John 11:10
But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
Original Language Analysis
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 15
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
περιπατῇ
walk
G4043
περιπατῇ
walk
Strong's:
G4043
Word #:
4 of 15
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προσκόπτει
he stumbleth
G4350
προσκόπτει
he stumbleth
Strong's:
G4350
Word #:
8 of 15
to strike at, i.e., surge against (as water); specially, to stub on, i.e., trip up (literally or figuratively)
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
9 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φῶς
light
G5457
φῶς
light
Strong's:
G5457
Word #:
11 of 15
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
Cross References
Jeremiah 13:16Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.Jeremiah 20:11But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.
Historical Context
Night travel was dangerous in first-century Palestine due to rough terrain, bandits, and wild animals. Lamps provided insufficient light for safe travel, making the metaphor immediately understandable.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of life are you tempted to 'walk in night' outside God's will?
- How does remaining in Christ as our light prevent moral and spiritual stumbling?
- What does this teach about the relationship between obedience and spiritual illumination?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The contrast between day and night walking continues the metaphor. Night represents walking outside God's will or living in spiritual darkness. Without 'the light of this world' (Christ Himself, 8:12), one stumbles morally and spiritually. The physical imagery points to spiritual truth: those who reject Christ walk in darkness regardless of physical circumstances. This anticipates the disciples' later failure when they fled in Christ's arrest—walking in fear's darkness rather than faith's light.