2 Corinthians 4:6

KJV

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3754} God {G2316}, who {G3588} commanded {G2036} the light {G5457} to shine {G2989} out of {G1537} darkness {G4655},{G3739} hath shined {G2989} in {G1722} our {G2257} hearts {G2588}, to {G4314} give the light {G5462} of the knowledge {G1108} of the glory {G1391} of God {G2316} in {G1722} the face {G4383} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For it is the God who once said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has made his light shine in our hearts, the light of the knowledge of God’s glory shining in the face of the Messiah Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

American Standard Version

Seeing it is God, that said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 4:6 profoundly articulates the divine origin of spiritual illumination, drawing a direct parallel between God's original act of creation, where He commanded light to emerge from darkness, and His sovereign work in the human heart. This verse reveals that the same creative power that brought forth physical light now shines within believers, enabling them to comprehend the glorious knowledge of God, uniquely unveiled through the person and work of Jesus Christ. It serves as the theological bedrock for Paul's apostolic ministry, explaining how the Gospel, despite widespread spiritual blindness, can penetrate and transform hearts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as a climactic theological explanation within a broader discussion of Paul's apostolic ministry and its divine source. Immediately preceding it, in [2 Corinthians 4:3-4](/2_corinthians/4-3-4 "2 Corinthians 4:3-4 - The Veiled Gospel and the God of This World"), Paul laments the spiritual blindness of those "whose minds the god of this world hath blinded, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." He then clarifies in [2 Corinthians 4:5](/2_corinthians/4-5 "2 Corinthians 4:5 - Paul's Ministry of Christ") that his preaching is not about himself, but about "Christ Jesus the Lord." Therefore, [2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - God's Light in Our Hearts") provides the ultimate answer to how the gospel's light can overcome such formidable spiritual darkness: it is not by human persuasion or cleverness, but by God's direct, creative intervention, mirroring His power at the dawn of creation. This verse transitions from the problem of spiritual blindness to the divine solution, asserting God's absolute sovereignty in revealing truth.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a complex community, situated in a bustling, cosmopolitan city known for its diverse religious practices, philosophical schools, and moral laxity. Paul's ministry there faced significant opposition, not only from paganism but also from rival Jewish and Hellenistic teachers who challenged his apostolic authority and the authenticity of his gospel. These "super-apostles" often relied on rhetorical prowess, impressive credentials, and outward displays of power, leading some Corinthians to doubt Paul's seemingly humble approach (as discussed in [2 Corinthians 10](/2_corinthians/10 "2 Corinthians 10 - Paul's Apostolic Authority")). In this context, Paul's emphasis on God's internal, transformative work, rather than outward show or human wisdom, was a powerful counter-cultural statement. He was asserting that true spiritual understanding comes not from human effort or the persuasive techniques of eloquent speakers, but from a divine act of illumination, a concept deeply rooted in both Jewish and Hellenistic thought regarding divine revelation.

* **Key Themes:** The verse masterfully weaves together several profound theological themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Illumination and New Creation**, drawing an explicit [allusion to Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God Commands Light"), where God's spoken word brings light out of primordial darkness. This parallel signifies that God's work in the human heart is nothing less than a new creation, a sovereign act that overcomes spiritual chaos and darkness. Secondly, it underscores **The Glory of God in Christ**, identifying Jesus as the ultimate locus of divine revelation. The "knowledge of the glory of God" is not an abstract concept but is concretely and perfectly revealed "in the face of Jesus Christ," emphasizing Christ's unique role as the [image of the invisible God](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God"). This theme is crucial for understanding the nature of God's self-disclosure. Thirdly, the phrase "hath shined in our hearts" points to **Internal Transformation**, indicating that this divine illumination is not merely intellectual assent but a profound, personal, and regenerating work within the deepest core of one's being, enabling a true, experiential knowledge of God. This internal work is essential for receiving and proclaiming the [glorious gospel](/2_corinthians/4-4 "2 Corinthians 4:4 - The Glorious Gospel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lámpō (Greek, _lámpō'_):** This verb, meaning "to beam, i.e., radiate brilliancy," is used twice in the verse: "to shine out of darkness" and "hath shined in our hearts." It conveys the powerful, active, and illuminating nature of God's light. It's not a passive glow but an active, penetrating radiance that dispels obscurity, whether physical or spiritual. Its use here emphasizes the divine initiative in bringing forth light where there was none.
* **gnōsis (Greek, _gnōsis'_):** Derived from the verb "to know," this noun signifies "knowledge" in the sense of a deep, experiential understanding, not merely intellectual accumulation of facts. In this context, it refers to the profound, transformative "knowledge of the glory of God." It implies an intimate acquaintance with the divine, made possible by God's own illumination, leading to a true apprehension of His nature and character.
* **dóxa (Greek, _dóxa'_):** This rich term translates as "glory" and refers to the radiant splendor, majesty, and inherent worth of God. It encompasses His visible manifestation, His inherent dignity, and the honor due to Him. When Paul speaks of "the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ," he is referring to the visible, manifest excellence and majesty of God that is perfectly embodied and revealed in Christ. It is the very essence of God's being made apparent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine agent and His unparalleled power, directly alluding to [Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God's Creative Command"). The "darkness" here is primordial chaos, both literal and metaphorical, signifying a state of utter absence of light and order. By invoking this foundational act of creation, Paul asserts that the same omnipotent God who spoke physical light into existence has the power to overcome any spiritual darkness. This sets the stage for understanding the miraculous nature of spiritual transformation.
* **"hath shined in our hearts,"**: This is the core assertion of the verse, applying the creative power of God directly to the inner being of believers. The "hearts" (Greek _kardía_) represent the innermost core of a person—the seat of intellect, emotion, will, and spiritual life. God's act of "shining" is a direct, personal, and internal illumination, a spiritual awakening that dispels the darkness of ignorance, sin, and unbelief. It is a gracious, sovereign act, not a human achievement.
* **"to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God"**: The purpose of God's internal shining is specified: to impart "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God." This is not merely intellectual information, but a radiant understanding that illuminates the very nature and character of God. The "light" here is the medium through which this knowledge is apprehended, and the "knowledge" itself is of God's inherent majesty, splendor, and worth—His "glory." This is the ultimate aim of divine revelation.
* **"in the face of Jesus Christ."**: This crucial phrase specifies the unique and exclusive locus where the "glory of God" is fully revealed and known. The "face" (Greek _prósōpon_) signifies presence, appearance, and personal manifestation. It implies that Jesus Christ is not merely a messenger or a prophet, but the very embodiment and perfect revelation of God's glory. To see Christ is to see God; to know Christ is to know God's glory. He is the visible manifestation of the invisible God, making the divine accessible and comprehensible to humanity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in literary devices, primarily **Allusion** and **Metaphor**. The most prominent is the direct **Allusion** to the creation account in [Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God's Creative Word"), where God commands, "Let there be light." By echoing this foundational act, Paul establishes a powerful **Parallelism** between physical creation and spiritual new creation. Just as God's word brought order out of chaos in the cosmos, His divine light brings spiritual order and understanding to the darkened human heart. **Metaphor** is extensively used, with "light" representing divine truth, spiritual understanding, and the presence of God, while "darkness" symbolizes spiritual ignorance, sin, and unbelief. The "shining in our hearts" is a **Metaphor** for internal, spiritual illumination and transformation. The "face of Jesus Christ" is a powerful **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, representing the entire person and work of Christ as the perfect and ultimate revelation of God's glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Corinthians 4:6 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the nature of divine revelation and human salvation. It unequivocally declares that true spiritual understanding is not a human achievement but a sovereign work of God, mirroring His creative power. This divine illumination is not abstract but is specifically focused on revealing the "glory of God" in the person of Jesus Christ. This means that Christ is the ultimate and complete self-disclosure of God, making the invisible God knowable and visible to humanity. The verse emphasizes that this knowledge is not merely intellectual but deeply internal and transformative, impacting the very "heart" of the believer. It underscores the profound grace involved in salvation, as God takes the initiative to overcome the spiritual blindness that afflicts humanity, bringing light where there was only darkness. This divine act empowers believers to then reflect this light to a world still shrouded in spiritual obscurity.

* [John 1:4-5](/john/1-4-5 "John 1:4-5 - Life and Light in Christ")
* [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Called Out of Darkness into Light")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This profound verse offers immense encouragement and a clear theological foundation for Christian life and ministry. It reminds us that our ability to grasp spiritual truths, to truly know God, and to walk in faith is not dependent on our intellect, education, or personal striving, but on the gracious, sovereign work of God Himself. He is the one who initiates and sustains our spiritual understanding, dispelling the darkness of our fallen nature. This should cultivate humility, gratitude, and a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit for continued illumination. Furthermore, it clarifies that the ultimate revelation of God's glory is found exclusively in Jesus Christ. To truly know God, we must fix our gaze upon Christ, for He is the perfect image and embodiment of divine truth and splendor. As recipients of this divine light, we are then called to reflect it, understanding that our witness is effective not through our own power, but because God is at work, using us as vessels to shine His light into a world still blinded by darkness. This empowers us to share the Gospel with confidence, knowing that the same God who commanded light at creation can open the eyes of the spiritually blind.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does this verse challenge my assumptions about how spiritual understanding is gained?**
* **How does understanding God's creative act of bringing light out of darkness inform my view of His power to transform lives today?**
* **What does it mean for me to seek "the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**How does God "shining in our hearts" relate to conversion or salvation?**

Answer: God "shining in our hearts" in [2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - God's Light in Our Hearts") is a powerful metaphor for the spiritual illumination that accompanies conversion and salvation. Before this divine shining, humanity is described as being in "darkness" ([Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Once Darkness, Now Light")), unable to comprehend spiritual truths because their minds are "blinded" by sin and the "god of this world" ([2 Corinthians 4:4](/2_corinthians/4-4 "2 Corinthians 4:4 - The Blinded Minds")). This verse teaches that salvation is not merely a human decision but a divine act of grace. Just as God commanded physical light into existence at creation, He sovereignly intervenes in the human heart, dispelling spiritual darkness and enabling a person to see and embrace the truth of the Gospel. This internal illumination leads to a saving "knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ," signifying a profound, transformative encounter that results in new life in Christ. It's the moment the eyes of the heart are opened to perceive the spiritual reality of God's truth and glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Corinthians 4:6 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ, making Him the central figure through whom God's glory is revealed and His light shines. The verse explicitly states that the purpose of God's internal illumination is "to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." This positions Christ as the very **radiance of God's glory** and the **exact imprint of His nature**, as affirmed in [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory"). He is the visible manifestation of the invisible God, the one through whom humanity can truly know and apprehend the divine. Just as God's creative word brought light into the cosmos, His incarnate Word, Jesus, brings spiritual light into the darkened hearts of humanity ([John 1:4-5](/john/1-4-5 "John 1:4-5 - Life and Light in Christ")). Christ Himself declared, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). Therefore, the divine light shining in our hearts is not an abstract concept but the very presence and revelation of Christ, enabling us to see God's glory in His perfect life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection. Through Christ, the new creation begins in the human heart, fulfilling God's eternal purpose to reconcile all things to Himself through the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who takes away the sin of the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 60:2

For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

Genesis 1:3

¶ And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

1 Peter 2:9

But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

2 Peter 1:19

¶ We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

Ephesians 5:8

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

2 Corinthians 4:4

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Isaiah 40:5

And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see [it] together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].