Explain Bible

What does the Bible say about light?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that God is light, and in Jesus Christ He brings sinners out of darkness into truth, forgiveness, and holy life. Jesus declares Himself the Light of the World in John 8:12, while John 1:5 proclaims that darkness cannot overcome His light. God’s Word guides His people, as Psalms 119:105 says, and the Lord Himself is their light and salvation (Psalms 27:1). Through faith, believers are cleansed by Christ’s blood and called to walk openly in fellowship with God and one another (1 John 1:5-7). Having been made light in the Lord, the church reflects Christ before the world through good works, so that God receives the glory (Matthew 5:14-16; Ephesians 5:8).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • John 8:12

    Again, therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life."

  • John 1:5

    The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn't overcome it.

  • Psalms 119:105

    Your word is a lamp to my feet, And a light for my path.

  • 1 John 1:7

    But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.

  • 1 Peter 2:9

    But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:

  • Matthew 5:16

    Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

  • 1 John 1:5

    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.

  • Psalms 27:1

    > Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?

  • Ephesians 5:8

    For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,

  • Matthew 5:14

    You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can't be hidden.

Study outline

Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.

Nave's Topical Bible

Torrey's New Topical Textbook

Related topics

Go deeper

Ask Explain Bible AI about light and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.

Ask what the Bible says about light