John 12:46

46 I am come into the world [as] light, that every one that believes on me may not abide in darkness;

John 12:46 Meaning and Commentary

John 12:46

I am come a light into the world
And even as the light of it, being the sun of righteousness, that was to arise, and now was risen, to enlighten men with the light of the living; see ( John 3:19 ) ( 8:12 ) ;

that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness;
God's elect themselves, whilst in a state of unregeneracy and unbelief, are in darkness; when Christ shines in upon them, and infuses the light of faith into them, they are no longer in darkness; the darkness is past, at least in a great measure, and the true light shines; in which they see light, see glory and grace of Christ, and the invisible realities of another world: nor do they continue in the darkness of sin, ignorance, and unbelief; but walk in the light of truth, faith, and holiness, until the perfect day comes, when all the shadows of remaining darkness will flee away.

John 12:46 In-Context

44 But Jesus cried and said, He that believes on me, believes not on me, but on him that sent me;

45 and he that beholds me, beholds him that sent me.

46 I am come into the world [as] light, that every one that believes on me may not abide in darkness;

47 and if any one hear my words and do not keep [them], I judge him not, for I am not come that I might judge the world, but that I might save the world.

48 He that rejects me and does not receive my words, has him who judges him: the word which I have spoken, that shall judge him in the last day.

Footnotes

• [a]. Eis: see ver. 11.