truth and commandments, as seen inPsalm 119:105, where God's word is described as a lamp and light for guidance. and there is no cause of stumbling in him
The term "stumbling" refers to sin or actions that lead others into sin. InMatthew 18:6, Jesus warns against causing others to stumble, especially those with childlike faith. This phrase implies that love prevents actions that could lead oneself or others away from faith. The absence of stumbling indicates spiritual maturity and integrity, aligning with the teachings ofRomans 14:13, which advises believers not to put obstacles in each other's way. Persons / Places / Events 1. John the ApostleThe author of 1 John, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Jesus and his emphasis on love and truth in his writings. 2. Early Christian CommunityThe audience of John's letter, likely composed of believers facing challenges from false teachings and needing encouragement to remain faithful to the teachings of Christ. 3. Jesus ChristCentral to the message of love and light, as the embodiment of God's love and the true light of the world. 4. False TeachersIndividuals who were spreading incorrect doctrines, causing division and confusion within the early church. 5. The LightA metaphor for truth, righteousness, and the presence of God, often contrasted with darkness, which represents sin and falsehood. Teaching Points The Importance of LoveLoving others is not optional for Christians; it is a command that reflects our relationship with God and our understanding of His love for us. Living in the LightTo remain in the light means to live in truth and righteousness, which naturally flows from a life characterized by love. Avoiding StumblingWhen we love our brothers and sisters, we create an environment where stumbling blocks are removed, promoting unity and spiritual growth. Love as Evidence of FaithGenuine love for others is a visible sign of our faith and our connection to Christ, serving as a testimony to the world. Practical LoveLove should be active and practical, demonstrated through actions and attitudes that reflect Christ's love for us. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 1 John 2:10?
2.How does loving your brother demonstrate walking in the light, per 1 John 2:10?
3.What does "no cause for stumbling" mean in the context of Christian living?
4.How can we apply 1 John 2:10 to resolve conflicts within the church?
5.Which other scriptures emphasize the importance of loving fellow believers?
6.How can you actively show love to your brothers in Christ this week?
7.How does 1 John 2:10 define love in the context of Christian faith?
8.What does "abides in the light" mean in 1 John 2:10?
9.How does 1 John 2:10 challenge our understanding of love and hate?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 John 2?
11.Do those who hate their brother walk in darkness?
12.What does it mean to hate evil and love good?
13.What does the Bible teach about hate?
14.What does "causing someone to stumble" mean?What Does 1 John 2:10 Mean Whoever loves his brother- Love here is not sentiment but active obedience to the command Jesus gave: “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you” (John 13:34). - John later clarifies, “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers” (1 John 3:14). Genuine salvation always shows up in tangible care for fellow believers. - Paul underscores the same priority: without love, even great gifts are “nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). - The verse begins with “Whoever,” opening the door to every believer; loving the family of God is not optional or elite—it is the everyday evidence of new birth.
remains in the light- God “is light; in Him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). To remain—or abide—in the light means ongoing fellowship with Him. - Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness” (John 8:12). Following Christ keeps us in the bright center of His presence. - When we love our brothers, we stay where God Himself is. The psalmist described light as guiding—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Living in that light guards our steps. - John ties doctrine and practice together: true belief produces true love, which keeps us in true light.
and there is no cause of stumbling in him- “Stumbling” pictures both tripping ourselves and tripping others. Love removes the obstacles that hatred or indifference would place in the path. - Jesus used similar language: “If anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him” (John 11:10). In Christ’s light, the hazards become visible. - Love fulfills the law and does “no wrong to its neighbor” (Romans 13:10), so the loving believer neither leads another into sin nor is easily trapped himself. - Paul warned about knowledge without love becoming a “stumbling block” (1 Corinthians 8:9). John gives the positive flip side: love clears the way.
summaryLove for fellow believers proves the reality of our faith, keeps us continually in God’s light, and clears the path of pitfalls for ourselves and others. In the daily practice of Spirit-empowered love,1 John 2:10 assures us that we are walking where Jesus walks—bright, safe, and sure-footed. Verse 10. - Whereas he who loves his brother has not only entered the region or' light, but has made it his home: he abideth in the light. It is difficult to determine whether the "occasion of stumbling" σκάνδαλον is in reference to himself or to others. The context here and John 11:9, 10 are in favour of the former. It is a man's own salvation that is under consideration here, not his influence over others: and προσκόπτει ὅτι τὸ φῶς οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν αὐτῷ seems exactly parallel. To have no light in one is to be in danger of stumbling; to have light in one is to have no occasion of stumbling (comp. Ezekiel 14:3, which is very parallel). But elsewhere in the New Testament σκάνδαλον means a stumbling-block or snare in another's way, not in one's own way; and this makes sense here. There is yet a third explanation. Ἐν αὐτῳ may mean "in it," i.e., "in the light there is no occasion of stumbling." This makes a good antithesis to the close of verse 11, "knoweth not whither he goeth."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Whoeverὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.lovesἀγαπῶν(agapōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 25:To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.brotherἀδελφὸν(adelphon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 80:A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.remainsμένει(menei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3306:To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. A primary verb; to stay.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.theτῷ(tō)Article - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.light,φωτὶ(phōti)Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5457:Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.there isἔστιν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.noοὐκ(ouk)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.cause of stumblingσκάνδαλον(skandalon)Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4625:A snare, stumbling-block, cause for error. Scandal; probably from a derivative of kampto; a trap-stick, i.e. Snare.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.him.αὐτῷ(autō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
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NT Letters: 1 John 2:10 He who loves his brother remains (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) |
