John 12:35
Then 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.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 33
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 33
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
μικρὸν
a little
G3398
μικρὸν
a little
Strong's:
G3398
Word #:
7 of 33
small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)
χρόνον
while
G5550
χρόνον
while
Strong's:
G5550
Word #:
8 of 33
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φῶς
the light
G5457
φῶς
the light
Strong's:
G5457
Word #:
10 of 33
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
μεθ''
with
G3326
μεθ''
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
11 of 33
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
περιπατῶν
Walk
G4043
περιπατῶν
Walk
Strong's:
G4043
Word #:
14 of 33
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
ἕως
while
G2193
ἕως
while
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
15 of 33
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φῶς
the light
G5457
φῶς
the light
Strong's:
G5457
Word #:
17 of 33
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
ἔχετε
ye have
G2192
ἔχετε
ye have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
18 of 33
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
20 of 33
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
καταλάβῃ·
come upon
G2638
καταλάβῃ·
come upon
Strong's:
G2638
Word #:
23 of 33
to take eagerly, i.e., seize, possess, etc. (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
for
G2532
καὶ
for
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 33
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περιπατῶν
Walk
G4043
περιπατῶν
Walk
Strong's:
G4043
Word #:
26 of 33
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
28 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἶδεν
knoweth
G1492
οἶδεν
knoweth
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
31 of 33
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
Cross References
John 12:46I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.John 16:16A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.Ephesians 5:8For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: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 11:10But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.Isaiah 2:5O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.John 7:33Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.John 12:36While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
Historical Context
Jesus' ministry among Israel was brief, ending with His death. Within a generation, Jerusalem's destruction (AD 70) brought divine judgment on the nation. The urgency proved prophetic.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the limited time of light's presence teach about responding to gospel opportunity?
- How does walking in darkness result in purposelessness and confusion?
- In what area is God urgently calling you to 'walk in the light' before opportunity passes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus responds with urgency: 'Yet a little while is the light with you.' He identifies Himself as the light and warns of limited opportunity. The exhortation 'walk while ye have the light' calls for immediate response. Darkness represents judgment and spiritual blindness for those rejecting the light. Walking in darkness results in not knowing one's destination—spiritual lostness. This urgent appeal demonstrates grace's limited duration. Opportunity doesn't last forever. The warning anticipates Israel's hardening (v. 37-40) and foreshadows the destruction awaiting Jerusalem.