Light and Lights in Holy Bible

[Jim_Baur]

I need help in finding all the different kinds of light in the Holy Bible.

What are the sources of light in the Holy Bible?

Or, what are all of the different lights in the Holy Bible?

Thanks!

 

[Cracker_Mom]

Not very expert on this subject, but the Eastern Church I believe has some writings on the concept of “uncreated light” which is very cool.
(I think this is the light that’s associated with saints, the presence of the Divine, etc.)

 

[Beachcomber]

That’s cool word study. One of the guidelines of studying Scripture is that there is a literal meaning as well as a symbolic meaning for much of the concepts therein. A fancy word for that is ‘typology.’ Like Joseph was a ‘type’ of Jesus; or Jonah’s 3 days in the whale is a ‘type’ foreshadowing the death and resurrection of the Lord.

What you might wish to do is use a concordance and look under ‘light’ and ‘lights.’ Then, visit each passage and see the context in which it is used. Group them together and you should see patterns emerging. Actual real lights can be a symbol or foreshadowing of an eternal truth.

Often, light is another term for wisdom or for the Holy Spirit, for example. Or, as in the passage ‘do not hide your light under a bushel,’ light there is one’s testimony of faith.

Hope this helps.

 

[Jim_Baur]

Beachcomber

Oh, thanks for your helpful ideas!

Thanks!

 

[Jim_Baur]

Any help?

 

[juliamajor]

From “The Dictionary Of The Bible” by John McKenzie
“OT-light is vision and YHWH gives light to the eyes(Ps13:4;Pr.29:13) metaphorically the commandment of YHWH gives vision(Ps 19:9).The light of the eyes is also hope(Ezra 9:8)
In the ANE light is the element proper to deity.This is not often formally the symbolism of light in the OT;it is a feature of a theophany(Ezk43:2),but the term is more frequently used in glory.YHWH is the center creator of light(Gn 1:3-5;Is 45:7); this affirmation is very probably intended to raise Him above the level of dualism of light nad darkness.Light is conceived as stored in a chamber during the night (Jb 38:19).light is more frequently the element of YHWH when it is a symbol of His saving power. The light of YHWH’s countenance is His favor to man(Nm6:25;Pss 4:7,31:17;44:4;67:2;80:4;m89:16;119:135;Dn9:17).Light is deliverance and salvation wrought by YHWH(Is9:1;60:1;Am 5:18.20;Pss 43:3;118:27); this is probably the meaning of the light of YHWH in Is 2:5.The Servant of YHWH is a light to the nations, an agent of salvation(Is 42:6;49:6)YHWH Himself is called the light when He is conceived as savior(Ps 27:1;Is 10:17;60:19;Mi7:8) The effect of deliverance is life, which is to see the light (Jb 33:30;Pss 36:10;56:14), prosperity(Jb22:28;30:26), joy(Ps 97:11; Lam 3:2) .Light is the element of moral good(Is 5:20)
Light is less frequently the symbol of revelation, which is usually conceived as hearing of the Word rather than as a vision. the light to peoples(Is 51:4) is more probably revelation.
NT-light is the element of the deity.Light in Peter’s prison reveals the angel of deliverance(AA 12:7);paul recognizes the presence of God in a blinding light (AA9:3;22:6). The angel of God is an angel of light(2Co 11:14) the luminous cloud at the Transfiguration shows the presence of God(Mt 17:5) as does the light that shines on the shepherds at the birth of Christ (Lk2:9).God dwells in the inaccessible light(1 Tm 6:16.)god is light (1Jn 1:5), and those who obey His commandments walk inthe light(1jn1:7) The light of God is seen in Jesus who is the light of the world(jn 3:19;8:12;9:5;12:35,46.He is the light which enlightens every man (Jn1;9) THROUGH THE LIFE WHICH IS IN Him (Jn1:4), He is the true shining light(iJn 2:8-10) in whom the Christian abides, the light to the revelation of the Gentiles(Lk2:32).Those who are sons of God are called sons of light(Lk16:8;Jn 12:36; 1 Th 5:5; Eph 5:8) Light is identified with the life which Christ communicates(jn1:4;Eph5:14; Col1:12;1 Pt 2:9.) Because the Christian has received the divine light through Christ the Christian himself becomes the light of the world(Mt5:14-16;Eph 5:8) the symbolism of light makes this figure wider than a good example. the Christian through his participation in the light and life of God through Jesus becomes himself a medium of light to those who are in darkness.”

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[John7]

God the Father is ‘the Father of lights’ James 1:17 That is, ‘patros twn fwtwn’ or ‘father of photons’ (not the electro-magnetic variety mind you, although He did create such)

John 4:24 “God is a Spirit”
Therefore the ‘Father of lights’ is ‘a Spirit’.

I would say that Heavenly Father is a good source of light
(along with Lord Jesus of course, see post#6)

Light angels, angels of light…have to beware of, for
“…Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” 2 Cor 11:14
If Satan as an angel of light is a bearer of light, I don’t know what that light would be called…deceptive Satanic pseudo-light?? Probably an angel that doesn’t confess that Jesus is the Christ (see 1 John 2)