Keraia
John 1

John 1:5

The Beginning · John 1:1–5
Read John 1

Translations

Modern
The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Traditional
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Literal
And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
Latin
…et lux in tenebris lucet, et tenebræ eam non comprehenderunt.

Original

Greek
English
The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Notes

John 1:5

the darkness has not overcome it: Or the darkness has not understood it; literally, the darkness cannot grasp it. The Greek word katalambanō (“grasp”) can mean either “understand” or “be hostile.” In John’s Gospel, it means "hostility." The darkness would try to destroy Jesus (the Light), but it would fail. The Light would successfully bring salvation to the world.

John 1:4–5

God created light and removed the darkness (Genesis 1:2–5). The darkness resists God (John 3:19–21; 12:35; Matthew 6:23; Acts 26:17–18; Ephesians 4:17–19; 5:7–14; 2 Peter 1:19; 1 John 1:5–7; 2:9–11).

John 1:1–18

The start of this introduction might be a poem or hymn sung by early Christians (1:1–5).

The themes of this introduction of the Gospel of John prepare readers for the story that follows:

  • The arrival of the light in the world.

  • The rejection of the light.

  • The gift of new life given by the light to those who believed in him.

Parallels

Genesis 1:1–2 Hebrews 11:1–3

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Cerinthus Darkness Incarnation Jesus Christ John, Gospel of Light Logos Messiah Poetry, Biblical Stoicism, Stoics

Topics

Blindness: Spiritual Darkness of Spiritual Blindness Darkness: Ignorance and Error Jesus, the Christ: John's Testimony Concerning Him Light: Figurative and Symbolical Spiritual Blindness: Explained Struggle The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As God Wisdom: Spiritual, from God