John 1:5
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φῶς
the light
G5457
φῶς
the light
Strong's:
G5457
Word #:
3 of 13
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φαίνει
shineth
G5316
φαίνει
shineth
Strong's:
G5316
Word #:
7 of 13
to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 13
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 #:
9 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὸ
it
G846
αὐτὸ
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 13
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
Cross References
1 Corinthians 2:14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.Romans 1:28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;John 1:10He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.Proverbs 1:22How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
Historical Context
Written during persecution under Domitian, this verse encouraged believers that Christ's light continues despite Rome's opposition. The dualism of light/darkness was familiar in both Jewish apocalyptic literature and pagan mystery religions.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you see spiritual darkness attempting but failing to overcome Christ's light today?
- How can you be a reflector of Christ's light in dark places?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The present tense 'shineth' indicates Christ's ongoing illumination despite humanity's darkness. The darkness 'comprehended it not' uses Greek 'katelaben', meaning both 'understood' and 'overcame', showing darkness's double failure. This anticipates the Gospel's conflict between belief and unbelief, light and darkness—themes fulfilled at the cross where darkness literally covered the earth yet could not extinguish the Light.