1 John 2:9 bbe — He who says that he is in the light, and has hate in his heart for his brother, is still in the dark.

Bible in Basic English

"He who says that he is in the light, and has hate in his heart for his brother, is still in the dark."

— 1 John 2:9, Bible in Basic English

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1 John 2:9 in Other Translations

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1 John 2 — Context

6

He who says that he is living in him, will do as he did.

7

My loved ones, I do not give you a new law, but an old law which you had from the first; this old law is the word which came to your ears.

8

Again, I give you a new law, which is true in him and in you; for the night is near its end and the true light is even now shining out.

9

He who says that he is in the light, and has hate in his heart for his brother, is still in the dark.

10

He who has love for his brother is in the light, and there is no cause of error in him.

11

But he who has hate for his brother is in the dark, walking in the dark with no knowledge of where he is going, unable to see because of the dark.

12

I am writing to you, my children, because you have forgiveness of sins through his name.

1 John 2:9 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 John 2:9 say?
1 John 2:9 in the Bible in Basic English reads: “He who says that he is in the light, and has hate in his heart for his brother, is still in the dark.”
Where is 1 John 2:9 in the Bible?
1 John 2:9 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 John, chapter 2, verse 9.
Who wrote 1 John?
1 John is traditionally attributed to John the Apostle. It was written c. AD 85–95.
What is the book of 1 John about?
John writes to help believers know they have eternal life. Three tests run through the letter: do you walk in the light, love one another, and confess that Jesus is the Christ come in the flesh? Where these are present, assurance follows.
What are the major themes of 1 John?
1 John explores themes including Assurance, Love, Light, Truth vs. Error, Eternal Life. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 John 2:9.
What translation should I read 1 John 2:9 in?
1 John 2:9 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 John 2:9?
1 John 2:9 reads (BBE): “He who says that he is in the light, and has hate in his heart for his brother, is still in the dark.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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