John 1:5

 

Berean Standard Bible
The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
 
King James Bible
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
 
NET Bible
And the light shines on in the darkness, but the darkness has not mastered it.
 
Berean Study Bible
 
The Light
In the context of John 1:5, "The Light" refers to Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of divine truth and holiness. The Greek word for "light" is "phōs," which signifies not only physical light but also spiritual illumination and purity. In the biblical narrative, light is often associated with God's presence and revelation. Genesis 1:3, where God commands, "Let there be light," marks the beginning of creation, symbolizing order and life. Similarly, Jesus, as "The Light," brings spiritual life and order to a world darkened by sin.
 
shines
The verb "shines" is derived from the Greek word "phainei," which means to appear or become visible. This continuous action indicates that the presence of Christ is ongoing and active. The light of Christ is not a past event but a present reality, constantly illuminating the hearts and minds of believers. This shining is not passive; it is a dynamic force that penetrates the darkness, offering hope and guidance.
 
in the darkness
"Darkness" in this verse is translated from the Greek word "skotia," which represents not just the absence of light but also moral and spiritual ignorance and evil. Throughout Scripture, darkness is often used metaphorically to describe the state of the world apart from God. In the historical context of John's Gospel, the world was under Roman rule, characterized by moral decay and spiritual blindness. The darkness symbolizes the pervasive sin and separation from God that humanity experiences.
 
and the darkness has not overcome it
The phrase "has not overcome it" comes from the Greek "katalambanō," which can mean to seize, grasp, or overpower. This suggests a struggle between light and darkness, where darkness attempts to extinguish the light but fails. Theologically, this is a profound statement of Christ's victory over sin and evil. Despite the world's attempts to suppress or reject the light, it remains undefeated. This assurance is a cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming that no matter how pervasive evil seems, it cannot conquer the light of Christ.
 
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The Light: In this context, "the light" is commonly interpreted as a reference to Jesus Christ. John introduces Jesus as the "Word" (Logos in Greek) who was with God in the beginning and was God (John 1:1-2). The light symbolizes truth, life, divine revelation, and the presence of God among humanity.
Shines in the Darkness: The darkness can be understood in several ways:
 
As the moral and spiritual darkness of the world, which includes ignorance, sin, and death.
As the existential condition of humanity without divine guidance or understanding.
 
The Darkness Has Not Overcome It: This can be translated or interpreted in different ways due to nuances in Greek:
 
Not Overcome: Suggests that despite the world's darkness, the light of Christ cannot be extinguished or defeated. It implies a victory of light over darkness, of truth over falsehood.
 
Not Comprehended: Some translations use "comprehended" instead of "overcome," indicating that the darkness (or those in darkness) cannot understand or grasp the light. This highlights the mystery and transcendence of Christ's nature and mission.
 
Theologically, this verse speaks to:
 
The Incarnation: That Jesus, as divine light, came into the world, bringing light where there was darkness.
 
The Power of Light: No matter how pervasive darkness might seem, it cannot suppress or destroy the light. This offers hope and comfort to believers, suggesting that divine truth and goodness will ultimately prevail.
 
The Mission of Jesus: Jesus came to enlighten, save, and transform lives, confronting and overcoming the forces of sin and death.
 
This verse also has implications for Christian ethics and living, encouraging followers to live as bearers of light in a dark world, resisting evil and spreading truth, love, and peace.
 
In summary, John 1:5 encapsulates the themes of divine revelation, the triumph of good over evil, and the ongoing presence of God in the world through Christ, which are central to Christian theology.
 
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John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible
 
And the light shineth in darkness,.... Which, through sin, came upon the minds of men; who are naturally in the dark about the nature and perfections of God; about sin, and the consequences of it; about Christ, and salvation by him; about the Spirit of God, and his work upon the soul; and about the Scriptures of truth, and the doctrines of the Gospel. Man was created a knowing creature, but, not content with his knowledge, sins, and is banished from the presence of God, the fountain of light; which brought a darkness on him, and his posterity, and which is increased in them by personal iniquity, and in which Satan, the god of this world, has an hand; and sometimes they are left to judicial blindness, and which issues in worse darkness, if grace prevents not: now amidst this darkness there were some remains of the light of nature: with respect to the being of God, which shines in the works of creation and providence and to the worship of God, though very dimly; and to the knowledge of moral good and evil:
 
and the darkness comprehended it not; or "perceived it not"; as the Syriac version renders it. By the light of nature, and the remains of it, men could not come to any clear and distinct knowledge of the above things; and much less to any knowledge of the true way of salvation: unless, rather by the light should be meant, the light of the Messiah, or of the Gospel shining in the figures, types, and shadows of the law, and in the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament: and yet, such was the darkness upon the minds of men, that they could not very distinctly apprehend it, and much less fully comprehend it, so that there was need of a fresh and fuller revelation; an account of which follows;
 
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Cross Reference:
 
Genesis 1:3-4
And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness.
 
Isaiah 9:2
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.
 
2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.