John 1:5

Commentary on John 1:5

1. The Text

John 1:5 (King James Version):
“And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”

This short verse sits within the majestic opening of the Gospel according to John, where the apostle introduces Jesus Christ not first as a baby in Bethlehem, but as the eternal Word, the divine Son, the Creator, and the true Light.

2. Exegetical Commentary

2.1 The Light

John has already identified the “Light” in the surrounding verses.

John 1:4 (King James Version):
“In him was life; and the life was the light of men.”

The Light is not an abstract principle. It is the living Christ, the eternal Word who gives life. In Christian theology, this Light is both revelatory (showing us God) and redemptive (saving us from sin).

John later makes this explicit:

John 1:9 (King James Version):
“That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”

Christ is the Light who reveals God’s character, exposes human sin, and brings salvation.

2.2 The Darkness

In Johannine language, “darkness” refers to the fallen world in rebellion against God. It is moral darkness, spiritual blindness, and human unbelief.

John 1:10 (King James Version):
“He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.”

John 1:11 (King James Version):
“He came unto his own, and his own received him not.”

Darkness is not merely ignorance; it is wilful resistance to God’s truth.

2.3 “Comprehended it not”

The phrase can mean:

• did not understand it,
• did not accept it, or
• did not overcome it.

All three ideas fit the context. The world did not grasp who Jesus was, did not welcome Him, and could not conquer or extinguish His light.

This aligns with the Christian understanding of human inability. Without the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, people remain blind to the glory of Christ.

Yet the verse also carries a triumphant tone: darkness has no power to defeat the Light.

---

3. Theological Teaching

3.1 Christ as the Eternal Light

John’s prologue echoes Genesis.

Genesis 1:3 (King James Version):
“And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.”

Just as physical light broke the original darkness, Christ breaks spiritual darkness. He is the Light of new creation.

3.2 Human Sin and Spiritual Blindness

The darkness of John 1 is not neutral. It is active resistance.

Christian theology teaches that humanity is dead in sin and unable to come to God without divine intervention. John affirms this:

John 1:13 (King James Version):
“Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

Only God’s sovereign grace opens blind eyes.

3.3 The Triumph of Christ

The darkness cannot overcome the Light. This is a declaration of Christ’s victory over sin, Satan, and death.

It anticipates the cross and resurrection, where Christ decisively defeats the powers of darkness.

---

4. Application to Modern Christian Living

4.1 Confidence in Christ’s Victory

Christians live in a world that often feels dark—morally confused, spiritually resistant, and hostile to the gospel. John 1:5 reminds us that Christ’s light continues to shine and cannot be extinguished.

We do not live in fear. We live in hope.

4.2 The Call to Walk in the Light

Believers are called to reflect Christ’s light.

Matthew 5:16 (King James Version):
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Walking in the light means:

• honesty before God,
• repentance,
• obedience,
• love for neighbour,
• courage in witness.

4.3 The Need for Spiritual Discernment

Darkness still tries to cloud our vision. Christians must be alert to:

• false teaching,
• moral compromise,
• spiritual apathy,
• cultural pressures that dim our witness.

The Word of God keeps us grounded.

4.4 Hope for Those We Love

Many believers carry deep grief for family members or friends who seem trapped in darkness. John 1:5 encourages us:

Christ’s light still shines.
Darkness cannot overcome Him.
No heart is beyond His reach.

---

5. Meditation Guide

Use the following steps for personal reflection or group devotion.

5.1 Read the Passage Slowly

Read John 1:1–14 aloud, including:

John 1:5 (King James Version):
“And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”

Let the words settle in your heart.

5.2 Reflect on Christ as Light

Ask:

• What does it mean that Jesus is my Light?
• Where do I still experience darkness in my life?
• How is Christ shining into those areas?

5.3 Confess and Receive Grace

Bring any hidden sin or fear into the Light.
Remember that darkness cannot overcome Christ.

5.4 Pray for Others

Name people who need the Light of Christ.
Pray that God would open their eyes and draw them to Himself.

5.5 Commit to Walk in the Light

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you:

• speak truth with love,
• live with integrity,
• shine Christ’s light in your workplace, home, and community.