In biblical literature, the term "darkeners" is not explicitly used; however, the concept of darkening is prevalent throughout Scripture, often symbolizing spiritual blindness, ignorance, or the obscuring of truth. The imagery of darkness is frequently contrasted with light, which represents God's truth, righteousness, and revelation.

Biblical References and Symbolism

1. Spiritual Blindness and Ignorance: The Bible often uses darkness to describe a state of spiritual blindness or ignorance. In Ephesians 4:18, the Apostle Paul speaks of those who are "darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts" . This passage highlights the condition of those who are separated from God, unable to perceive His truth.

2. Moral and Spiritual Corruption: Darkness is also associated with moral and spiritual corruption. In Romans 1:21, Paul writes, "For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts" . Here, the darkening of the heart is linked to a willful rejection of God, leading to moral decay.

3. The Power of Darkness: The Bible acknowledges the existence of spiritual forces of darkness. In Colossians 1:13, Paul declares, "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son" . This verse underscores the deliverance from the power of darkness through Christ, emphasizing the transformative power of salvation.

4. The Role of False Teachers: In the context of darkening, false teachers and prophets are often seen as those who obscure the truth. In 2 Peter 2:17, false teachers are described as "springs without water and mists driven by a storm, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved" . This imagery conveys the idea that those who lead others astray are themselves enveloped in darkness.

5. The Light of Christ: The antidote to darkness is the light of Christ. In John 8:12, Jesus proclaims, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" . This statement affirms that through Christ, believers are brought out of darkness into the light of truth and life.

Theological Implications

The concept of darkening in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for the human condition apart from God. It illustrates the consequences of sin, the influence of evil, and the necessity of divine intervention for redemption. The contrast between darkness and light is a recurring theme that underscores the transformative power of God's truth and the call for believers to live as "children of light" (Ephesians 5:8).

In summary, while the term "darkeners" is not directly found in Scripture, the themes associated with darkening are integral to understanding the biblical narrative of sin, redemption, and the ultimate triumph of light over darkness through Jesus Christ.

On the Theophany, or Birthday of Christ.
... XIV. To this what have those cavillers to say, those bitter reasoners about Godhead,
those detractors of all that is praiseworthy, those darkeners of light ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxviii on the theophany.htm

The Second Oration on Easter.
... To this what will those cavillers say, those bitter reasoners about Godhead, those
detractors of all things that are praiseworthy, those darkeners of Light ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xlv the second oration.htm

Darkeners (1 Occurrence)
...Darkeners (1 Occurrence). Job 3:5 Let darkness and the shadow of death claim it;
let clouds dwell upon it; let darkeners of the day terrify it. (DBY). ...
/d/darkeners.htm - 6k

Darkened (28 Occurrences)

/d/darkened.htm - 15k

Locust (25 Occurrences)
... "Their numbers exceed computation: the hebrews called them `the countless,' and
the Arabs knew them as `the darkeners of the sun.' Unable to guide their own ...
/l/locust.htm - 34k

Darkeneth (1 Occurrence)

/d/darkeneth.htm - 6k

Clouds (99 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Job 3:5 Let darkness and the shadow of death claim it; let clouds dwell
upon it; let darkeners of the day terrify it. (DBY RSV). ...
/c/clouds.htm - 35k

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