1 John 1:5

Translations

Modern

And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.

Traditional

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

Literal

And this is the message that we have heard from Him and we announce to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness—none.

Latin

Et hæc est annuntiatio, quam audivimus ab eo, et annuntiamus vobis: quoniam Deus lux est, et tenebræ in eo non sunt ullæ.

Original

Greek

English

And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.

Notes

1 John 1:5

God is light: This means that God is completely pure, good, and true. When Jesus Christ lived on earth, this light shone through him to everyone he met. His life exposed the sin in people’s hearts, because his words and actions showed God’s perfect standard. At the same time, his light also helped people understand what God is really like—his goodness, his mercy, and his desire for people to walk in truth (see John 1:4–5, 9; 3:19–21; 8:12; 9:5; 12:35–36, 46).

In the writings of John, “light” stands for God’s holiness and his clear revelation of what is right. “Darkness” refers to false teaching and to living without self-control or obedience to God. These two ways of life cannot mix. People who walk in the light live in the truth of God. People who walk in darkness follow what is false and harmful (1 John 1:6).

1 John 1:5–2:6

Here John focuses on the first part of living in fellowship with God. To live in the light means that Christians see that they are sinners. It also means they understand that Jesus is their Advocate, the one who speaks for them and makes them right with God (see Ephesians 5:6–13).

Theme notes and profiles

Darkness and Light Faith and Good Deeds

Related verses

John 8:12
Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”
James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.
Isaiah 60:19
No longer will the sun be your light by day, nor the brightness of the moon shine on your night; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your splendor.
Psalm 27:1
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?
John 1:9
The true Light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
John 1:4
In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.
Revelation 22:5
There will be no more night in the city, and they will have no need for the light of a lamp or of the sun. For the Lord God will shine on them, and they will reign forever and ever.
Revelation 21:23
And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp.
John 12:35–36
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.
John 9:5
While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
1 Timothy 6:16
He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.
Psalm 36:9
For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.

1 John 1:5

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