Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Symbolism In the Bible, "light" is a powerful symbol representing purity, truth, and the presence of God. It often contrasts with darkness, which symbolizes evil, ignorance, and sin. The concept of light shining is frequently used to illustrate divine revelation, guidance, and the transformative power of God's presence in the world. Old Testament References The theme of light begins in the creation narrative, where God commands, "Let there be light," and light appears, separating day from night (Genesis 1:3-4). This act of creation establishes light as a fundamental element of the world, signifying order and life. In the Psalms, light is associated with God's guidance and protection. Psalm 27:1 declares, "The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?" . Here, light represents God's deliverance and the absence of fear. Similarly, Psalm 119:105 states, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" , emphasizing the illuminating power of God's word in guiding believers. The prophetic literature also uses light to describe the coming of the Messiah and the restoration of Israel. Isaiah 9:2 proclaims, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned" . This prophecy points to the hope and salvation brought by the Messiah. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is identified as the ultimate fulfillment of the light motif. 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 underscores Jesus as the source of spiritual illumination and life, offering redemption and truth to all who believe. The apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme in his letters. In Ephesians 5:8, he writes, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light" . Believers are called to reflect the light of Christ in their lives, living in righteousness and truth. Eschatological Significance The imagery of light culminates in the eschatological vision of the New Jerusalem in the book of Revelation. Revelation 21:23 describes the city as having "no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp" . This passage highlights the ultimate triumph of God's light over darkness, where His presence illuminates all creation. Practical Application The concept of light shining serves as a call for believers to live in a manner that reflects God's holiness and truth. Matthew 5:14-16 encourages Christians to be "the light of the world," letting their "light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" . This exhortation emphasizes the role of believers as bearers of God's light, tasked with spreading His love and truth in a world often shrouded in darkness. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 23:4And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun rises, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 41:18 Greek 5460. photeinos -- bright, light ... light. Cognate: 5460 (an adjective) -- brilliant (shining), describing the revelation (revealing nature) of light. See 5457 (). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5460.htm - 6k 5316. phaino -- to bring to light, to cause to appear 1306. diaugazo -- to shine through 5318. phaneros -- visible, manifest Strong's Hebrew 2094a. zahar -- to be light or shining... to be light or shining. Transliteration: zahar Short Definition: brightly. ... root Definition to be light or shining NASB Word Usage shine brightly (1). ... /hebrew/2094a.htm - 5k 2094. zahar -- to be light or shining 5051. nogah -- brightness 2225. zerach -- a dawning, shining 3974. maor -- a luminary Library Light Shining Out of Darkness. The Shining Light. O Light of Lights Around My Pathway Shining, The Hilltops --Experiences of Gladness and Glory The Shining of the Righteous. Its Interpretation. O Lord Jesus Christ, the Resurrection and the Life of the Dead... "The Glory of that Light. " Let a Shining Robe be Mine, The Light and the Lamps The Broad Inner Horizon. Resources How can the light of stars billions of light years away from the earth have reached us if the earth is only thousands of years old? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that believers are to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16)? | GotQuestions.org Why does the Bible describe the moon as a light? | GotQuestions.org Light: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Light: Christ the Source of all Wisdom Light: Communicated to the Body Through the Eye Light: Divided Into: Artificial Light: Divided Into: Extraordinary or Miraculous Light: Figurative and Symbolical Light: Separated from Darkness Light: Sun, Moon, and Stars Appointed to Communicate to the Earth Light: The Glory of the Church Light: The Theory of, Beyond Man's Comprehension Light: Whatever Makes Manifest Related Terms |
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