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John 1:9 The true Light who gives light to every man was coming into the world.
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class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/john/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/john/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/john/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/john/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The true Light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />The true Light who enlightens every man was coming into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/john/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>That</i> was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/john/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/john/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br /><i>This</i> was the true Light that, coming into the world, enlightens every person.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/john/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/john/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />There was the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/john/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/john/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />There it was—the true Light [the genuine, perfect, steadfast Light] which, coming into the world, enlightens everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/john/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/john/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/john/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />There was the true light, even the light which lighteth every man, coming into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/john/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The true light that shines on everyone was coming into the world. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/john/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />There was the true light, even the light which lighteth every man, coming into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/john/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The real light, which shines on everyone, was coming into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/john/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />This was the real light--the light that comes into the world and shines on all people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/john/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />This was the true light that enlightens every person by his coming into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/john/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The true Light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/john/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/john/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/john/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />The true Light was that which illumines every man by its coming into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/john/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/john/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />He was the true Light, which enlightens every man, coming into the world;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />The true Light who enlightens every man was coming into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/john/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> He was the true Light, which doth enlighten every man, coming to the world;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/john/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The Light was true, which enlightens every man coming into the world.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/john/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />That was the true light, which enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/john/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The true Light, which illuminates every man, was coming into this world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/john/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/john/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/john/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He was the true light, which lighteth every man who came into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />For That One was The Light of Truth, which enlightens every person that comes into the world.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/john/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />He was the true Light, which, coming into the world, gives light to every man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/john/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />That was the true light, which lighteth every man, coming into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/john/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />He was that true Light, which illumines every man by his coming into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/john/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />HE was the true Light who came into the world, to enlighten every man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />The true Light was that which illumines every man by its coming into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/john/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />He was the true Light That lighteth every man coming into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/john/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />The true light was <i>that</i> which enlightneth every man that cometh into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/john/1-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=48" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/john/1.htm">The Witness of John</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>He himself was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- 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/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/228.htm" title="228: alēthinon (Adj-NNS) -- True (lit: made of truth), real, genuine. From alethes; truthful.">TRUE</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/3739.htm" title="3739: ho (RelPro-NNS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">who</a> <a href="/greek/5461.htm" title="5461: phōtizei (V-PIA-3S) -- From phos; to shed rays, i.e. To shine or to brighten up.">gives light to</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: panta (Adj-AMS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">every</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpon (N-AMS) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">man</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: Ēn (V-IIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">was</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: erchomenon (V-PPM/P-AMS) -- To come, go. ">coming</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">into</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- 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/2889.htm" title="2889: kosmon (N-AMS) -- Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).">world.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">10</span>He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-46.htm">John 12:46</a></span><br />I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-8.htm">1 John 2:8</a></span><br />Then again, I am also writing to you a new commandment, which is true in Him and also in you. For the darkness is fading and the true light is already shining.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-6.htm">Isaiah 49:6</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/60-1.htm">Isaiah 60:1-3</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/2-32.htm">Luke 2:32</a></span><br />a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/4-16.htm">Matthew 4:16</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8-14</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-6.htm">2 Corinthians 4:6</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/27-1.htm">Psalm 27:1</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/36-9.htm">Psalm 36:9</a></span><br />For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/4-2.htm">Malachi 4:2</a></span><br />“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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/26-23.htm">Acts 26:23</a></span><br />that the Christ would suffer, and as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-12.htm">Colossians 1:12-13</a></span><br />giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. / He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">That was the true Light, which lights every man that comes into the world.</p><p class="hdg">the true.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/1-4.htm">John 1:4</a></b></br> In him was life; and the life was the light of men.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/6-32.htm">John 6:32</a></b></br> Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a></b></br> Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.</p><p class="hdg">every.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/1-7.htm">John 1:7</a></b></br> The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all <i>men</i> through him might believe.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/7-12.htm">John 7:12</a></b></br> And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/12-46.htm">John 12:46</a></b></br> I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/2-32.htm">Enlighten</a> <a href="/luke/20-44.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/luke/11-36.htm">Illumines</a> <a href="/john/1-8.htm">Light</a> <a href="/luke/24-34.htm">True.</a> <a href="/luke/21-26.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ephesians/3-9.htm">Enlighten</a> <a href="/john/1-33.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-29.htm">Illumines</a> <a href="/john/3-19.htm">Light</a> <a href="/john/1-14.htm">True.</a> <a href="/john/1-10.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">John 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/1-1.htm">The divinity, humanity, office, and incarnation of Jesus Christ.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/1-15.htm">The testimony of John.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">39. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/1-39.htm">The calling of Simon and Andrew, Philip and Nathanael</a></span><br></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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In the context of the Gospel of John, "light" symbolizes truth, purity, and divine revelation. The concept of light is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God is often associated with light (e.g., <a href="/psalms/27.htm">Psalm 27:1</a>, <a href="/isaiah/60-19.htm">Isaiah 60:19</a>). Jesus as the "true Light" contrasts with false teachings and deceptive philosophies, affirming His divine nature and mission.<p><b>who gives light to everyone</b><br>This part of the verse emphasizes the universal scope of Christ's revelation. The light of Christ is not limited to a specific group but is available to all humanity. This aligns with the biblical theme of God's desire for all people to come to the knowledge of truth (<a href="/1_timothy/2-4.htm">1 Timothy 2:4</a>). It also reflects the fulfillment of prophecies such as <a href="/isaiah/49-6.htm">Isaiah 49:6</a>, where the Servant of the Lord is a light to the nations. The phrase underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel message.<p><b>was coming into the world</b><br>This indicates the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the moment when the Word became flesh (<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>). The phrase "coming into the world" signifies the historical event of Jesus' birth and His entrance into human history. It highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's arrival (e.g., <a href="/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2</a>, <a href="/isaiah/7-14.htm">Isaiah 7:14</a>). The world, in this context, often represents humanity in its fallen state, in need of redemption and enlightenment. Jesus' coming into the world marks the pivotal point in God's redemptive plan.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_true_light.htm">The True Light</a></b><br>Refers to Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of divine truth and revelation. In the context of <a href="/bsb/john/1.htm">John 1</a>, He is presented as the eternal Word who became flesh.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/every_man.htm">Every Man</a></b><br>This phrase indicates the universal scope of Christ's illumination. It suggests that Jesus' light is available to all humanity, transcending ethnic, cultural, and social boundaries.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_world.htm">The World</a></b><br>In the Gospel of John, "the world" often refers to the created order that is in need of redemption. It is the realm into which Jesus entered to bring salvation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_universality_of_christ's_light.htm">The Universality of Christ's Light</a></b><br>Jesus' light is available to all people, regardless of their background. This calls believers to share the gospel universally, without prejudice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_true_light.htm">The Nature of True Light</a></b><br>Unlike other sources of light, Jesus is the "true" light, meaning He is genuine and reliable. Believers are encouraged to seek truth in Him rather than in worldly philosophies.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_in_the_light.htm">Living in the Light</a></b><br>As recipients of Christ's light, Christians are called to reflect His light in their daily lives, demonstrating His love and truth through their actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_transformative_power_of_light.htm">The Transformative Power of Light</a></b><br>Encountering Jesus' light brings transformation, moving individuals from spiritual darkness to light. This transformation should be evident in a believer's life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_urgency_of_receiving_the_light.htm">The Urgency of Receiving the Light</a></b><br>Since Jesus has come into the world, there is an urgency for individuals to respond to His light. Believers should encourage others to accept Christ's illumination.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">That was the true Light.</span>--The right rendering of this verse is uncertain. It would, probably, give a better sense to translate it, <span class= "ital">The true Light which lighteth every man was coming into the world, i.e.,</span> was manifesting itself at the time when John was bearing witness and men were mistaking the lamp for the light. (Comp. <a href="/john/5-35.htm" title="He was a burning and a shining light: and you were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.">John 5:35</a>, Note.)<p><span class= "bld">The true Light</span> was not "true" as opposed to "false," but "true" as answering to the perfect ideal, and as opposed to all more or less imperfect representations. The meaning of the Greek is quite clear. The difficulty arises from the fact that in English there is but one word to represent the two ideas. The word for the fuller meaning of "ideally true" is not confined to St. John, but is naturally of very frequent recurrence in his writings. The adjective is used nine times in this Gospel, and not at all in the other three. A comparison of the passages will show how important it is to get a right conception of what the word means, and will help to give it. (See <a href="/john/4-23.htm" title="But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship him.">John 4:23</a>; <a href="/john/4-37.htm" title="And herein is that saying true, One sows, and another reaps.">John 4:37</a>; <a href="/john/6-32.htm" title="Then Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.">John 6:32</a>; <a href="/john/7-28.htm" title="Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, You both know me, and you know from where I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom you know not.">John 7:28</a>; <a href="/john/8-16.htm" title="And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.">John 8:16</a>; <a href="/john/15-1.htm" title="I am the true vine, and my Father is the farmer.">John 15:1</a>; <a href="/john/17-3.htm" title="And this is life eternal, that they might know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.">John 17:3</a>; <a href="/john/19-35.htm" title="And he that saw it bore record, and his record is true: and he knows that he said true, that you might believe.">John 19:35</a>.) But, as ideally true, the Light was not subject to the changing conditions of time and space, but was and is true for all humanity, and "lighteth every man." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <p><span class="note_emph">(b)</span> <span class="accented">The illumination of the archetypal Light before incarnation.</span> There are at least three grammatical translations of this verse. Either <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> with Meyer, we may give to <span class="greek">η΅ν</span> the complete sense of existence, presence, and include in it the full predicate of the sentence; thus: "Existing, present (when John commenced his ministry), was the veritable Light which enlighteneth every man coming into the world." But the clause, "coming into the world," would here not only be superfluous, but moreover, while used elsewhere and often of Christ's incarnation, is never used of ordinary birth in the Scriptures, though it is a rabbinical expression. <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> Lange, Moulton, Westcott, Godet, applying the <span class="greek">ἐρχόμενον εἰς τὸν κόσμον</span> to the <span class="accented">light</span> rather than to <span class="accented">man</span>, translate it, "That was the true Light which lighteth every man, by coming into the world, or that cometh into the world." The difficulty of this is that it makes the coming into the world, in some new sense, the occasion of the illumination of every man, although the evangelist has already spoken (ver. 4) of the Life which is the Light of men. A third method is to make the <span class="greek">ἐρχόμενον εἰς τὸν</span> <span class="greek">κόσμον</span> the true predicate of the sentence, and translate thus: <span class="cmt_word">The veritable Light which illumines every man was coming</span> (ever coming) <span class="cmt_word">into the world;</span> and there is a sense and manner of his coming which transcends all others, about which he is to speak at length. This might receive another meaning if <span class="greek">η΅ν ἐρχόμενον</span> were equivalent to <span class="greek">η΅λθε</span>; then a positive reference would here he made to the historic fact of the Incarnation. But it seems to me the evangelist is drawing a contrast between the continuous coming into the world of the veritable Light and the specific Incarnation of ver. 14. Consequently, the author here travels over and connotes a wider theme, namely, the operation of that archetypal Light, that veritable Light which differs from all mere reflections of it, or imitations of it, or luminous testimonies to it. The difference between <span class="greek">ἀληθής</span> and <span class="greek">ἀληθινός</span> is important. <span class="greek">Ἀληθής</span> is used in <a href="/john/3-33.htm">John 3:33</a> and John 5:31, and very often to denote the true in opposition to the false, the veracious as distinct from the deceptive. <span class="greek">Ἀληθινός</span> is used in the Gospel (<a href="/john/4-23.htm">John 4:23, 37</a>; <a href="/john/6-32.htm">John 6:32</a>; <a href="/john/7-28.htm">John 7:28</a>; <a href="/john/15-1.htm">John 15:1</a>; <a href="/john/17-3.htm">John 17:3</a>), First Epistle (<a href="/1_john/5-20.htm">1 John 5:20</a>), and Apocalypse (<a href="/revelation/3-7.htm">Revelation 3:7</a>), and hardly anywhere else (see Introduction), for the real as opposed to the phenomenal, the archetypal as opposed to the various embodiments of it, the veritable as distinct from that which does not answer to its own ideal. Now, about this veritable light, in addition to all that has been said already, two things are declared. . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/john/1-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">The</span><br /><span class="grk">τὸ</span> <span class="translit">(to)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">TRUE</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀληθινὸν</span> <span class="translit">(alēthinon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_228.htm">Strong's 228: </a> </span><span class="str2">True (lit: made of truth), real, genuine. From alethes; truthful.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Light</span><br /><span class="grk">φῶς</span> <span class="translit">(phōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5457.htm">Strong's 5457: </a> </span><span class="str2">Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who</span><br /><span class="grk">ὃ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">gives light to</span><br /><span class="grk">φωτίζει</span> <span class="translit">(phōtizei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5461.htm">Strong's 5461: </a> </span><span class="str2">From phos; to shed rays, i.e. To shine or to brighten up.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">every</span><br /><span class="grk">πάντα</span> <span class="translit">(panta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">man</span><br /><span class="grk">ἄνθρωπον</span> <span class="translit">(anthrōpon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἦν</span> <span class="translit">(Ēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">coming</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐρχόμενον</span> <span class="translit">(erchomenon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come, go. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">into</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰς</span> <span class="translit">(eis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὸν</span> <span class="translit">(ton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">world.</span><br /><span class="grk">κόσμον</span> <span class="translit">(kosmon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2889.htm">Strong's 2889: </a> </span><span class="str2">Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/1-9.htm">John 1:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/john/1-9.htm">John 1:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/john/1-9.htm">John 1:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/john/1-9.htm">John 1:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/john/1-9.htm">John 1:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/john/1-9.htm">John 1:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/1-9.htm">John 1:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/1-9.htm">John 1:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/john/1-9.htm">John 1:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/john/1-9.htm">John 1:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/john/1-9.htm">NT Gospels: John 1:9 The true light that enlightens everyone was (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/1-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 1:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 1:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/1-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 1:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 1:10" /></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>