John 12:46

46 ¹I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain 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 And Jesus cried out and said, "Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me.

45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me.

46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.

47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.

48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.

Cross References

• 1. ver. 35, 36; See John 1:4, 5, 9; John 8:12