1 John 2:8

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
πάλιν
Again
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
#2
ἐντολὴν
commandment
injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription
#3
καινὴν
a new
new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age
#4
γράφω
I write
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#5
ὑμῖν
unto you
to (with or by) you
#6
which thing
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#7
ἐστιν
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#8
ἀληθὲς
true
true (as not concealing)
#9
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#10
αὐτῷ
him
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
#11
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#13
ὑμῖν
unto you
to (with or by) you
#14
ὅτι
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
σκοτία
the darkness
dimness, obscurity (literally or figuratively)
#17
παράγεται
is past
to lead near, i.e., (reflexively or intransitively) to go along or away
#18
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
φῶς
light
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
#21
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
ἀληθινὸν
the true
truthful
#23
ἤδη
now
even now
#24
φαίνει
shineth
to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 John. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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