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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>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."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/4-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/40_Mat_04_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 4:16 - Jesus Begins His Ministry" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/4-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/4-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/4-15.htm" title="Matthew 4:15">◄</a> Matthew 4:16 <a href="/matthew/4-17.htm" title="Matthew 4:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/4.htm">New International Version</a> 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.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/matthew/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.” <a href="/esv/matthew/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” <a href="/bsb/matthew/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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.” <a href="/blb/matthew/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> the people sitting in darkness have seen a great light, and to those sitting in the land and shadow of death, a light has dawned on them." <a href="/kjv/matthew/4.htm">King James Bible</a> The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/4.htm">New King James Version</a> The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.” <a href="/nasb_/matthew/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> THE PEOPLE WHO WERE SITTING IN DARKNESS SAW A GREAT LIGHT, AND THOSE WHO WERE SITTING IN THE LAND AND SHADOW OF DEATH, UPON THEM A LIGHT DAWNED.” <a href="/nasb/matthew/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220THE PEOPLE WHO WERE SITTING IN DARKNESS SAW A GREAT LIGHT, AND THOSE WHO WERE SITTING IN THE LAND AND SHADOW OF DEATH, UPON THEM A LIGHT DAWNED.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “THE PEOPLE WHO WERE SITTING IN DARKNESS SAW A GREAT LIGHT, AND TO THOSE WHO WERE SITTING IN THE LAND AND SHADOW OF DEATH, UPON THEM A LIGHT DAWNED.” <a href="/lsb/matthew/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> THE PEOPLE WHO WERE SITTING IN DARKNESS SAW A GREAT LIGHT, AND THOSE WHO WERE SITTING IN THE LAND AND SHADOW OF DEATH, UPON THEM A LIGHT DAWNED.” <a href="/amp/matthew/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> THE PEOPLE WHO WERE SITTING (living) IN [spiritual] DARKNESS HAVE SEEN A GREAT LIGHT, AND FOR THOSE WHO WERE SITTING (living) IN THE LAND AND SHADOW OF [spiritual and moral] DEATH, UPON THEM A LIGHT HAS DAWNED.” <a href="/csb/matthew/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The people who live in darkness have seen a great light, and for those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The people who live in darkness have seen a great light, and for those living in the shadowland of death, light has dawned. <a href="/asv/matthew/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> The people that sat in darkness Saw a great light, And to them that sat in the region and shadow of death, To them did light spring up. <a href="/cev/matthew/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Although your people live in darkness, they will see a bright light. Although they live in the shadow of death, a light will shine on them." <a href="/erv/matthew/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> The people which sat in darkness Saw a great light, And to them which sat in the region and shadow of death, To them did light spring up. <a href="/gwt/matthew/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The people who lived in darkness have seen a bright light. A light has risen for those who live in a land overshadowed by death." <a href="/gnt/matthew/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> The people who live in darkness will see a great light. On those who live in the dark land of death the light will shine." <a href="/isv/matthew/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> The people living in darkness have seen a great light, and for those living in the land and shadow of death, a light has risen." <a href="/msb/matthew/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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.? <a href="/net/matthew/4.htm">NET Bible</a> the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, and on those who sit in the region and shadow of death a light has dawned." <a href="/nheb/matthew/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> the people sitting in darkness have seen a great light, and those living in the land and shadow of death, to them light has dawned." <a href="/wbt/matthew/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> The people who sat in darkness, saw great light; and to them who sat in the region and shades of death, light hath arisen. <a href="/wey/matthew/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> The people who were dwelling in darkness have seen a brilliant light; and on those who were dwelling in the region of the shadow of death, on them light has dawned." <a href="/web/matthew/4.htm">World English Bible</a> the people who sat in darkness saw a great light; to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, to them light has dawned.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> The people that is sitting in darkness saw a great light, and to those sitting in a region and shadow of death—light arose to them.” <a href="/blb/matthew/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> the people sitting in darkness have seen a great light, and to those sitting in the land and shadow of death, a light has dawned on them." <a href="/ylt/matthew/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> the people that is sitting in darkness saw a great light, and to those sitting in a region and shadow of death -- light arose to them.' <a href="/slt/matthew/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> The people sitting in darkness saw a great light; and to them sitting in the room and shadow of death, light has sprung up to them.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> The people that sat in darkness, hath seen great light: and to them that sat in the region of the shadow of death, light is sprung up. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> A people who were sitting in darkness have seen a great light. And unto those sitting in the region of the shadow of death, a light has risen.” <a href="/nabre/matthew/4.htm">New American Bible</a> the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.” <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> The people who dwelt in darkness saw a great light, and those who settled in the country and in the midst of the shadows of death, light shone on them. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “The people who sat in the darkness have seen The Great Light, and those who were sitting in the region and in the shadow of death, to them The Light has dawned.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> the people that sat in darkness saw great light; and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has risen. <a href="/godbey/matthew/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> the people sitting in darkness saw a great light, and to those sitting in the valley and shadow of death, light sprang up. <a href="/haweis/matthew/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> the people who sat in darkness saw a great light; and on those who sat in the region and shadow of death, even on them hath the light arisen.?<CM> <a href="/mace/matthew/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> the people which sat in darkness, saw a great light: and to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, light is sprung up." <a href="/wey/matthew/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> The people who were dwelling in darkness have seen a brilliant light; and on those who were dwelling in the region of the shadow of death, on them light has dawned." <a href="/worrell/matthew/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> The people that were sitting in darkness saw a great Light; and to those sitting in a region and shadow of death Light arose." <a href="/worsley/matthew/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> about Jordan, Galilee of the gentiles, the people that sat in darkness, saw a great light, and to them, who sat in the region and shadow of death, light is sprung up." <a href="/parallel/matthew/4-16.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/hriiyJYqzvc?start=723" 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/matthew/4.htm">Jesus Begins His Ministry</a> …15“Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16<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.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2992.htm" title="2992: laos (N-NMS) -- Apparently a primary word; a people.">people</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/2521.htm" title="2521: kathēmenos (V-PPM/P-NMS) -- To sit, be seated, enthroned; I dwell, reside. From kata; and hemai; to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside.">living</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/4653.htm" title="4653: skotia (N-DFS) -- Darkness; fig: spiritual darkness. From skotos; dimness, obscurity.">darkness</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: eiden (V-AIA-3S) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">have seen</a> <a href="/greek/3173.htm" title="3173: mega (Adj-ANS) -- Large, great, in the widest sense. ">a great</a> <a href="/greek/5457.htm" title="5457: phōs (N-ANS) -- 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. "></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">on those</a> <a href="/greek/2521.htm" title="2521: kathēmenois (V-PPM/P-DMP) -- To sit, be seated, enthroned; I dwell, reside. From kata; and hemai; to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside.">living</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 the</a> <a href="/greek/5561.htm" title="5561: chōra (N-DFS) -- Feminine of a derivative of the base of chasma through the idea of empty expanse; room, i.e. A space of territory.">land</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/4639.htm" title="4639: skia (N-DFS) -- Apparently a primary word; shade or a shadow (darkness of error or an adumbration).">of the shadow</a> <a href="/greek/2288.htm" title="2288: thanatou (N-GMS) -- Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death.">of death,</a> <a href="/greek/5457.htm" title="5457: phōs (N-NNS) -- Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.">a light</a> <a href="/greek/393.htm" title="393: aneteilen (V-AIA-3S) -- To make to rise, I rise, shine (generally of the sun, and hence met.). From ana and the base of telos; to arise.">has dawned.”</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> 17From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”…<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="/isaiah/9-2.htm">Isaiah 9:2</a> 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. <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="/luke/1-78.htm">Luke 1:78-79</a> 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.” <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="/isaiah/42-6.htm">Isaiah 42:6-7</a> “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. <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="/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8</a> For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, <a href="/colossians/1-13.htm">Colossians 1:13</a> He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, <a href="/isaiah/60-1.htm">Isaiah 60:1-3</a> Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. / For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. / Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. <a href="/john/12-46.htm">John 12:46</a> I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness. <a href="/acts/26-18.htm">Acts 26:18</a> to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’ <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a> 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. <a href="/psalms/107-10.htm">Psalm 107:10-14</a> Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and chains, / because they rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High. / He humbled their hearts with hard labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help. ... <a href="/isaiah/49-6.htm">Isaiah 49:6</a> He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.” <a href="/malachi/4-2.htm">Malachi 4:2</a> “But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and leap like calves from the stall.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.which sat in darkness.<a href="/psalms/107-10.htm">Psalm 107:10-14</a> Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron; … <a href="/isaiah/42-6.htm">Isaiah 42:6,7</a> I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; … <a href="/isaiah/60-1.htm">Isaiah 60:1-3</a> Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee… shadow.<a href="/job/3-5.htm">Job 3:5</a> Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it; let a cloud dwell upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it.<a href="/job/10-22.htm">Job 10:22</a> A land of darkness, as darkness itself; and of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness.<a href="/job/34-22.htm">Job 34:22</a> There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/2-14.htm">Arisen</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-27.htm">Brilliant</a> <a href="/matthew/4-15.htm">Country</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-6.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/jonah/4-7.htm">Dawn</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-2.htm">Dawned</a> <a href="/matthew/2-19.htm">Death</a> <a href="/zechariah/2-13.htm">Dwelling</a> <a href="/matthew/2-18.htm">Great</a> <a href="/malachi/1-10.htm">Light</a> <a href="/matthew/4-13.htm">Region</a> <a href="/malachi/3-3.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/zechariah/1-8.htm">Shade</a> <a href="/jeremiah/13-16.htm">Shades</a> <a href="/jonah/4-6.htm">Shadow</a> <a href="/zechariah/5-7.htm">Sitting</a> <a href="/zechariah/13-1.htm">Spring</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-4.htm">Sprung</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/11-11.htm">Arisen</a> <a href="/mark/9-3.htm">Brilliant</a> <a href="/matthew/8-1.htm">Country</a> <a href="/matthew/6-23.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/matthew/28-1.htm">Dawn</a> <a href="/matthew/17-13.htm">Dawned</a> <a href="/matthew/10-21.htm">Death</a> <a href="/matthew/23-21.htm">Dwelling</a> <a href="/matthew/4-25.htm">Great</a> <a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Light</a> <a href="/matthew/4-25.htm">Region</a> <a href="/matthew/5-1.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/mark/4-32.htm">Shade</a> <a href="/luke/1-79.htm">Shades</a> <a href="/mark/4-32.htm">Shadow</a> <a href="/matthew/9-9.htm">Sitting</a> <a href="/matthew/13-7.htm">Spring</a> <a href="/matthew/13-5.htm">Sprung</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 4</div>1. <a href="/matthew/4-1.htm">Jesus, fasting forty days, </a> 3. <a href="/matthew/4-3.htm">is tempted by the devil and ministered unto by angels.</a> 12. <a href="/matthew/4-12.htm">He dwells in Capernaum;</a> 17. <a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">begins to preach;</a> 18. <a href="/matthew/4-18.htm">calls Peter and Andrew,</a> 21. <a href="/matthew/4-21.htm">James and John;</a> 23. <a href="/matthew/4-23.htm">teaches and heals all the diseased.</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'; 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The darkness symbolizes ignorance, sin, and separation from God. In biblical context, darkness often represents the absence of divine truth and guidance (<a href="/isaiah/9-2.htm">Isaiah 9:2</a>). The people were living without the revelation of God's salvation, highlighting their need for a Savior.have seen a great light; The "great light" is a metaphor for Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the World (<a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a>). His coming brought the revelation of God's truth and salvation to those who were spiritually blind. This light signifies hope, guidance, and the presence of God among His people. The fulfillment of this prophecy from <a href="/isaiah/9-2.htm">Isaiah 9:2</a> emphasizes the transformative power of Christ's ministry.on those living in the land of the shadow of death, This phrase describes a region characterized by despair and the threat of death, both physically and spiritually. The "shadow of death" suggests a place where the fear of death looms large, possibly due to oppression or hardship. In a broader sense, it represents humanity's condition under the curse of sin and mortality. The geographical reference to Galilee, a region often looked down upon, underscores the unexpected nature of God's redemptive work.a light has dawned.” The dawning of light signifies the beginning of a new era with the arrival of Jesus. It marks the transition from darkness to light, from despair to hope. This imagery of dawn suggests the breaking of a new day, symbolizing the inauguration of the Kingdom of God through Christ's presence and ministry. The fulfillment of this prophecy highlights Jesus as the Messiah who brings salvation and restoration to all who believe.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The central figure of the New Testament, whose ministry is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. In this verse, He is the "great light" that has dawned. 2. <a href="/topical/p/people_living_in_darkness.htm">People Living in Darkness</a> Refers to the Israelites and, by extension, all humanity living in spiritual ignorance and sin before the coming of Christ. 3. <a href="/topical/l/land_of_the_shadow_of_death.htm">Land of the Shadow of Death</a> A metaphorical description of a place of despair and hopelessness, often associated with the regions of Galilee where Jesus began His ministry. 4. <a href="/topical/g/galilee.htm">Galilee</a> The region where Jesus started His public ministry, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah about a light shining in darkness. 5. <a href="/topical/p/prophecy_of_isaiah.htm">Prophecy of Isaiah</a> This verse fulfills the prophecy found in <a href="/isaiah/9.htm">Isaiah 9:1-2</a>, which speaks of a great light coming to those in darkness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/j/jesus_as_the_fulfillment_of_prophecy.htm">Jesus as the Fulfillment of Prophecy</a> Recognize that Jesus' coming was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, affirming the reliability and divine inspiration of Scripture. <a href="/topical/l/light_in_darkness.htm">Light in Darkness</a> Understand that Jesus is the light that dispels spiritual darkness, offering hope and salvation to all who believe. <a href="/topical/l/living_as_children_of_light.htm">Living as Children of Light</a> As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His light in our lives, living in a way that honors God and draws others to Him. <a href="/topical/h/hope_in_despair.htm">Hope in Despair</a> In times of personal darkness or despair, remember that Jesus is the light that brings hope and guidance. <a href="/topical/e/evangelism_and_witness.htm">Evangelism and Witness</a> Be encouraged to share the light of Christ with others, especially those who are still living in spiritual darkness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 4</a> <a href="/q/why_do_demons_remain_silent.htm">What does being called into marvelous light mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_garima_gospels.htm">How can we reveal the works of darkness?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_jesus_go_to_jerusalem.htm">Was His Life the Light of Men?</a> <a href="/q/was_his_life_the_light_of_men.htm">Was His Life the Light of Men?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - The people which sat; "who walk" (Hebrew). Saw great light; saw a great light (Revised Version); unnecessarily except as a matter of English, for it can hardly mean a definite light, Messiah. Φῶς both here and in the next clause means light as such. And to them which sat. So the Hebrew, but the LXX. generally οἱ κατοικοῦντες. In the region and shadow of death. The region where death abides, and where it casts its thickest shade. The Hebrew is simply "in the land of the shadow of death" (בארצ צלמות, according to the traditional interpretation), which the present LXX. (Vatican) probably represents (ἐν χώρᾳ σκιᾷ θανάτου) , the ς of σκιᾶς having been misread before θ. But copyists, not understanding this, inserted καὶ between χώρᾳ and σκιᾷ (as in A), and this reading became popularly known, and was used by the evangelist. That the reading of A was derived from the evangelist is unlikely, for the reading σκιᾷ must, at all events, have been before his time. Light is sprung up; to them, did light spring up (Revised Version); ἀνέτειλεν. The tense emphasizes not the abiding effect (e.g. in the fact that so many of the disciples were Galilaeans), but the moment of his appearance. The father of the Baptist also remembered this passage of Isaiah (<a href="/luke/1-78.htm">Luke 1:78, 79</a>, where cf. Godet). <a href="/commentaries/matthew/4-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine 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. people λαὸς (laos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2992.htm">Strong's 2992: </a> Apparently a primary word; a people. living καθήμενος (kathēmenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2521.htm">Strong's 2521: </a> To sit, be seated, enthroned; I dwell, reside. From kata; and hemai; to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside. 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. darkness σκοτίᾳ (skotia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4653.htm">Strong's 4653: </a> Darkness; fig: spiritual darkness. From skotos; dimness, obscurity. have seen εἶδεν (eiden) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. [a] great μέγα (mega) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3173.htm">Strong's 3173: </a> Large, great, in the widest sense. light; φῶς (phōs) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5457.htm">Strong's 5457: </a> Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness. on those τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <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. living καθημένοις (kathēmenois) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2521.htm">Strong's 2521: </a> To sit, be seated, enthroned; I dwell, reside. From kata; and hemai; to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside. in [the] 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. land χώρᾳ (chōra) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5561.htm">Strong's 5561: </a> Feminine of a derivative of the base of chasma through the idea of empty expanse; room, i.e. A space of territory. [of the] shadow σκιᾷ (skia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4639.htm">Strong's 4639: </a> Apparently a primary word; 'shade' or a shadow (darkness of error or an adumbration). of death, θανάτου (thanatou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2288.htm">Strong's 2288: </a> Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death. a 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. has dawned.” ἀνέτειλεν (aneteilen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_393.htm">Strong's 393: </a> To make to rise, I rise, shine (generally of the sun, and hence met.). From ana and the base of telos; to arise. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/4-16.htm">Matthew 4:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/4-16.htm">Matthew 4:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/4-16.htm">Matthew 4:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/4-16.htm">Matthew 4:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/4-16.htm">Matthew 4:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/4-16.htm">Matthew 4:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/4-16.htm">Matthew 4:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/4-16.htm">Matthew 4:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/4-16.htm">Matthew 4:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/4-16.htm">Matthew 4:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/4-16.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 4:16 The people who sat in darkness saw (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/4-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 4:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 4:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/4-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 4:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 4:17" /></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>