Dictionary of Bible Themes » 4000 Creation » 4800 Natural and supernatural phenomena » 4809 darkness » 4811 darkness, as a symbol of sin
Darkness is often used in Scripture as a symbol of sin and its effects. It is often contrasted with light, as a symbol of forgiveness and the presence of God.
Darkness as a symbol of sin
John 3:19-20 See also Job 24:16-17; Proverbs 2:12-15; Proverbs 4:19; Isaiah 5:20; Isaiah 29:15; Matthew 6:23; Luke 22:53 Jesus Christ arrested; Romans 1:21
Paul encourages believers to live in the light:
Romans 13:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 5:8-12 1 John 1:5-6
Darkness as a symbol of the effects of sin
Darkness symbolising ignorance of the truth
2 Corinthians 4:4 See also Psalm 82:5; Isaiah 8:20; 2 Corinthians 3:14-15; Ephesians 4:18
Darkness symbolising the inability to find the right way
John 12:35 See also Job 12:24-25; Isaiah 59:9-10; Matthew 5:14; 1 John 2:9,11
Darkness symbolises times of trial
Job 3:3-6; Job 19:8; Job 23:16-17; Job 30:26; Psalm 107:10; Psalm 143:3; Ecclesiastes 11:8
Darkness symbolises death and the grave
Job 10:20-22 See also Psalm 49:19; Psalm 88:10-12
God's provision for the darkness of sin
God himself is a remedy for darkness
2 Samuel 22:29 See also Psalm 18:28; Psalm 30:5; Psalm 91:4-7; Isaiah 42:16; Isaiah 50:10; Micah 7:8
God will deliver from darkness
Isaiah 9:2 See also Matthew 4:16; Psalm 107:13-14; Isaiah 29:18; Isaiah 49:8-9; Luke 1:78-79; Acts 26:17-18; Colossians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-5; 1 Peter 2:9
God's Son saves believers from darkness
John 8:12 See also John 1:4-5; John 12:46; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Genesis 1:3; Ephesians 5:8; 2 Peter 1:19; 1 John 2:8
God's people rescue others from darkness
Isaiah 42:6-7 See also Isaiah 60:1-5
See also
4027 world, fallen 4846 shadow 5560 suffering 5831 depression 6020 sin 6139 deadness, spiritual 6181 ignorance 6184 imagination 8718 disobedience 8734 evil 9020 death 9210 judgment, God's