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2 Corinthians 4:6

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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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

2 Corinthians 4:6 is a profound statement about the source and nature of spiritual understanding, directly linking the act of divine creation to the inner transformation of believers through the Gospel. It serves as an explanation for how Paul and his fellow ministers could faithfully preach the light of Christ, even amidst opposition and spiritual blindness.

Context

This verse stands as a powerful counterpoint to the preceding verses in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, where Paul describes how "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." Verse 5 then clarifies that Paul's ministry is not about himself, but about "Christ Jesus the Lord." Therefore, verse 6 explains the divine power behind the gospel's ability to penetrate such spiritual darkness, emphasizing that human effort alone is insufficient without God's active illumination.

Key Themes

  • Divine Illumination and New Creation: The verse powerfully echoes Genesis 1:3, where God commanded light to shine out of darkness at creation. This parallel highlights God's absolute power to bring forth light from spiritual darkness, initiating a "new creation" in the hearts of believers. Just as He spoke light into existence in the physical world, He speaks spiritual light into our inner being.
  • The Glory of God in Christ: The ultimate purpose of this divine shining is "the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." Jesus is presented as the perfect revelation of God's character and majesty. He is not just a messenger, but the very embodiment of God's glory, making the invisible God visible and knowable. This concept is central to understanding Christ's identity as seen in Colossians 1:15.
  • Internal Transformation: The phrase "hath shined in our hearts" underscores that this is not merely an intellectual understanding but a profound, internal, spiritual transformation. God's light penetrates the deepest parts of our being, enabling us to truly perceive and embrace the truth of the Gospel.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek verb for "hath shined" (ephōtisen) comes from the root phōs, meaning "light." It conveys the idea of illuminating or bringing into light. The term "glory" (doxa) consistently refers to the radiant splendor, majesty, and inherent worth of God, often associated with His presence and revelation.

Practical Application

This verse offers immense encouragement and insight for believers today:

  • Source of Understanding: It reminds us that true spiritual understanding and faith are not achieved through human effort or intellect alone, but are a gracious gift of God's divine illumination.
  • The Centrality of Christ: All knowledge of God's glory is found in Jesus Christ. To know God, we must look to Christ, His life, teachings, death, and resurrection.
  • Sharing the Light: Having received this divine light, believers are called to reflect it to a world still shrouded in spiritual darkness, understanding that God is ultimately the one who opens hearts to the Gospel. This echoes the call to be the light of the world in Matthew 5:14.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 60:2 (50 votes)

    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 (38 votes)

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

  • 1 Peter 2:9 (34 votes)

    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 (29 votes)

    ¶ 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 (27 votes)

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

  • 2 Corinthians 4:4 (26 votes)

    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 (17 votes)

    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].