John 1:9 kjv

That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

John 1:9 nkjv

That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.

John 1:9 niv

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

John 1:9 esv

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

John 1:9 nlt

The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

John 1 verses

John 1 9 Meaning

John 1:9 reveals Jesus Christ as the absolute and authentic source of all spiritual light and truth, asserting His divine nature. It states that this "true light" intrinsically illuminates every human being, providing some level of understanding of moral and spiritual realities. This pre-existent light, the Logos, then specifically entered human history through His incarnation, making ultimate truth and the path to salvation visibly manifest in the world.

John 1 9 Context

John 1:9 is a foundational statement within the Prologue of John's Gospel (Jn 1:1-18), which establishes the divine identity of Jesus Christ before recounting His earthly ministry. The theme of "light" is central to this introduction, introduced in John 1:4 and contrasted sharply with "darkness" in John 1:5, echoing the creation narrative in Gen 1:3-4 where light emerges from primordial darkness. This verse bridges the pre-existence of the Logos with His historical arrival. Culturally, it spoke to a world seeking ultimate truth—against abstract philosophical concepts or prevalent mystery cults. It also presented a subtle polemic against Gnostic ideas that valued special, hidden knowledge over universally revealed truth, by stating that the true light is accessible and illuminating "everyone." Furthermore, it grounds Jewish Messianic hopes (light to the Gentiles in Isa 49:6) in the person of Jesus, portraying Him as the promised source of global spiritual enlightenment.

John 1 9 Word analysis

• The true light (φῶς τὸ ἀληθινόν, phōs to alēthinon):

  • True (alēthinon): Implies ultimate reality, genuineness, and definitive source. It contrasts with anything counterfeit, partial, or merely symbolic. This isn't one light among many, but the unique and original essence of all genuine spiritual illumination.
  • Light (phōs): A rich metaphor in biblical thought, symbolizing life, knowledge, truth, purity, revelation, and God's very presence, contrasted with darkness which represents sin, ignorance, evil, and death.

• which gives light (ὁ φωτίζει, ho phōtizei):

  • Gives light/illuminates (phōtizei): More than just physical brightness, this refers to spiritual illumination and moral enlightenment. It means to enlighten, to bring understanding, to reveal truth, and to clarify spiritual perception.

• to everyone (πάντα ἄνθρωπον, panta anthrōpon):

  • Every person/everyone (panta anthrōpon): Emphasizes the universal scope of the Light's impact and availability. It signifies that Christ's inherent ability to reveal truth extends to all humanity, providing a fundamental capacity for spiritual awareness or a universal moral compass (conscience). It refers to the universal human condition, not necessarily universal acceptance.

• was coming into the world (ἐρχόμενον εἰς τὸν κόσμον, erchomenon eis ton kosmon):

  • Was coming (erchomenon): A present participle, indicating a state of being "the one who comes" or a continuous arrival. It strongly points to the incarnation—the Light's deliberate and purposeful entrance into human history as Jesus of Nazareth.
  • The world (kosmon): In John's Gospel, "world" often refers to fallen humanity and the creation system alienated from God. The Light came into this rebellious realm.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "The true light... which gives light to everyone...": This phrase identifies Jesus as the sole, genuine source of ultimate truth and spiritual understanding available to all people. It speaks to both His unique divine nature and the universal offer of His revelation, providing a basis for moral accountability even for those who haven't directly encountered Him.
  • "...was coming into the world.": This crucial phrase pinpoints the pre-existent, divine Light's momentous entry into the physical and temporal realm. It encapsulates the incarnation, emphasizing that this ultimate revelation was not abstract but became a tangible, historical person—Jesus Christ—making God accessible.

John 1 9 Bonus section

• Pre-incarnate Illumination: The "was coming" (imperfect participle) might imply not just the final incarnation but also a continuous coming and illumination before the birth of Jesus, perhaps through conscience, creation, or Old Testament prophetic witness. This would suggest that every person throughout history has, in some sense, been confronted by this "true light."
• Active Voice: The Greek "phōtizei" (gives light) is in the active voice, highlighting the Light's dynamic and proactive nature in extending its illumination to humanity, rather than passively being perceived.
• Contrast with John the Baptist: While John the Baptist was a light (Jn 5:35), he was a witness to the light (Jn 1:7-8). John 1:9 emphasizes that Jesus is the light, the ultimate source, differentiating Him from even the greatest of prophets.

John 1 9 Commentary

John 1:9 presents a profound declaration about the identity and purpose of Jesus Christ within the overarching theme of the divine Logos. The designation "the true light" elevates Him beyond any other source of enlightenment, signifying that He is not merely a messenger but the very embodiment of God's truth, life, and revelation. His light is inherent, pure, and definitive. That this light "gives light to everyone" underscores God's universal self-disclosure. It suggests an innate capacity, or general revelation, granted to all humanity to recognize some degree of truth, morality, and God's existence (e.g., through conscience or the created order). However, this universal illumination does not equate to universal salvation; it means everyone has a fundamental encounter or exposure to truth that calls for a response. The phrase "was coming into the world" decisively links this cosmic, eternal Light to a specific historical event—the incarnation of Jesus Christ. It marks the transition from pre-existence to the physical manifestation of God's illuminating presence, offering humanity the clearest possible revelation of God and the pathway to life. This verse implicitly challenges all systems of thought that claim alternative or exclusive paths to truth, positioning Christ as the singular source from whom all true light emanates and through whom full spiritual understanding is possible. It compels individuals to recognize this Light and decide whether to walk in it or shrink from it (Jn 3:19).