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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 John 1:5 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/1-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/62_1Jn_01_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 John 1:5 - Walking in the Light" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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in him there is no darkness at all. <a href="/nlt/1_john/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. <a href="/esv/1_john/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. <a href="/bsb/1_john/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/1_john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And this is the message that we have heard from Him and we preach to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. <a href="/kjv/1_john/1.htm">King James Bible</a> This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. <a href="/nkjv/1_john/1.htm">New King James Version</a> This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. <a href="/nasb_/1_john/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. <a href="/nasb/1_john/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. <a href="/nasb77/1_john/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. <a href="/lsb/1_john/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And this is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. <a href="/amp/1_john/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> This is the message [of God’s promised revelation] which we have heard from Him and now announce to you, that God is Light [He is holy, His message is truthful, He is perfect in righteousness], and in Him there is no darkness at all [no sin, no wickedness, no imperfection]. <a href="/csb/1_john/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in him. <a href="/hcsb/1_john/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now this is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in Him. <a href="/asv/1_john/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> And this is the message which we have heard from him and announce unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. <a href="/cev/1_john/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Jesus told us God is light and doesn't have any darkness in him. Now we are telling you. <a href="/erv/1_john/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> And this is the message which we have heard from him, and announce unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. <a href="/gwt/1_john/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> This is the message we heard from Christ and are reporting to you: God is light, and there isn't any darkness in him. <a href="/gnt/1_john/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> Now the message that we have heard from his Son and announce is this: God is light, and there is no darkness at all in him. <a href="/isv/1_john/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> This is the message that we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness—none at all! <a href="/msb/1_john/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/1_john/1.htm">NET Bible</a> Now this is the gospel message we have heard from him and announce to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. <a href="/nheb/1_john/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> This is the message which we have heard from him and announce to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. <a href="/wbt/1_john/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> This then is the message which we have heard from him, and declare to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. <a href="/wey/1_john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> This is the Message which we have heard from the Lord Jesus and now deliver to you--God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness. <a href="/web/1_john/1.htm">World English Bible</a> This is the message which we have heard from him and announce to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_john/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And this is the message that we have heard from Him, and announce to you, that God is light, and darkness is not in Him at all; <a href="/blb/1_john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And this is the message that we have heard from Him and we preach to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. <a href="/ylt/1_john/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And this is the message that we have heard from Him, and announce to you, that God is light, and darkness in Him is not at all; <a href="/slt/1_john/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And this is the message which we have heard from him, and we announce to you, that God is light, and no darkness is in him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_john/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And this is the declaration which we have heard from him, and declare unto you: That God is light, and in him there is no darkness. <a href="/cpdv/1_john/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And this is the announcement which we have heard from him, and which we announce to you: that God is light, and in him there is no darkness. <a href="/nabre/1_john/1.htm">New American Bible</a> Now this is the message that we have heard from him and proclaim to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. <a href="/nrsvce/1_john/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_john/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> This then is the good news which we have heard from him, and declare to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_john/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And this is The Good News that we have heard from him and we evangelize to you: God is Light, and there is no darkness at all in him.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_john/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And this is the message that we heard from him, and do declare to you: that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. <a href="/godbey/1_john/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And the same message which we have heard from him, we also proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness. <a href="/haweis/1_john/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And this is the promise which we have heard from him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and that darkness in him there is none. <a href="/mace/1_john/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> This then is the commission we have from him, to declare unto you, that God is light, and in him there is no darkness. <a href="/wey/1_john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> This is the Message which we have heard from the Lord Jesus and now deliver to you--God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness. <a href="/worrell/1_john/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And this is the message which we have heard from Him, and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. <a href="/worsley/1_john/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Now this we have heard from Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. <a href="/parallel/1_john/1-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rlZ5ywDtQGE?start=47" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_john/1.htm">Walking in the Light</a> 4We write these things so that our joy may be complete. 5<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: hautē (DPro-NFS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/31.htm" title="31: angelia (N-NFS) -- A message. From aggelos; an announcement, i.e. precept.">message</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hēn (RelPro-AFS) -- Who, which, what, that. "></a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akēkoamen (V-RIA-1P) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">we have heard</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: ap’ (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">from</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Him</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/312.htm" title="312: anangellomen (V-PIA-1P) -- To bring back word, report; I announce, declare. From ana and the base of aggelos; to announce.">announce</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">to you:</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/5457.htm" title="5457: phōs (N-NNS) -- Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.">light,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Him</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">there is</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">no</a> <a href="/greek/4653.htm" title="4653: skotia (N-NFS) -- Darkness; fig: spiritual darkness. From skotos; dimness, obscurity.">darkness</a> <a href="/greek/3762.htm" title="3762: oudemia (Adj-NFS) -- No one, none, nothing. ">at all.</a> 6If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a> 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.” <a href="/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17</a> Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow. <a href="/john/1-4.htm">John 1:4-5</a> 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. <a href="/psalms/27-1.htm">Psalm 27:1</a> 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? <a href="/isaiah/60-19.htm">Isaiah 60:19</a> No longer will the sun be your light by day, nor the brightness of the moon shine on your night; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your splendor. <a href="/revelation/21-23.htm">Revelation 21:23</a> And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp. <a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8-9</a> 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. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-6.htm">2 Corinthians 4:6</a> 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. <a href="/psalms/36-9.htm">Psalm 36:9</a> For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. <a href="/john/12-35.htm">John 12:35-36</a> Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. / While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of light.” After Jesus had spoken these things, He went away and was hidden from them. <a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14-16</a> You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. <a href="/isaiah/2-5.htm">Isaiah 2:5</a> Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD. <a href="/revelation/22-5.htm">Revelation 22:5</a> There will be no more night in the city, and they will have no need for the light of a lamp or of the sun. For the Lord God will shine on them, and they will reign forever and ever. <a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a> Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. <a href="/john/3-19.htm">John 3:19-21</a> 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.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.the message.<a href="/1_john/3-11.htm">1 John 3:11</a> For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.<a href="/1_corinthians/11-23.htm">1 Corinthians 11:23</a> For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:that God.<a href="/psalms/27-1.htm">Psalm 27:1</a> A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?<a href="/psalms/36-9.htm">Psalm 36:9</a> For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.<a href="/psalms/84-11.htm">Psalm 84:11</a> For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_john/1-3.htm">Announce</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-19.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-17.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/1_john/1-3.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-9.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/1_john/1-3.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/1_john/1-3.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">Light</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-19.htm">Message</a> <a href="/1_john/1-3.htm">Proclaim</a> <a href="/1_john/1-3.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/24-14.htm">Announce</a> <a href="/1_john/1-6.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/1_john/1-6.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/revelation/22-16.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/genesis/32-11.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/1_john/2-7.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/1_john/1-7.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/1_john/1-7.htm">Light</a> <a href="/1_john/1-10.htm">Message</a> <a href="/revelation/14-6.htm">Proclaim</a> <a href="/1_john/1-9.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">1 John 1</div>1. <a href="/1_john/1-1.htm">He describes the person of Christ, in whom we have eternal life, by a communion with God;</a> 5. <a href="/1_john/1-5.htm">to which we must adjoin by walking in the light.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_john/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_john/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: This phrase emphasizes the apostolic authority and eyewitness testimony of John. The message originates from Jesus Christ Himself, underscoring its divine authority. The apostles were chosen to be the primary witnesses of Christ's life, death, and resurrection, as seen in <a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a>. The transmission of this message is a fulfillment of the Great Commission (<a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a>), where the apostles are tasked with spreading the teachings of Jesus. The use of "announce" indicates the public proclamation of this truth, which is central to the mission of the early church.God is light, The metaphor of light is rich in biblical symbolism. Light represents purity, holiness, and truth. In the Old Testament, light is often associated with God's presence and guidance, as seen in <a href="/psalms/27.htm">Psalm 27:1</a> and <a href="/isaiah/60-19.htm">Isaiah 60:19</a>. The concept of God as light is also a direct contrast to the darkness of sin and evil. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to Himself as the "light of the world" (<a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a>), indicating His role in revealing God's truth and providing spiritual illumination. This phrase underscores the nature of God as inherently good and morally perfect.and in Him there is no darkness at all. Darkness symbolizes sin, evil, and ignorance. The complete absence of darkness in God highlights His absolute holiness and the impossibility of sin coexisting with Him. This is consistent with the biblical theme that God is unchanging and wholly righteous (<a href="/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17</a>). The phrase also serves as a call to believers to walk in the light, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8</a>, where Christians are urged to live as "children of light." The stark contrast between light and darkness in this passage serves as a moral and spiritual guide for the Christian life, encouraging believers to reject sin and embrace the truth of God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_apostle.htm">John the Apostle</a> The author of 1 John, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Christ and his emphasis on love and truth. 2. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The central figure in this verse, described as "Light," symbolizing purity, holiness, and truth. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a> The recipients of John's letter, who were facing challenges from false teachings and needed reassurance of the truth of the Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_nature_as_light.htm">God's Nature as Light</a> God's essence is pure, holy, and without any trace of evil or deceit. Understanding this helps us trust in His character and His promises. <a href="/topical/t/the_absence_of_darkness.htm">The Absence of Darkness</a> In God, there is no darkness at all, meaning He is completely trustworthy and righteous. This challenges us to examine areas of our lives where darkness may reside and seek His light. <a href="/topical/l/living_in_the_light.htm">Living in the Light</a> As followers of Christ, we are called to walk in the light, reflecting God's holiness and truth in our daily actions and decisions. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_against_false_teachings.htm">Discernment Against False Teachings</a> The early church faced false teachings, and so do we today. Knowing that God is light helps us discern truth from error and remain steadfast in our faith. <a href="/topical/f/fellowship_with_god_and_others.htm">Fellowship with God and Others</a> Walking in the light fosters genuine fellowship with God and other believers, as we share in His truth and love.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_john_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 John 1</a> <a href="/q/how_can_a_good_god_allow_evil.htm">In 1 John 1:5, God is described as having no darkness at all. How do we reconcile a perfectly good deity with the evil and suffering observed in the world? </a> <a href="/q/how_to_discern_good_vs._evil.htm">How do you separate good from evil in life?</a> <a href="/q/is_it_a_necessary_evil.htm">Is it a necessary evil?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'god_is_light'_signify.htm">What does "God is light" signify?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_john/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>[2.First Half. God is Light (<a href="/1_john/1-5.htm" title="This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.">1John 1:5</a> to <a href="/1_john/2-28.htm" title="And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.">1John 2:28</a>).(1)STATEMENT OF THE LEADING THOUGHT (<a href="/1_john/1-5.htm" title="This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.">1John 1:5</a>).(2)FIRST INFERENCE: The true fellowship (<a href="/context/1_john/1-6.htm" title="If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:">1John 1:6-7</a>); the Christian must not sin.(3)SECOND INFERENCE: Confession of sins (<a href="/context/1_john/1-8.htm" title="If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.">1John 1:8-10</a>); the Christian must not conceal his sin. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_john/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5-<a href="/1_john/2-28.htm">1 John 2:28</a>. - 2. FIRST MAIN DIVISION. God is Light. Verse 5-<a href="/1_john/2-6.htm">1 John 2:6</a>. - (1) Positive side. What walking in the light involves; the condition and conduct of the believer. (2) <a href="/1_john/2-7.htm">1 John 2:7-28</a>. Negative side. What walking in the light excludes; the things and persons to be avoided. Verse 5. - This verse constitutes the text and basis of this division of the Epistle, especially on its positive side. And the message which we have heard... is this. Again we have a remarkable parallel between Gospel and Epistle; both begin with a καί (which connects the opening with the introduction in a simple and artless manner), and with the same kind of sentence: "And the witness of John is this." The reading ἐπαγγελία (<a href="/1_john/2-25.htm">1 John 2:25</a>, and frequent in the New Testament) must be rejected here and in <a href="/1_john/3-11.htm">1 John 3:11</a> in favour of ἀγγελία (which occurs nowhere else in the New Testament), on overwhelming evidence. Ἐπαγγελία in the New Testament means "promise," which would be almost meaningless here. The change from ἐπαγγέλλομεν (verses 2, 3) to ἀναγγέλλομεν is noteworthy: the one is "declare," the other "announce." The message received from Christ, the apostle announces or reports (renunciat) to his readers. He does not name Christ ἀπ αὐτοῦ; he is so full of the thought of Christ that he omits to name him (cf. <a href="/john/20-7.htm">John 20:7, 9, 15</a>). Ἀναγγέλλω is used of authoritative announcements; of priests and Levites in the LXX; of the Messiah (<a href="/john/4-25.htm">John 4:25</a>); of the Spirit (<a href="/john/16-13.htm">John 16:13, 14, 15</a>); of the apostles (<a href="/acts/20-20.htm">Acts 20:20, 27</a>; <a href="/1_peter/1-12.htm">1 Peter 1:12</a>). St. John speaks with authority. God is light; not the Light, nor a light, but light; that is his nature. This sums up the Divine essence on its intellectual side, as "God is love" on its moral side. In neither case has the predicate the article: ὁ Θεὸς φῶς ἐστίν ὁ Θεὸς ἀγάπη ἐστίν. Light and love are not attributes of God, but himself. The connexion between this message and the introduction is not at first obvious. But St. John writes with his Gospel before him, and the prologue to that supplies the link. There, as here, three ideas follow in order: λόγος ζωή φῶς. There, as here, φῶς immediately suggests its opposite, σκοτία. It is on the revelation of the Λόγος as φῶς, and the consequent struggle between φῶς and σκοτία, that the Gospel is based. And this revelation is the highest: men alone are competent to receive or reject it. Other organisms exhibit the creative power as life: none but men can recognize it as light. And to know the Λόγος as light is to know the Father as light; for the Λόγος is the Revelation of the Father's nature. That God is, in his very nature, light, is an announcement peculiar to St. John. Others tell us that he is the Father of lights (<a href="/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17</a>), the Possessor of light (<a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a>), dwelling in light (<a href="/1_timothy/6-16.htm">1 Timothy 6:16</a>); but not that he is light. To the heathen God is a God of darkness, an unknown Being; a Power to be blindly propitiated, not a Person to be known and loved. To the philosopher he is an abstraction, an idea, not directly cognizable by man. To the Jews he is a God who hideth himself; not light, but a consuming fire. To the Christian alone he is revealed as light, absolutely free from everything impure, material, obscure, and gloomy. Light was the first product of the Divine creative energy, the earnest and condition of order, beauty, life, growth, and joy. Of all phenomena it best represents the elements of all perfection. "This word 'light' is at once the simplest and the fullest and the deepest which can be used in human discourse. It is addressed to every man who has eyes and who has ever looked on the sun." It tells not only "of a Goodness and Truth without flaw; it tells of a Goodness and Truth that are always seeking to spread themselves, to send forth rays that shall penetrate everywhere, and scatter the darkness which opposes them" (Maurice). In like manner, darkness sums up the elements of evil - foulness, secrecy, repulsiveness, and gloom. In all but the lowest forms of existence it inevitably produces decay and death. Everything of the kind is excluded from the nature of God. And hence St. John, in his characteristic manner, immediately emphasizes the great announcement with an equivalent negative statement: Darkness in him there is not any at all (comp. verse 8; <a href="/1_john/2-4.htm">1 John 2:4, 23, 27</a>; <a href="/1_john/3-6.htm">1 John 3:6</a>; <a href="/1_john/4-2.htm">1 John 4:2, 3, 6-8</a>; <a href="/1_john/5-12.htm">1 John 5:12</a>). He does not say, "in his presence," but "in him." Darkness exists, physical, intellectual, moral, and spiritual; there is abundance of obscurity, error, depravity, sin, and its consequence, death. But not a shade of these is "in him." The Divine Light is subject to no spots, no eclipse, no twilight, no night; as a Source of light it cannot in any degree fail. <a href="/commentaries/1_john/1-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>And Καὶ (Kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. this αὕτη (hautē) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. is ἔστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. the ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. message ἀγγελία (angelia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_31.htm">Strong's 31: </a> A message. From aggelos; an announcement, i.e. precept. we have heard ἀκηκόαμεν (akēkoamen) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. from ἀπ’ (ap’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. Him αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. announce ἀναγγέλλομεν (anangellomen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_312.htm">Strong's 312: </a> To bring back word, report; I announce, declare. From ana and the base of aggelos; to announce. to you: ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. God Θεὸς (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. light, φῶς (phōs) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5457.htm">Strong's 5457: </a> Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. Him αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. there is ἔστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. no οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. darkness σκοτία (skotia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4653.htm">Strong's 4653: </a> Darkness; fig: spiritual darkness. From skotos; dimness, obscurity. [at all]. οὐδεμία (oudemia) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3762.htm">Strong's 3762: </a> No one, none, nothing. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_john/1-5.htm">NT Letters: 1 John 1:5 This is the message which we have (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_john/1-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 John 1:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 John 1:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_john/1-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 John 1:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 John 1:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>