Devine Scripture

John 12:46

What does John 12:46 mean?

A plain-English look at John 12:46 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 12:46 means

Jesus declares Himself to be light come into the world, with the purpose that whoever believes in Him should not remain in darkness. He is not merely a guide; He is the light itself—the decisive illumination from God. Belief is the way out of darkness’s confusion and sin. The statement is inclusive and hopeful: anyone who trusts Him can be transferred from night to day. It also implies that remaining in darkness is a choice against the offered light. In Him, the path is made plain; the world’s shadows are dispelled for those who receive Him.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me may not abide in the darkness.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me may not abide in the darkness.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I have come as a light into the world, so that no one who has faith in me will go on living in the dark.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

I a light to the world have come, that every one who is believing in me--in the darkness may not remain;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I am come, a light into the world, that whosoever believeth in me may not remain in darkness.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

This claim follows Jesus’ assertions about belief and sight in relation to the Father. He will now explain that His first coming aims at salvation rather than judgment, though there is a future reckoning. Those who reject Him and His teaching will face judgment by the very word He has spoken. Jesus will close by insisting that His words are not self-originated but commanded by the Father, whose command is eternal life.

v.45And he that beholdeth me beholdeth him that sent me.

v.46This passage

v.47And if any man hear my sayings, and keep them not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 9:39

    And Jesus said, For judgment came I into this world, that they that see not may see; and that they that see may become blind.

  • Acts 26:18

    to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith in me.

  • Luke 2:32

    A light for revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of thy people Israel.

  • John 8:12

    Again therefore Jesus spake unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.

  • John 9:5

    When I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

  • Malachi 4:2

    But unto you that fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings; and ye shall go forth, and gambol as calves of the stall.

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