John 1:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

NIV: The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

NASB: This was the true Light that, coming into the world, enlightens every person.

CSB: The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

NLT: The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

KJV: That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

NKJV: That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.

Light is a symbol of life, knowledge, and goodness. In verse 9, we are reminded that Jesus is the "true light." "True" here is from the potent Greek word alethinos. This means something "equal in every possible respect, sharing the same nature and reality." In other words, Christ is the "one and only, absolutely perfect, real and true light." This is something Jesus will echo in John 14:6, by claiming to be "the way, the truth, and the life," exclusively. There is no room to see Jesus as one way to heaven, or a possible way. He is the one and only, real and true way. Unlike the law of Moses, which was given only to the people of Israel, this light is given to everyone—to the entire world. The best-known verse in the entire Bible, John 3:16, sums this up by saying that God loved the entire world enough to send His Son for the salvation of anyone who believes in Him. Not all people will choose to accept that light, however. Some will deliberately stay in the dark.

John 1:1–18 is a poetic introduction of Jesus Christ. Jesus is referred to using the Greek word Logos, meaning “The Word.” This passage clearly describes Jesus as identical to God, and co-creator with God. These verses summarize Jesus’ ministry and mission on Earth. The passage also explains how John the Baptist (a different John from the author of this gospel) was sent ahead of Christ to prepare for His arrival.

The first chapter of John introduces Jesus as “the Word,” from the Greek Logos. This chapter clearly describes Jesus as identical to God. After this prologue, the chapter describes Jesus recruiting the first of His disciples, as well as a conversation between John the Baptist and the Pharisees. There are seven names for Christ in this chapter, including “The Son of God,” “The Word,” and “The King of Israel.”

The first chapter of the gospel of John equates Christ with God, and introduces John the Baptist. The Baptist specifically points to Jesus as the Promised One. Jesus collects the first five of His disciples. In this chapter, Jesus is given seven descriptive names, including “The Word,” “The Son of God,” and “The King of Israel.” This chapter sets the stage for the rest of the gospel, by giving the reader a sense of who Jesus truly is, and why He has come. The rest of the gospel is an exploration of the claims made in this initial passage.

The gospel of John was written by the disciple John, decades later than the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The author assumes that a reader is already familiar with the content of these other works. So, John presents a different perspective, with a greater emphasis on meaning. John uses seven miracles—which he calls “signs”—in order to prove that Jesus is, in fact, God incarnate. Some of the most well-known verses in all of the Bible are found here. None is more famous than the one-sentence summary of the gospel found in John 3:16.

Accessed 5/8/2024 8:38:07 PM