1 John 2:9 - Exposition

He that saith. For the fifth time St. John points out a glaring inconsistency which is possible between profession and fact ( ἐὰν εἴπμεν , 1 John 1:6 , 1 John 1:8 , 1 John 1:10 ; ὁ λέγων , 1 John 2:4 .9); cf. 1 John 4:20 . In all these passages the case is put hypothetically; but in some of the Gnostic teaching of the age this inconsistency existed beyond a doubt. Is in darkness even until now. His supposing that hatred is compatible with light proves the darkness in which he is. Nay, more, it shows that, in spite of his having nominally entered the company of the children of light, he has really never left the darkness. "If ye loved only your brethren, ye would not yet be perfect; but if ye hate your brethren, what are ye? where are ye?".