New International VersionBelieve in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
New Living TranslationPut your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.” After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them.
English Standard VersionWhile you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them.
Berean Standard BibleWhile you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of light.” After Jesus had spoken these things, He went away and was hidden from them.
Berean Literal BibleWhile you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become sons of light." Jesus spoke these things, and having gone away, He was hidden from them.
King James BibleWhile ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
New King James VersionWhile you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them.
New American Standard BibleWhile you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light.” These things Jesus proclaimed, and He went away and hid Himself from them.
NASB 1995“While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light.” These things Jesus spoke, and He went away and hid Himself from them.
NASB 1977“While you have the light, believe in the light, in order that you may become sons of light.” These things Jesus spoke, and He departed and hid Himself from them.
Legacy Standard BibleWhile you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light.” These things Jesus spoke, and He went away and hid Himself from them.
Amplified BibleWhile you have the Light, believe and trust in the Light [have faith in it, hold on to it, rely on it], so that you may become sons of Light [being filled with Light as followers of God].” Jesus said these things, and then He left and hid Himself from them.
Christian Standard BibleWhile you have the light, believe in the light so that you may become children of light.” Jesus said this, then went away and hid from them.
Holman Christian Standard BibleWhile you have the light, believe in the light so that you may become sons of light.” Jesus said this, then went away and hid from them.
American Standard VersionWhile ye have the light, believe on the light, that ye may become sons of light. These things spake Jesus, and he departed and hid himself from them.
Contemporary English VersionHave faith in the light while it is with you, and you will be children of the light." After Jesus had said these things, he left and went into hiding.
English Revised VersionWhile ye have the light, believe on the light, that ye may become sons of light. These things spake Jesus, and he departed and hid himself from them.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhile you have the light, believe in the light so that you will become people whose lives show the light." After Jesus had said this, he was concealed as he left.
Good News TranslationBelieve in the light, then, while you have it, so that you will be the people of the light." After Jesus said this, he went off and hid himself from them.
International Standard VersionAs long as you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light." After Jesus had said this, he went away and hid from them.
NET BibleWhile you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become sons of light." When Jesus had said these things, he went away and hid himself from them.
New Heart English BibleWhile you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become children of light." Jesus said these things, and he departed and hid himself from them.
Webster's Bible TranslationWhile ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spoke Jesus, and departed, and concealed himself from them.
Weymouth New TestamentIn the degree that you have light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light." Jesus said this, and went away and hid Himself from them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhile you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of light.” After Jesus had spoken these things, He went away and was hidden from them.
World English BibleWhile you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become children of light.” Jesus said these things, and he departed and hid himself from them. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionwhile you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” Jesus spoke these things, and having gone away, He was hid from them,
Berean Literal BibleWhile you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become sons of light." Jesus spoke these things, and having gone away, He was hidden from them.
Young's Literal Translation while ye have the light, believe in the light, that sons of light ye may become.' These things spake Jesus, and having gone away, he was hid from them,
Smith's Literal TranslationWhile ye have light, believe in the light, that ye might be the sons of light. These things spake Jesus, and having departed, he was hid from them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWhilst you have the light, believe in the light, that you may be the children of light. These things Jesus spoke; and he went away, and hid himself from them.
Catholic Public Domain VersionWhile you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may be sons of the Light.” Jesus spoke these things, and then he went away and hid himself from them.
New American BibleWhile you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of the light.” After he had said this, Jesus left and hid from them.
New Revised Standard VersionWhile you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.” After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhile you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become the sons of the light. Jesus spoke these things, and went away and hid himself from them.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“While The Light is with you, believe in The Light, that you might be the children of The Light.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentWhile you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become the sons of light. These things spoke Jesus, and he departed, and concealed himself from them.
Godbey New Testament
While you have the light, believe in the light, in order that you may be the sons of light. And Jesus spoke these things, and having gone out was hidden from them.
Haweis New Testament
While ye have the light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of the light. These things spake Jesus, and going away, concealed himself from them.
Mace New Testament
while ye have the light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light, after having said these things, Jesus retir'd, and conceal'd himself from them.
Weymouth New Testament
In the degree that you have light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light." Jesus said this, and went away and hid Himself from them.
Worrell New Testament
While ye have the Light, believe on the Light, that ye may become sons of Light" These things spake Jesus, and, going away, He was hidden from them.
Worsley New Testament
While ye have the light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. Thesethings spake Jesus, andthen went away, and concealed himself from them.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jesus Predicts His Death… 35Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36Whileyou havetheLight,believeintheLight,so thatyou may becomesonsof light.”After Jesushad spokenthese things,He went awayand was hiddenfromthem.37Although Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still did not believe in Him.…
Cross References Ephesians 5:8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,
1 Thessalonians 5:5For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness.
1 John 1:5-7And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. / If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. / But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
1 Peter 2:9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Matthew 5:14-16You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
2 Corinthians 4:6For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:12-13giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. / He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,
Acts 26:18to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’
Romans 13:12The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
Philippians 2:15so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world
Isaiah 60:1-3Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. / For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. / Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Isaiah 42:6-7“I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations, / to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house.
Isaiah 9:2The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.
Isaiah 2:5Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD.
Psalm 27:1Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?
Treasury of Scripture While you have light, believe in the light, that you may be the children of light. These things spoke Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. believe. John 1:7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that allmen through him might believe. John 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. the children. Luke 16:8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but noware ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 1 Thessalonians 5:5,8 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness… and departed. John 8:59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. John 10:39,40 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand, … John 11:54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples. Jump to Previous BelieveChildrenConcealedDegreeDepartedFaithFarFinishedHidHideJesusLightSpeakingTimeTrustWordsJump to Next BelieveChildrenConcealedDegreeDepartedFaithFarFinishedHidHideJesusLightSpeakingTimeTrustWordsJohn 12 1.Jesus excuses Mary anointing his feet.9.The people flock to see Lazarus.10.The chief priests consult to kill him.12.Jesus rides into Jerusalem.20.Greeks desire to see Jesus.23.He foretells his death.37.The people are generally blinded;42.yet many chief rulers believe, but do not confess him;44.therefore Jesus calls earnestly for confession of faith.While you have the LightThis phrase refers to Jesus Himself, who is often described as the "Light of the World" ( John 8:12). The concept of light in the Bible symbolizes truth, purity, and divine revelation. In the context of John 12, Jesus is urging His listeners to recognize and accept Him while He is still physically present with them. The urgency of this call is underscored by the impending crucifixion, after which Jesus would no longer be with them in the same way. The imagery of light is also connected to the prophecy in Isaiah 9:2, which speaks of a great light shining on those living in darkness, pointing to the coming of the Messiah. believe in the Light
Belief in Jesus is a central theme in the Gospel of John, emphasizing faith as the means of receiving eternal life (John 3:16). Here, belief is not merely intellectual assent but involves trust and commitment to Jesus as the Messiah. The call to believe in the Light is an invitation to embrace the truth and life that Jesus offers. This belief transforms individuals, aligning them with God's purposes and enabling them to walk in His ways. The act of believing is also a fulfillment of the prophetic expectation that the Messiah would bring salvation to those who trust in Him. so that you may become sons of light.”
Becoming "sons of light" implies a transformation of identity and character. In biblical terms, being a "son" of something means sharing in its nature and characteristics. Thus, "sons of light" are those who reflect the truth, purity, and righteousness of God. This transformation is a result of faith in Jesus and is indicative of a new spiritual birth (John 1:12-13). The phrase also connects toEphesians 5:8, where believers are called to live as children of light, demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit in their lives. This transformation is both a present reality and a future hope, as believers are conformed to the image of Christ. After Jesus had spoken these things,
This indicates a transition in the narrative. Jesus has just delivered a significant teaching, emphasizing the urgency of belief and the consequences of rejecting Him. The context of this passage is during the final week of Jesus' earthly ministry, leading up to His crucifixion. His teachings during this time are particularly poignant, as He prepares His disciples for His departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit. He went away and was hidden from them.
This action symbolizes the withdrawal of Jesus' public ministry. It foreshadows the coming events of His arrest, crucifixion, and burial. The phrase "was hidden from them" can also be seen as a judgment on those who have rejected Him, as their opportunity to see and believe in the Light is now limited. This withdrawal is consistent with the pattern seen in the Old Testament, where God's presence is withdrawn from those who persist in unbelief (Isaiah 6:9-10). It also highlights the theme of divine sovereignty, as Jesus' actions are in accordance with God's redemptive plan. Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is speaking to the people, urging them to believe in Him, the Light of the world. 2. The CrowdThe audience to whom Jesus is speaking, representing those who are witnessing His ministry and miracles. 3. JerusalemThe city where these events are taking place, significant as the center of Jewish religious life and the location of Jesus' final days. 4. The LightSymbolic of Jesus Himself, representing truth, purity, and divine revelation. 5. Sons of LightA term used to describe those who believe in Jesus and live according to His teachings, reflecting His light in the world. Teaching Points The Urgency of BeliefJesus emphasizes the importance of believing in Him while there is still opportunity. This urgency is a call to respond to the gospel without delay. Identity as Sons of LightBelievers are called to reflect the character and mission of Jesus, living as "sons of light" in a world often characterized by darkness. The Hiddenness of JesusAfter speaking, Jesus withdraws, symbolizing the limited time of His earthly ministry and the need for people to respond while He is present. Living in the LightWalking in the light involves a lifestyle of holiness, truth, and love, distinguishing believers from the darkness of the world. The Transformative Power of LightEmbracing Jesus as the Light leads to transformation, enabling believers to illuminate the world with His truth and love. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from John 12
What is the meaning of Judgment Day?
What does being free in Christ mean?
Did Jesus pray to The Father to prevent the crucifixion? Yes. (Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42) No. (John 12:27)
What are common Christmas traditions worldwide?(36) While ye have light, believe in the light.--Better, as above, According as ye have the light. The words are repeated and placed in the most emphatic position in the sentence. That ye may be the children of light.--Better,that ye may become sons of light. (Comp. for this phrase Notes onJohn 17:12;Luke 10:6;Luke 16:8; alsoEphesians 5:8.) The thought here is the one familiar in St. John, that the believer should become like unto Him in whom he believed. Those who believed in the light should receive light, and become themselves centres whence light should radiate to others and illumine their own paths. These things spake Jesus, and departed.--(Comp. Note onLuke 21:37.) He retired probably to Bethany. . . . Verse 36. - But he concludes with one more glorious invitation. As, up to this moment, you have the Light, Believe in the Light; treat it as light - receive the revelation I have given you (cf. the ninth and eleventh chapters); "Work while it is called today;" "stumble not;" make no irreparable mistake. "Become " - so walk that ye may become yourselves sons of Light, illumined and luminous. This fine expression is found in Luke 16:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:5; and, with alteration of υἱοὶ into τέκρα, in Ephesians 5:8. This last word, public word, of Jesus, which was in part accepted by some of his hearers, as we see from ver. 42, corresponds with the Beatitudes, and sustains one at least of the main theses of the prologue: "The Life was the Light of men." These things spake Jesus, and departed, and was hidden from them. This utterance records the close of the Lord's public ministry, and therefore the solemn termination of the various scenes and discourses preserved in the synoptic narrative. The people of his love saw him no more till he appeared as a criminal in the hands' of the officers of the Sanhedrin, on his way to the Praetorium. In the silence of the home- at Bethany he probably spent the last day of his earthly ministry, which terminated in the marvelous converse at the Last Supper. " This time it was no mere cloud which obscured the sun, for to them the sun itself had set." And now, through several verses, the evangelist presents his own reflections on the cause of the strange paradoxical proceeding which led " his own" not to receive him.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Whileὡς(hōs)Adverb
Strong's 5613:Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.you haveἔχετε(echete)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.theτὸ(to)Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Light,φῶς(phōs)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5457:Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.believeπιστεύετε(pisteuete)Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4100:From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.inεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.theτὸ(to)Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Light,φῶς(phōs)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5457:Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.so thatἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.you may becomeγένησθε(genēsthe)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1096:A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.sonsυἱοὶ(huioi)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5207:A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.of light.”φωτὸς(phōtos)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 5457:Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.[After] JesusἸησοῦς(Iēsous)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.had spokenἐλάλησεν(elalēsen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2980:A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.these things,Ταῦτα(Tauta)Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.He went awayἀπελθὼν(apelthōn)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 565:From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively.[and] was hiddenἐκρύβη(ekrybē)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2928:To hide, conceal, lay up. A primary verb; to conceal.fromἀπ’(ap’)Preposition
Strong's 575:From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.them.αὐτῶν(autōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
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NT Gospels: John 12:36 While you have the light believe (Jhn Jo Jn) |
