John 9:5
As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
Original Language Analysis
ὅταν
As long as
G3752
ὅταν
As long as
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
1 of 9
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμου
of the world
G2889
κόσμου
of the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
4 of 9
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
ὦ
I am
G5600
ὦ
I am
Strong's:
G5600
Word #:
5 of 9
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
φῶς
the light
G5457
φῶς
the light
Strong's:
G5457
Word #:
6 of 9
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.Acts 13:47For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.Acts 26:18To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.Ephesians 5:14Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.Revelation 21:23And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.Matthew 4:16The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.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.Acts 26:23That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.Malachi 4:2But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
Historical Context
This chapter dramatically illustrates the light/darkness theme. A man born in darkness receives sight from the Light. Meanwhile, those who claim to see prove spiritually blind (verse 41). The reversal exposes true and false sight.
Questions for Reflection
- How does healing physical blindness illustrate Jesus being the light of the world?
- In what ways does Jesus continue to be the light through His followers today?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.' This repeats the claim from 8:12. Jesus' physical presence on earth is a period of illumination. His departure wouldn't end the light (believers become light—Matthew 5:14) but changes its expression. While He's bodily present, He is the Light directly. The healing of a blind man demonstrates this—the Light brings sight to those in darkness.