John 12:36
While 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.
Original Language Analysis
ἕως
While
G2193
ἕως
While
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
1 of 21
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φωτὸς
light
G5457
φωτὸς
light
Strong's:
G5457
Word #:
3 of 21
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 #:
4 of 21
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
πιστεύετε
believe
G4100
πιστεύετε
believe
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
5 of 21
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φωτὸς
light
G5457
φωτὸς
light
Strong's:
G5457
Word #:
8 of 21
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
υἱοὶ
the children
G5207
υἱοὶ
the children
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
10 of 21
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
φωτὸς
light
G5457
φωτὸς
light
Strong's:
G5457
Word #:
11 of 21
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
γένησθε
ye may be
G1096
γένησθε
ye may be
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
12 of 21
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
16 of 21
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπελθὼν
and departed
G565
ἀπελθὼν
and departed
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
18 of 21
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
Cross References
Ephesians 5:8For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:John 8:59Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.1 Thessalonians 5:5Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.Luke 16:8And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.Isaiah 60:1Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.John 11:54Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.John 1:7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
Historical Context
This statement marks the conclusion of Jesus' public teaching in John's Gospel. Subsequent chapters focus on disciples. The withdrawal fulfilled prophetic patterns of rejected prophets.
Questions for Reflection
- What does 'children of light' identity practically mean in daily Christian living?
- How does Jesus' hiding teach about consequences of rejecting divine revelation?
- In what ways are you reflecting Christ's light to those in darkness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus commands believing in the light to become 'children of light,' indicating that faith in Christ transforms identity. Belief doesn't merely change status but nature—believers become light-bearers, reflecting Christ's character (Matt 5:14). The exhortation is urgent: 'while ye have the light,' warning of opportunity's brevity. After this appeal, Jesus departs and hides, marking His public ministry's end. His withdrawal demonstrates that rejected light removes itself, a sobering warning about presuming on divine patience. The hiding previews judgment on unbelief.