Bible Strands
John 11:9
Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? If anyone walks in the daytime, he will not stumble, because he sees by the light of this world.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses His disciples in Judea, responding to their hesitation by citing the fixed measure of daylight hours. He speaks to them at a moment when returning to Judea carries the risk of being stoned by Jewish leaders.
The words — οὐχὶ (ouchi) functions as a rhetorical "surely" or "is it not," establishing the premise of the statement. ὧρα (hōra) denotes a literal hour, underscoring a complete, allotted period of time for action.
The thread — This daylight imagery appears in John 9:4, where Jesus ties daytime to the urgent performance of the Father's works. It reappears in John 12:35, where He commands the crowd to walk while the Light remains among them.
Why it lands — The text requires immediate movement within God's appointed time, warning that delay in the season of visible guidance guarantees spiritual stumbling.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- John 9:4 While it is daytime, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work.
- John 12:35 Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.
- Jeremiah 31:9 They will come with weeping, and by their supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk beside streams of waters, on a level path where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is My firstborn.”
- Proverbs 3:23 Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.
- Luke 13:31 At that very hour, some Pharisees came to Jesus and told Him, “Leave this place and get away, because Herod wants to kill You.”