“Light & Dark” – Comparing the KJV to Other Translations
What are the Biblically accurate meanings of “light” and “dark?” Let’s take a deep look into John 1:5 with our spiritual eyes…
❌ “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” — NLT
>> Extinguish: Cease to burn or shine, or put an end to
❌ “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — ESV, NIV, CSB
>> Overcome: Succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty
✅ “And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” — KJV
>> Comprehend: Grasp mentally or understand
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.'”— John 8:12 KJV
According to the most agreed upon translation of accuracy–KJV–the term “darkness” is described as being unable to comprehend the presence of light. Comprehension has reasoning. Intelligence. Strategy. Thought. Here we learn that darkness is not some vague term for the absence of light— it’s an intelligent entity that is in direct opposition to the light, which is the presence of God Himself.
Biblical accuracy is that light and dark are representations of good and evil. They are both supernatural, spiritual forces that we must understand the true meanings of. While there are still many unknown variables surrounding all the types of energy that we can measure and study, Spiritual energy is Biblically described as having comprehension abilities. Awareness. Consciousness. Not all energy falls into this category. The other translations mentioned here aren’t incorrect, but they don’t do any justice to the true power of God. The KJV translation gives us a full picture of what we’re dealing with…
Although this darkness is a comprehensive energy, it cannot comprehend the light because nothing supersedes God’s intelligence. NOTHING. We don’t turn a light on to displace darkness… we fill the room with the presence of God and evil becomes intellectually inept. Powerless. Stripped of its ability to intentionally scheme and plot.
When the Holy Fire of God is present, darkness BOWS and becomes incompetent and feeble.
John 8:12 KJV concludes with a promise that those who follow God will “have the light of life.” Not only is God the light that dismantles darkness, He is the Life that transcends death. And remember, the one who said this is JESUS— He who is the Word made flesh. The living God. Yeshua Hamashiach, which means “Jesus the Messiah” in Hebrew, who said that the only way to God is through Him. When we accept Christ into our hearts, we become inhabited by the living Holy Spirit of God. All the same power that paralyzes darkness and raises the dead lives within us.
This deep dive is just one of so many scriptures on light and dark. I encourage you to research these meanings further to see what messages may be there for you. I hope you enjoyed this Bible study with me!
With Love, Michelle