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John 12:35
ESV So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.
NIV Then Jesus told them, 'You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going.
NASB So Jesus said to them, 'For a little while longer the Light is among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you; also, the one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.
CSB Jesus answered, "The light will be with you only a little longer. Walk while you have the light so that darkness doesn't overtake you. The one who walks in darkness doesn't know where he's going.
NLT Jesus replied, 'My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going.
KJV 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.

What does John 12:35 mean?

Metaphors about light and darkness are common in the Bible. For the people of Israel, "light" was the universal symbol of all that was good and right. The contrast is one all people can understand: stumbling around in the dark can be frightening and dangerous. It's no exaggeration to say that having a source of light, in some situations, can be the difference between life and death.

In this context, Jesus is indicating that there is a "light" available in the form of His message, miracles, and testimony. The people have an opportunity to respond to those, as God intends, by believing (John 12:30; 20:30–31). But that opportunity is limited. In the literal sense, Jesus has only a few days left prior to His crucifixion. These are among the last words He will publicly preach before being arrested. In the more general sense, people are not offered unlimited opportunities for salvation—sooner or later, our fragile lives will end (James 4:14). Those who reject God have no guarantee they'll have another chance (Proverbs 29:1; Hebrews 9:28).
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