While I am in the world
This phrase emphasizes the temporal nature of Jesus' earthly ministry. The Greek word for "while" (ὅταν, hotan) suggests a specific period during which Jesus is physically present on earth. Historically, this period is marked by Jesus' active teaching, healing, and performing miracles. The phrase underscores the urgency and importance of His mission during His time on earth. It also implies a transition, pointing to a future when His physical presence will no longer be in the world, yet His influence and teachings will continue through His followers and the Holy Spirit.

I am
The phrase "I am" (ἐγώ εἰμι, ego eimi) is significant in the Gospel of John, echoing the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14, "I AM WHO I AM." This self-identification by Jesus is a profound declaration of His divinity and eternal existence. It connects Jesus to the God of Israel, affirming His role as the Messiah and the Son of God. In the context of John 9:5, it highlights Jesus' authority and identity as the source of spiritual enlightenment and salvation.

the light of the world
The metaphor of "light" (φῶς, phos) is rich in biblical symbolism, representing truth, purity, and divine revelation. In the ancient world, light was essential for life and safety, dispelling darkness and guiding the way. Jesus as "the light of the world" signifies His role in illuminating spiritual truth and offering guidance to humanity. This phrase is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 9:2, which speaks of a great light shining on those living in darkness. It also contrasts with the spiritual blindness of the world, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ's presence and teachings. Through Jesus, believers are called to reflect His light, becoming beacons of hope and truth in a darkened world.

(5) As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.--Better, when I am in the world. The thought is that the two things necessarily co-exist. He is the true Light, and this true Light cannot be in the world without shining in its darkness. (Comp. Note on John 1:5.) The thought is here closely connected with His teaching in the Temple but a short time before (John 8:12, "I am the Light of the world"), and also with the removal of physical and spiritual darkness which immediately followed.

Verse 5. - While - or, whensoever - I am in the world, I am the Light of the world. He had said (John 8:12), "I am the Light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness." He was sublimely conscious of his power to do for the moral world what the sun was doing for the physical world. He was the Occasion of its life, the Condition of its activity, the means of its instruction, the Source of all its beauty, its joy, and its progress. The ὅταν, which is translated quamdiu in the Vulgate, and "so long as" in the Authorized Version, means strictly "whensoever," and refers to the entire period of his activity (see John 1:5). But while the sun of this world cannot open the eyes of the blind, and wastes his radiance on their sightless sockets, so, unless Christ were more than the sun, and could give the power as well as the opportunity of seeing, he would never have done the work of him that sent him. The fact that he is the Light leads him to remind the disciples that he is the true Source of eyesight as well as of the conditions of vision. Light enough for all the world shines into the darkness, but the darkness comprehendeth it not. This Jewish people are surrounded by floods of light. The spiritual world stands revealed fully to Christ's own gaze. But mankind hates the light, loves darkness on these matters rather than the light. There is a radical fundamental change that must come over men, or they will never see. This evil, this terrible calamity that has befallen man, will vitiate all the provision of mercy. There must be a new beginning, a new birth, a work of God wrought in men, as well as a sublime revelation made to men, or the whole mission of the Christ would be incomplete.

Parallel Commentaries ...


While
ὅταν (hotan)
Conjunction
Strong's 3752: When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as.

I am
ὦ (ō)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

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.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative 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,
κόσμῳ (kosmō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889: Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).

I am
εἰμι (eimi)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

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

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive 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.”
κόσμου (kosmou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889: Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).


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NT Gospels: John 9:5 While I am in the world (Jhn Jo Jn)