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. John develops the consequences of hating one's brother beyond verse 9's statement. "He that hateth his brother" (ho de misōn ton adelphon autou) again indicates ongoing, habitual hatred—settled animosity, contempt, or indifference toward fellow believers. The threefold consequence intensifies: he "is in" darkness (his state), "walketh in" darkness (his conduct), and "knoweth not whither he goeth" (his disorientation).
"Is in darkness" (en tē skotia estin) describes his current position—separated from God, truth, and spiritual life. "Walketh in darkness" (en tē skotia peripatei) describes his lifestyle—habitual conduct characterized by sin, error, and spiritual blindness. "Knoweth not whither he goeth" (ouk oiden pou hypagei) reveals profound disorientation—lacking direction, purpose, or understanding of life's trajectory. This person is spiritually blind, wandering without knowing they're lost.
"Because that darkness hath blinded his eyes" (hoti hē skotia etyphlōsen tous ophthalmous autou)—the aorist tense "hath blinded" (etyphlōsen) indicates completed action with lasting effect. Darkness didn't merely affect vision; it destroyed it. Sin, particularly the sin of hatred, progressively blinds. What begins as hardness of heart ends in complete spiritual blindness—inability to perceive truth, recognize sin, or understand reality. This is terrifying: one can be so blinded by sin that he doesn't recognize his blindness. Hatred is both symptom and cause of this condition.
Historical Context
Biblical imagery of spiritual blindness runs throughout Scripture. Isaiah pronounced judgment on Israel: "Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes" (Isaiah 6:10)—persistent sin resulting in judicial hardening. Jesus applied this to Pharisees (Matthew 13:14-15, 23:16-26). Paul described unbelievers as having "the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not" (2 Corinthians 4:4).
The Gnostic teachers ironically illustrated this verse. Claiming superior enlightenment and knowledge, they were in fact blind—unable to see the truth about Christ's incarnation, the necessity of love, or the seriousness of sin. Their hatred of orthodox believers whom they deemed inferior revealed their profound darkness. They knew not where they were going—their teaching led to spiritual destruction.
Church history provides tragic examples of hatred blinding professing Christians. The Crusades, Inquisition, Wars of Religion, and slavery-defending theology all demonstrate how hatred can blind people who claim to walk in light. When Christians harbor racial prejudice, class contempt, or sectarian animosity, they reveal darkness regardless of claimed orthodoxy or spiritual experiences. Contemporary culture wars sometimes produce similar blindness—Christians hating those who disagree, unaware that their hatred proves their darkness.
Questions for Reflection
How does hatred progressively blind us to truth, making us unaware of our spiritual condition?
What specific forms of hatred (prejudice, contempt, bitterness, unforgiveness) might be blinding you to God's truth or work?
How can you cultivate love for those you're tempted to hate, recognizing that such love is essential for spiritual sight and clarity?
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Analysis & Commentary
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. John develops the consequences of hating one's brother beyond verse 9's statement. "He that hateth his brother" (ho de misōn ton adelphon autou) again indicates ongoing, habitual hatred—settled animosity, contempt, or indifference toward fellow believers. The threefold consequence intensifies: he "is in" darkness (his state), "walketh in" darkness (his conduct), and "knoweth not whither he goeth" (his disorientation).
"Is in darkness" (en tē skotia estin) describes his current position—separated from God, truth, and spiritual life. "Walketh in darkness" (en tē skotia peripatei) describes his lifestyle—habitual conduct characterized by sin, error, and spiritual blindness. "Knoweth not whither he goeth" (ouk oiden pou hypagei) reveals profound disorientation—lacking direction, purpose, or understanding of life's trajectory. This person is spiritually blind, wandering without knowing they're lost.
"Because that darkness hath blinded his eyes" (hoti hē skotia etyphlōsen tous ophthalmous autou)—the aorist tense "hath blinded" (etyphlōsen) indicates completed action with lasting effect. Darkness didn't merely affect vision; it destroyed it. Sin, particularly the sin of hatred, progressively blinds. What begins as hardness of heart ends in complete spiritual blindness—inability to perceive truth, recognize sin, or understand reality. This is terrifying: one can be so blinded by sin that he doesn't recognize his blindness. Hatred is both symptom and cause of this condition.