Overview
The Bible addresses light across 22 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in John, Genesis and Isaiah. Closely related themes include Creation, God, Sun and Church (2). Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus.
Key Bible verses about light
Old Testament
Genesis
And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. the light from: Heb. between the light and between the darkness
And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. And the evening: Heb. And the evening was, and the morning was
And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: the day: Heb. between the day and between the night
And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. to rule the day: Heb. for the rule of the day, etc.
And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,
Isaiah
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. shine: or, be enlightened; for thy light cometh
For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.
Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.
New Testament
John
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. comprehended: or, did not admit, or, receive
The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. reproved: or, discovered
But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
People in the Bible and light
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying light for yourself
- Begin with Genesis 1:3, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how John, Genesis and Isaiah each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Jesus and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Creation, God, Sun and Church (2).
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about light?
The Bible addresses light across 22 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in John, Genesis and Isaiah. Closely related themes include Creation, God, Sun and Church (2). Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus.
How many Bible verses are about light?
The Bible references light in 22 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention light?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 1:3: “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with light?
Jesus.
Preach & teach
Outline a sermon or build a study series on light.
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