John 1:4
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 12
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φῶς
the light
G5457
φῶς
the light
Strong's:
G5457
Word #:
10 of 12
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
Cross References
John 8:12Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.John 12:46I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.John 5:26For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;John 9:5As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.John 11:25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.1 John 5:11And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.Ephesians 5:14Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.John 12:35Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.Colossians 3:4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Historical Context
John's first readers, familiar with Greek philosophy's emphasis on 'logos' and light imagery, would recognize this as positioning Christ above all philosophical systems. The connection between life and light was common in Jewish wisdom literature (Proverbs, Psalms).
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of your life do you need Christ's light to illuminate truth?
- How does recognizing Christ as the source of life change your perspective on eternal matters?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The dual concepts of 'life' (Greek 'zoe', referring to spiritual life) and 'light' introduce John's major themes. Christ is the source of both physical and spiritual life, and illuminates humanity's path to God. This echoes Genesis 1 where God creates light before all else, suggesting Christ as the eternal Light present at creation.