John 11:9
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 24
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
3 of 24
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέρᾳ
in the day
G2250
ἡμέρᾳ
in the day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
9 of 24
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
ἐάν
If
G1437
ἐάν
If
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
10 of 24
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 #:
12 of 24
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 #:
14 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέρᾳ
in the day
G2250
ἡμέρᾳ
in the day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
15 of 24
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
προσκόπτει
he stumbleth
G4350
προσκόπτει
he stumbleth
Strong's:
G4350
Word #:
17 of 24
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 #:
18 of 24
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φῶς
the light
G5457
φῶς
the light
Strong's:
G5457
Word #:
20 of 24
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμου
world
G2889
κόσμου
world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
22 of 24
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
Cross References
John 9:4I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.John 12:35Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.Jeremiah 31:9They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.
Historical Context
A twelve-hour day from sunrise to sunset was standard Roman timekeeping. Travelers avoided night journeys due to danger from stumbling and robbers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does walking in God's will provide safety beyond physical security?
- What does this teach about divine sovereignty over the timing of our lives?
- Are you making decisions based on apparent danger or God's clear calling?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus responds with a metaphorical teaching about walking in daylight, alluding to His earlier discourse (9:4-5). The twelve hours represent the appointed time for work; stumbling comes from walking outside God's timing. Christ walks in His Father's will (the light) and therefore does not stumble, despite danger. This teaches divine sovereignty over life's duration and safety in obedience. Those who walk in God's will, whatever the apparent danger, walk in light.