1 John 1:5

¶ This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

This {G3778} then {G2532} is {G2076} the message {G1860} which {G3739} we have heard {G191} of {G575} him {G846}, and {G2532} declare {G312} unto you {G5213}, that {G3754} God {G2316} is {G2076} light {G5457}, and {G2532} in {G1722} him {G846} is {G2076} no {G3756} darkness {G4653} at all {G3762}.

And this is the message which we have heard from him and proclaim to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him — none!

And 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.

And this is the message which we have heard from him and announce unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

Commentary

1 John 1:5 (KJV)

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

Commentary

Context

The Apostle John is writing to early Christian communities, likely facing challenges from false teachers who might have claimed special spiritual knowledge while living immoral lives. John emphasizes the true nature of God and the genuine marks of a relationship with Him, starting with this fundamental declaration about God's character.

Key Themes

This verse presents a foundational truth about God's nature using the powerful metaphor of "light."

  • God's Absolute Purity: Declaring "God is light" signifies His perfect holiness, truth, knowledge, and glory. Light illuminates, reveals, and purifies. It represents everything good and true.
  • Absence of Darkness: The emphatic statement "in him is no darkness at all" means God is utterly without sin, evil, falsehood, or imperfection in any degree. There is no hidden corner or shadow of impurity in His being. This truth is the basis for understanding the necessity of living in holiness if one is to have fellowship with God.

Linguistic Insight

The Greek phrase translated "no darkness at all" (οὐκ ἔστιν... οὐδεμία - ouk estin... oudemía) uses a double negative, which in Greek powerfully reinforces the absolute nature of the statement. It is not merely that God has *little* darkness, but that He has *absolutely none*, not even a single instance or shadow of it. The word for "darkness" (σκοτία - skotia) encompasses not just physical darkness but also moral and spiritual obscurity, ignorance, and wickedness.

Cross-Reference

Compare with James 1:17, which speaks of God as the "Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning," further emphasizing His unchanging purity and truth. Also, John 8:12 where Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world."

Practical Application

Understanding God as perfect light calls us to honesty and authenticity in our relationship with Him. If we claim to walk with a God who is pure light, our lives should increasingly reflect that light, moving away from the hiddenness and deceit of sin (darkness). Our fellowship with God and with one another is dependent on walking in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7).

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Cross-References

  • John 8:12 (67 votes)

    ¶ Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

  • James 1:17 (42 votes)

    Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

  • Isaiah 60:19 (36 votes)

    The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.

  • Psalms 27:1 (35 votes)

    ¶ [A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

  • John 1:9 (30 votes)

    [That] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

  • John 1:4 (29 votes)

    In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

  • John 12:35 (26 votes)

    Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.