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John 9:5

ESV As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
NIV While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.'
NASB While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.'
CSB As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
NLT But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.'
KJV As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

What does John 9:5 mean?

In ancient Hebrew philosophy, "light" was the ultimate ideal, representing both knowledge and morality. This is one reason Scripture uses blindness as a spiritual metaphor. Those who are blind are incapable of seeing light, even when it's presented to them. Those who are "spiritually blind" reject God, making it literally impossible for them to perceive His truth.

In chapter 8, Jesus referred to Himself as "the Light of the world" (John 8:12). That comment was in a slightly different context than this reference. There, Jesus implied His role in salvation. Here, Jesus is speaking of "light" in a more general sense, which explains His use of the phrase "as long as I am in the world." In the prior verse, Jesus made careful use of the word "we" in describing those who needed to work while they had the opportunity. He pointed out that He, like any other man, had a limited earthly life with which to follow God's will (John 9:4). This reference to light describes the way Christ will be the bearer of the gospel up until His death and resurrection—at that point, His apostles and their disciples will become the "lights" bringing truth to the world.
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What is the Gospel?
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