John 12:46
New International Version
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

New Living Translation
I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.

English Standard Version
I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.

Berean Standard Bible
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness.

Berean Literal Bible
I have come into the world as a light, so that everyone believing in Me should not abide in darkness.

King James Bible
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

New King James Version
I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.

New American Standard Bible
I have come as Light into the world, so that no one who believes in Me will remain in darkness.

NASB 1995
“I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.

NASB 1977
“I have come as light into the world, that everyone who believes in Me may not remain in darkness.

Legacy Standard Bible
I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.

Amplified Bible
I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes and trusts in Me [as Savior—all those who anchor their hope in Me and rely on the truth of My message] will not continue to live in darkness.

Christian Standard Bible
I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me would not remain in darkness.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me would not remain in darkness.

American Standard Version
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me may not abide in the darkness.

Contemporary English Version
I am the light that has come into the world. No one who has faith in me will stay in the dark.

English Revised Version
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me may not abide in the darkness.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I am the light that has come into the world so that everyone who believes in me will not live in the dark.

Good News Translation
I have come into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness.

International Standard Version
I've come into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me won't remain in the darkness.

Majority Standard Bible
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness.

NET Bible
I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in darkness.

New Heart English Bible
I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness.

Webster's Bible Translation
I am come a light into the world, that whoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

Weymouth New Testament
I have come like light into the world, in order that no one who believes in me may remain in the dark.

World English Bible
I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
I—light to the world—have come, that everyone who is believing in Me may not remain in the darkness;

Berean Literal Bible
I have come into the world as a light, so that everyone believing in Me should not abide in darkness.

Young's Literal Translation
I a light to the world have come, that every one who is believing in me -- in the darkness may not remain;

Smith's Literal Translation
I have come a light into the world, that every one believing in me should not remain in darkness.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
I am come a light into the world; that whosoever believeth in me, may not remain in darkness.

Catholic Public Domain Version
I have arrived as a light to the world, so that all who believe in me might not remain in darkness.

New American Bible
I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.

New Revised Standard Version
I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I have come into the world as the light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“I, The Light, have come to the world, that no one who believes in me shall abide in darkness.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
I have come a light into the world, that he who believes on me, may not remain in darkness.

Godbey New Testament
I have come a light into the world, in order that every one believing on me may not abide in darkness.

Haweis New Testament
I am come a light into the world, that every one who believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

Mace New Testament
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me, might not abide in darkness.

Weymouth New Testament
I have come like light into the world, in order that no one who believes in me may remain in the dark.

Worrell New Testament
I have come a light into the world, that every one who believes on Me may not abide in the darkness.

Worsley New Testament
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me, might not abide in darkness.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Belief and Unbelief
45And whoever sees Me sees the One who sent Me. 46I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness. 47As for anyone who hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world.…

Cross References
John 8:12
Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 1:4-5
In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. / The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 3:19-21
And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. / Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. / But whoever practices the truth comes into the Light, so that it may be seen clearly that what he has done has been accomplished in God.”

John 9:5
While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

1 John 1:5-7
And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. / If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. / But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Isaiah 9:2
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.

2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:8-14
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, / for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. / Test and prove what pleases the Lord. ...

Matthew 4:16
the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.”

Psalm 27:1
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?

John 1:9
The true Light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Luke 1:78-79
because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Dawn will visit us from on high, / to shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

Isaiah 42:6-7
“I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations, / to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house.

Colossians 1:13
He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,


Treasury of Scripture

I am come a light into the world, that whoever believes on me should not abide in darkness.

am.

John 12:35,36
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…

John 1:4,5
In him was life; and the life was the light of men…

John 3:19
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

abide.

Isaiah 42:7,15
To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house…

Ephesians 5:14
Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

Jump to Previous
Abide Believes Believeth Dark Darkness Faith Light Order World
Jump to Next
Abide Believes Believeth Dark Darkness Faith Light Order World
John 12
1. Jesus excuses Mary anointing his feet.
9. The people flock to see Lazarus.
10. The chief priests consult to kill him.
12. Jesus rides into Jerusalem.
20. Greeks desire to see Jesus.
23. He foretells his death.
37. The people are generally blinded;
42. yet many chief rulers believe, but do not confess him;
44. therefore Jesus calls earnestly for confession of faith.














I have come
This phrase signifies the intentionality and purpose of Jesus' mission. The Greek verb "ἥκω" (hēkō) implies arrival with a purpose. Jesus' coming was not accidental or incidental; it was a divine mission planned from the foundation of the world. This reflects the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 9:2, which speaks of a great light coming to those in darkness.

into the world
The term "world" (Greek: κόσμος, kosmos) often refers to the fallen human system opposed to God. Jesus entering the world signifies His incarnation—God becoming flesh to dwell among us (John 1:14). This highlights the profound mystery of the Incarnation, where the divine intersects with the human to bring redemption.

as a light
Light (Greek: φῶς, phōs) is a powerful biblical metaphor for truth, holiness, and divine revelation. In the ancient world, light was essential for life and safety, dispelling darkness and chaos. Jesus as the light signifies His role in revealing God’s truth and providing spiritual illumination. This echoes the creation narrative where God’s first act was to create light (Genesis 1:3), symbolizing order and life.

so that no one
This phrase underscores the universality of Jesus' mission. The Greek "ἵνα" (hina) introduces a purpose clause, indicating that Jesus' coming as light is intended for all people. It reflects God’s desire for all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).

who believes in Me
Belief (Greek: πιστεύω, pisteuō) is more than intellectual assent; it involves trust and reliance on Jesus. In the biblical context, belief is a relational term, implying a commitment to follow and obey. This phrase emphasizes the necessity of faith in Christ for salvation, aligning with John 3:16.

should remain
The Greek word "μένω" (menō) means to stay or abide. It suggests a state of being or condition. Jesus' mission is to transform our state from darkness to light, from death to life. This transformation is not temporary but a permanent change in status for those who believe.

in darkness
Darkness (Greek: σκοτία, skotia) symbolizes ignorance, sin, and separation from God. In the biblical narrative, darkness is often associated with evil and judgment. Jesus’ mission is to rescue humanity from this state, offering a path to spiritual enlightenment and reconciliation with God. This reflects the Johannine theme of light versus darkness, where Jesus is the ultimate source of spiritual truth and life.

(46) I am come a light into the world . . .--(Comp. Note on John 12:35 and John 3:19; John 8:12; John 9:5; John 9:39; John 12:35-36.) . . . Verse 46. - The revelation of God becomes the light of the soul and the light of the world. The evangelist had said, in his prologue, "In him was life," and the Life (the eternal Logos of life) was "the Light of men." All true understanding, all purifying, gracious influence shed on human affairs, nature, or destiny, are the issue and result of the Divine Life which, under every dispensation, has wrought in humanity. Above all, "the Light that lighteth every man," namely, that which has always and which ever will radiate from the life conferred on our humanity by the Logos, the life of God in mind and conscience, "came into the world" - came, that is, in a new and more effective form, came in the radiance of a perfect human life. The evangelist has sustained his teaching by quoting the solemn words of Jesus in John 3:19; John 8:12; also John 9:5, where a special narrative of miraculous love typified both the need in which the human family, the sacred Israel, and even his own disciples, stood of light, and of the light which he could pour upon the sightless eyeballs. And now the connection of this passage is - You could not behold me if light did not stream forth from me. I have come, and am come (ἐλήλυθα, this has been and is my abiding purpose; cf. John 5:43; John 7:28) a Light into the world, and my object has been and is that whosoever believeth on me - whoso-ever sees by the inward eye that which I really am, sees how my life stands related to the Father, whosoever assents to the new revelation thus given, even over and above the "inward light" of the Logos - should not abide in the darkness which enwraps all souls; for, as said in the prologue, "the Light" (the archetypal Light) shineth upon the darkness of human nature, and the darkness comprehendeth it not." It should be especially noticed that in 2 Corinthians 4:6 St. Paul had grasped and uttered the fullness of this thought.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
I
ἐγὼ (egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

have come
ἐλήλυθα (elēlytha)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

into
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

world
κόσμον (kosmon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889: Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).

[as] a light,
φῶς (phōs)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5457: Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

no one
πᾶς (pas)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

who
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

believes
πιστεύων (pisteuōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4100: From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.

in
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Me
ἐμὲ (eme)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

should remain
μείνῃ (meinē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3306: To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. A primary verb; to stay.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

darkness.
σκοτίᾳ (skotia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4653: Darkness; fig: spiritual darkness. From skotos; dimness, obscurity.


Links
John 12:46 NIV
John 12:46 NLT
John 12:46 ESV
John 12:46 NASB
John 12:46 KJV

John 12:46 BibleApps.com
John 12:46 Biblia Paralela
John 12:46 Chinese Bible
John 12:46 French Bible
John 12:46 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: John 12:46 I have come as a light into (Jhn Jo Jn)
John 12:45
Top of Page
Top of Page