Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Significance: In the Bible, "lights" often refer to sources of illumination, both physical and spiritual. The concept of light is deeply symbolic, representing God's presence, guidance, purity, and truth. Light is contrasted with darkness, which symbolizes evil, ignorance, and sin. Creation of Lights: The creation of lights is first mentioned in Genesis 1:14-18, where God creates the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night, along with the stars. These celestial bodies serve as signs to mark sacred times, days, and years. "And God said, 'Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to distinguish between the day and the night, and let them serve as signs to mark the seasons and days and years'" (Genesis 1:14). God as Light: God is frequently described as light in the Scriptures, symbolizing His holiness and righteousness. In 1 John 1:5, it is stated, "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" . This verse underscores the purity and perfection of God, who is devoid of any moral imperfection. Jesus as the Light of the World: Jesus Christ is identified as the "light of the world," a title that emphasizes His role in bringing spiritual illumination and salvation to humanity. In John 8:12, Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life" . This statement highlights Jesus' mission to dispel spiritual darkness and guide believers into eternal life. Believers as Lights: Believers are called to be lights in the world, reflecting the light of Christ in their lives. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus instructs His followers, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" . This passage encourages Christians to live visibly righteous lives that point others to God. Prophetic and Eschatological Lights: Prophetic literature often uses light imagery to describe the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of God's kingdom. Isaiah 60:1-3 prophesies, "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" . This prophecy anticipates a time when God's light will draw all nations to Himself. Light in Worship and Rituals: In the Old Testament, light plays a significant role in worship and rituals. The menorah, a seven-branched lampstand, was a key fixture in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, symbolizing God's eternal presence among His people. Exodus 25:31-40 provides detailed instructions for its construction, emphasizing its importance in the worship of Yahweh. Moral and Ethical Implications: Light is also used metaphorically to describe moral and ethical living. Ephesians 5:8-9 exhorts believers, "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" . This passage calls Christians to live in a manner consistent with their identity as children of light, producing deeds that reflect God's character. Conclusion: The theme of light permeates the Bible, serving as a powerful symbol of God's presence, truth, and redemptive work through Jesus Christ. Believers are called to embody this light, living in a way that honors God and draws others to Him. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n. pl.) The lungs of an animal or bird; -- sometimes coarsely applied to the lungs of a human being.Greek 4493. rhipe -- any rapid movement, spec. a twinkling (of lights or ... ... a twinkling (of lights or the eye). Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: rhipe Phonetic Spelling: (hree-pay') Short Definition: a glance, twinkle (of ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4493.htm - 6k 5457. phos -- light 5458. phoster -- a luminary, light Strong's Hebrew 3974. maor -- a luminary... Word Origin from or Definition a luminary NASB Word Usage bright (1), light (12), lighting (2), lights (3), shining (1). bright, light. ... /hebrew/3974.htm - 6k 224. Urim -- part of the high priest's breastplate 216. or -- a light Library Lights and Shadows. Watchers, Let Your Lights be Burning, Of the Lights and Stars of Heaven --Of Day and Night, Ver. 14 Whether the Lights of Heaven are Living Beings? Whether the Lights Ought to have Been Produced on the Fourth Day? Oration on the Holy Lights. O Light of Lights! when Other Light is Fading, As Pictures are Made Curious by Lights and Shades O Light of Lights Around My Pathway Shining, Fairest of all the Lights Above, Thesaurus Lights (71 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Lights (71 Occurrences). ... (BBE). Matthew 25:3 For the foolish, when they took their lights, took no oil with them. (BBE). ... /l/lights.htm - 27k Supports (25 Occurrences) Support (135 Occurrences) Light-support (4 Occurrences) Inmost (49 Occurrences) Vessels (210 Occurrences) Over-against (156 Occurrences) Perfumes (69 Occurrences) Hammered (22 Occurrences) Light (2869 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that God is the Father of lights (James 1:17)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Diwali festival in Hinduism? | GotQuestions.org What is the Feast of Dedication? | GotQuestions.org Lights: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Lights (71 Occurrences)Matthew 25:1 Matthew 25:3 Matthew 25:4 Matthew 25:7 Matthew 25:8 Luke 8:16 Luke 11:33 Luke 11:36 Luke 12:35 Luke 17:24 John 18:3 Acts 16:29 Acts 20:8 Philippians 2:15 Hebrews 9:2 James 1:17 Revelation 1:12 Revelation 1:20 Revelation 2:1 Revelation 11:4 Revelation 18:23 Genesis 1:14 Genesis 1:15 Genesis 1:16 Exodus 25:31 Exodus 25:37 Exodus 26:35 Exodus 27:20 Exodus 28:30 Exodus 30:7 Exodus 30:8 Exodus 30:27 Exodus 35:8 Exodus 35:14 Exodus 37:17 Exodus 37:23 Exodus 39:37 Exodus 40:4 Exodus 40:24 Exodus 40:25 Leviticus 8:8 Leviticus 24:4 Numbers 3:31 Numbers 4:9 Numbers 8:2 Numbers 8:3 Numbers 8:4 Numbers 27:21 Deuteronomy 19:5 1 Kings 6:4 1 Kings 7:49 2 Kings 25:14 1 Chronicles 28:15 2 Chronicles 4:7 2 Chronicles 4:20 2 Chronicles 4:21 2 Chronicles 13:11 2 Chronicles 29:7 Job 38:36 Job 41:19 Psalms 97:4 Psalms 136:7 Jeremiah 25:10 Jeremiah 52:18 Jeremiah 52:19 Ezekiel 32:8 Daniel 10:6 Nahum 2:4 Zephaniah 1:12 Zechariah 4:2 Zechariah 4:10 Subtopics Select Readings: Lights and Shadows Related Terms |