John 1:9

The true Light who gives light to every man was coming into the world.

Study Bible

The true Light
The phrase "The true Light" refers to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate source of spiritual illumination and truth. In the Greek, the word for "true" is "alēthinos," which means genuine or real, emphasizing the authenticity and purity of Christ's light compared to any other. Historically, light has been a powerful symbol in both Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures, representing knowledge, purity, and divine presence. In the Old Testament, light is often associated with God's presence and guidance (e.g., Psalm 27:1, "The LORD is my light and my salvation"). Here, John identifies Jesus as the fulfillment of these Old Testament themes, the embodiment of divine truth and revelation.

that gives light
The Greek word for "gives light" is "phōtizei," which means to illuminate or enlighten. This suggests an active, ongoing process of revelation and understanding. Jesus, as the true Light, actively dispels darkness and ignorance, offering clarity and wisdom to those who seek Him. This aligns with the biblical theme of God as the source of wisdom and understanding, as seen in Proverbs 2:6, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding."

to every man
The phrase "to every man" underscores the universality of Christ's offer of salvation and enlightenment. The Greek word "anthrōpon" is used here, which is a generic term for humanity, indicating that the light of Christ is available to all people, regardless of race, gender, or social status. This reflects the inclusive nature of the Gospel message, as seen in passages like Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

was coming into the world
The phrase "was coming into the world" speaks to the incarnation of Christ, the moment when the divine Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). The Greek verb "erchomenon" indicates an action that was in progress, highlighting the anticipation and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus. This event is central to Christian theology, as it marks the moment when God entered human history in a tangible way, bridging the gap between the divine and the human. The world, in this context, refers to the created order, which, according to Genesis, was originally good but has been marred by sin. Christ's coming into the world signifies the beginning of the restoration and redemption of all creation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The True Light
Refers to Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of divine truth and revelation. In the context of John 1, He is presented as the eternal Word who became flesh.

2. Every Man
This phrase indicates the universal scope of Christ's illumination. It suggests that Jesus' light is available to all humanity, transcending ethnic, cultural, and social boundaries.

3. The World
In the Gospel of John, "the world" often refers to the created order that is in need of redemption. It is the realm into which Jesus entered to bring salvation.

Teaching Points

The Universality of Christ's Light
Jesus' light is available to all people, regardless of their background. This calls believers to share the gospel universally, without prejudice.

The Nature of True Light
Unlike other sources of light, Jesus is the "true" light, meaning He is genuine and reliable. Believers are encouraged to seek truth in Him rather than in worldly philosophies.

Living in the Light
As recipients of Christ's light, Christians are called to reflect His light in their daily lives, demonstrating His love and truth through their actions.

The Transformative Power of Light
Encountering Jesus' light brings transformation, moving individuals from spiritual darkness to light. This transformation should be evident in a believer's life.

The Urgency of Receiving the Light
Since Jesus has come into the world, there is an urgency for individuals to respond to His light. Believers should encourage others to accept Christ's illumination.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding Jesus as the "true Light" influence your view of Him compared to other sources of truth in the world?

2. In what ways can you actively reflect Christ's light in your community and workplace?

3. How does the concept of Jesus' light being available to "every man" challenge you in your approach to evangelism?

4. What are some areas of your life where you need to allow more of Christ's light to shine and bring transformation?

5. How do the connections between John 1:9 and other scriptures like Genesis 1 and Isaiah 9:2 deepen your understanding of Jesus' role in God's redemptive plan?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1
The concept of light is foundational in the creation account, where God speaks light into existence. This connection underscores Jesus as the divine Word who brings spiritual light and life.

Isaiah 9:2
This prophecy speaks of a great light shining on those living in darkness, foreshadowing the coming of Christ as the light of the world.

John 8:12
Jesus declares Himself as the "light of the world," reinforcing His role in illuminating spiritual truth and guiding believers.

1 John 1:5-7
These verses discuss walking in the light as God is in the light, emphasizing the moral and ethical implications of living in Christ's light.