John 8:12
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.
Study Note
Study Note
Jesus's 'I am the light of the world' declaration — 'whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life' — is the second of seven 'I am' sayings in the Fourth Gospel, spoken in the temple treasury during Tabernacles. The festival's torch-lighting ceremony in the Court of Women provides the immediate backdrop, with Jesus appropriating a symbol of Israel's guidance by divine light in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21-22) and applying it to himself. The Pharisees' objection that Jesus bears witness to himself (verse 13) triggers a sustained discussion of valid testimony, divine origin, and the Father's witnessing role (verses 14-18), situating the saying within a judicial framework. The verse is part of John's theological identification of Jesus with the divine light of creation (1:4-9) and the life-giving presence of God.
Other Translations
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.
Again, therefore, Jesus spake to them, saying, `I am the light of the world; he who is following me shall not walk in the darkness, but he shall have the light of the life.'
Then again Jesus said to them, I am the light of the world; he who comes with me will not be walking in the dark but will have the light of life.
Cross References
He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.
For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.
He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light.
Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow …
I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee …
To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out …
And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of …
Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and …
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.