John 1:5 – And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
John 1:5 – AMPC. – And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it].
I absolutely love the gospel of John. John gives us a look into the eternal nature and deity of God’s only begotten Son, from the first chapter where He speaks of the eternal word that took on human flesh until the last chapter where John is overwhelmed at all he had seen and heard by describing the unsearchable nature of the miracles and ministry of our Lord. Today’s verse comes from John’s opening comments about the Lord, He declares the overwhelming, victorious nature of the word of God and the revelation light that emanates from Him. He said that the darkness cannot comprehend this light. The word John used is katalambano and has various shades of meaning. Here is how Dick Mills defined this beautiful word.
“comprehend, katalambanō; The word is capable of three interpretations: (1) to seize, lay hold of, overcome; as such, verse 5 could read, “The darkness does not gain control of it”; (2) to perceive, attain, lay hold of with the mind; to apprehend with mental or moral effort; with this meaning the verse could be translated, “The darkness is unreceptive and does not understand it”; and (3) to quench, extinguish, snuff out the light by stifling it. “The darkness will never be able to eliminate it.” Light and darkness essentially are antagonistic. The Christian’s joy is in knowing that light is not only greater than darkness but will also outlast the darkness.”
I love this and believe that all three meanings are wrapped up in John’s message. First, the darkness of this world cannot comprehend the mystery of God’s revelation light. It can only be seen by those given eyes to see. Second, the darkness of this world could never take control of or overpower this light, this light is God and is infinite in His power. Finally, the darkness cannot quench or eliminate the light, God’s light destroys the darkness. Everywhere His word is proclaimed the light is victorious. So even in these dark days as we approach the end of the age, the light is shining in the darkness and bringing life and redemption to all who embrace the light of God’s word.
