John 1:9
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φῶς
Light
G5457
φῶς
Light
Strong's:
G5457
Word #:
3 of 13
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὃ
which
G3739
ὃ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 13
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
φωτίζει
lighteth
G5461
φωτίζει
lighteth
Strong's:
G5461
Word #:
7 of 13
to shed rays, i.e., to shine or (transitively) to brighten up (literally or figuratively)
ἐρχόμενον
that cometh
G2064
ἐρχόμενον
that cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
10 of 13
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
John 12:46I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.1 John 2:8Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.John 1:4In him was life; and the life was the light of men.Isaiah 49:6And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.John 1:7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.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 5:20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.John 6:32Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.Isaiah 8:20To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.1 John 1:8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, light symbolized life, truth, and divine presence across cultures. Israel's temple menorah represented God's presence; Greek philosophy spoke of enlightenment through reason. Jesus supersedes all such lights—He is the true, original Light from whom all other illumination derives. This verse grounds Christian epistemology: Christ is the source of all truth and knowledge.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ as 'true Light' affect our understanding of truth claims from other sources?
- What does it mean that Christ lights 'every man'—does this suggest universal revelation or salvation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Logos is identified as 'the true Light' (to phos to alethinon)—not merely genuine as opposed to false, but the ultimate reality to which all other lights point. This Light 'lighteth every man that cometh into the world,' indicating universal availability of revelation. While interpretations vary (common grace, general revelation, or the gospel's offer to all), the emphasis is on Christ as the source of all true illumination. Without Him, humanity remains in darkness regardless of other light sources—philosophical, religious, or natural.