The Darkness Cannot Comprehend

John 1:5 — “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”

From the very beginning, John sets the stage. Jesus is the Light. His presence pushes back the darkness, and nothing can stop Him. Darkness means more than the absence of light. It is evil, sin, and spiritual blindness. It is everything that stands against God. Yet the verse says the darkness could not comprehend the Light. That word “comprehend” comes from the Greek katalambanō. It carries two meanings. Darkness could not understand the Light, and darkness could not overcome the Light. Both are true. Evil cannot figure Him out, and it cannot defeat Him.

Jesus said in John 8:12, “I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” His light is not just something we see—it is something we live in. To follow Him is to step out of the darkness and walk in life.

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:6, “For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” The same God who spoke light into the first creation now shines His light into our hearts through Christ. Darkness can do nothing against that.

And John later says in 1 John 1:5, “This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” There is no shadow in God, no hidden evil, no weakness. Pure light. Pure holiness.

So what does this mean for us? It means that no matter how thick the darkness seems—whether it is evil in the world, rejection of truth, or even despair in our own lives—it cannot put out the light of Christ. His light still shines. The darkness has no power over Him.

The world is dark, but the Light has come. Jesus still shines, and His light is stronger than the evil around us or the struggles within us. To walk with Him is to live in the light, safe from the power of darkness. The choice is clear—step into His light and let Him lead the way.

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.

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“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)