New International VersionFor 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 God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
New Living TranslationFor God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.
English Standard VersionFor God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Berean Standard BibleFor 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.
Berean Literal BibleFor it is God, having said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," who shone in our hearts for the radiance of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
King James BibleFor God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
New King James VersionFor it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
New American Standard BibleFor 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.
NASB 1995For 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.
NASB 1977For 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.
Legacy Standard BibleFor 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.
Amplified BibleFor God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give us the Light of the knowledge of the glory and majesty of God [clearly revealed] in the face of Christ.
Christian Standard BibleFor God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.
Holman Christian Standard BibleFor God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.
American Standard VersionSeeing it is God, that said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Contemporary English VersionThe Scriptures say, "God commanded light to shine in the dark." Now God is shining in our hearts to let you know that his glory is seen in Jesus Christ.
English Revised VersionSeeing it is God, that said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWe are his servants because the same God who said that light should shine out of darkness has given us light. For that reason we bring to light the knowledge about God's glory which shines from Christ's face.
Good News TranslationThe God who said, "Out of darkness the light shall shine!" is the same God who made his light shine in our hearts, to bring us the knowledge of God's glory shining in the face of Christ.
International Standard VersionFor God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory in the face of Jesus the Messiah.
NET BibleFor God, who said "Let light shine out of darkness," is the one who shined in our hearts to give us the light of the glorious knowledge of God in the face of Christ.
New Heart English BibleFor it is God, who spoke for light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Webster's Bible TranslationFor God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined into our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Weymouth New TestamentFor God who said, "Out of darkness let light shine," is He who has shone in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory, which is radiant on the face of Christ. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor 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.
World English Bibleseeing it is God who said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionbecause [it is] God who said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” who shined in our hearts, for the enlightening of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Berean Literal BibleFor it is God, having said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," who shone in our hearts for the radiance of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Young's Literal Translation because it is God who said, Out of darkness light is to shine, who did shine in our hearts, for the enlightening of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Smith's Literal TranslationFor God, having spoken light to shine out of darkness, who shone in our hearts, to the enlightening of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Christ Jesus.
Catholic Public Domain VersionFor God, who told the light to shine out of darkness, has shined a light into our hearts, to illuminate the knowledge of the splendor of God, in the person of Christ Jesus.
New American BibleFor God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to bring to light the knowledge of the glory of God on the face of [Jesus] Christ.
New Revised Standard VersionFor it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor God, who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts, so that we may be enlightened with the knowledge of the glory of God in the person of Christ.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishFor God', who spoke that light would shine out of the darkness, has dawned in our hearts that we would be enlightened with the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Yeshua The Messiah. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBecause God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the glorious knowledge of God in the person of Jesus Christ.
Godbey New Testament
Because God is the one, having said; Out of the darkness the light shall shine, which shone in our hearts, to the enlightenment of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Haweis New Testament
For the God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, he hath shined into our hearts, to give illumination of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Mace New Testament
for God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to enlighten others in the knowledge of the glory of God, which shines in the person of Jesus Christ.
Weymouth New Testament
For God who said, "Out of darkness let light shine," is He who has shone in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory, which is radiant on the face of Christ.
Worrell New Testament
becauseit is the God Who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," Who shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Worsley New Testament
For God, who commanded light to shine out of darkness, hath shined into our hearts, toreflect the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Light of the Gospel… 5For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6ForGod,whosaid,“Let lightshineout ofdarkness,”made His light shineinourheartsto give usthe lightof theknowledgeof thegloryof Godinthe faceof JesusChrist.7Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.…
Cross References Genesis 1:3And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
John 1:1-5In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. / He was with God in the beginning. / Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made. ...
2 Peter 1:19We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
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.
John 8:12Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Psalm 119:130The unfolding of Your words gives light; it informs the simple.
Ephesians 5:8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,
Colossians 1:13He 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.’
1 John 1:5And 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.
Isaiah 60:1-2Arise, 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.
Matthew 4:16the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.”
Hebrews 1:3The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
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.
Psalm 36:9For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.
Treasury of Scripture For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. who. Genesis 1:3,14,15 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light… Psalm 74:16 The dayis thine, the night alsois thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun. Psalm 136:7-9 To him that made great lights: for his mercyendureth for ever: … hath. Ephesians 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but noware ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: the light. 2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory,even as by the Spirit of the Lord. Exodus 33:18-23 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory… in the. Luke 10:22 All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, andhe to whom the Son will revealhim. John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 12:41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him. Jump to Previous ChristCommandedDarkDarknessEnlighteningFaceForthGloryGod'sHeartsJesusLightRadiantShineShinedShiningShoneJump to Next ChristCommandedDarkDarknessEnlighteningFaceForthGloryGod'sHeartsJesusLightRadiantShineShinedShiningShone2 Corinthians 4 1.Paul declares how he has used all sincerity and diligence in preaching the gospel,7.and how his troubles and persecutions did redound to the praise of God's power,12.to the benefit of the church,16.and to the apostle's own eternal glory.For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”This phrase references Genesis 1:3, where God commands light to appear in the midst of darkness during the creation of the world. It highlights God's sovereign power to bring order and illumination where there is chaos and obscurity. This act of creation is a type of spiritual illumination, symbolizing how God brings spiritual enlightenment to the human heart. The imagery of light overcoming darkness is a recurring biblical theme, seen in passages like John 1:5, where the light of Christ shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. This reflects God's ability to transform spiritual darkness into light through His divine intervention. made His light shine in our hearts
This phrase emphasizes the personal and transformative work of God in the believer's life. The heart, in biblical terms, often represents the center of one's being, including mind, will, and emotions. The light shining in our hearts signifies the internal revelation and understanding of God's truth, akin to the new birth described inJohn 3:3-8. This transformation is not merely intellectual but deeply spiritual, affecting the believer's entire being. It is reminiscent of the prophecy inEzekiel 36:26-27, where God promises to give a new heart and spirit to His people. to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God
This phrase speaks to the purpose of God's illumination: to impart knowledge of His glory. The glory of God is His manifest presence and divine attributes, often revealed in Scripture through His acts of salvation and judgment. InExodus 33:18-23, Moses asks to see God's glory, and God reveals His goodness and mercy. The knowledge of God's glory is not just intellectual but experiential, involving a personal relationship with Him. This knowledge is transformative, leading to a life that reflects God's character and purposes. in the face of Jesus Christ.
The culmination of God's revelation is found in Jesus Christ, who is the exact representation of God's being (Hebrews 1:3). The face of Jesus Christ signifies the personal and relational aspect of knowing God, as seen inJohn 14:9, where Jesus tells Philip that anyone who has seen Him has seen the Father. Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God's glory, embodying grace and truth (John 1:14). This phrase underscores the centrality of Christ in the believer's understanding of God, as He is the mediator of the new covenant and the one through whom believers have access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18). Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe Creator who commanded light to shine out of darkness, both in the physical creation and in the spiritual illumination of believers' hearts. 2. Jesus ChristThe face of Jesus Christ is the manifestation of God's glory and the source of spiritual light and knowledge. 3. PaulThe apostle who wrote this letter to the Corinthians, emphasizing the transformative power of God's light in believers' lives. 4. CorinthThe city where the recipients of this letter resided, known for its diverse culture and challenges to the early church. 5. CreationThe event referenced by Paul, where God spoke light into existence, symbolizing the new creation in believers' hearts. Teaching Points The Power of God's WordJust as God spoke light into existence at creation, His Word has the power to illuminate our hearts and minds, bringing spiritual understanding and transformation. The Glory of God in ChristThe ultimate revelation of God's glory is found in Jesus Christ. As believers, we are called to seek and reflect this glory in our lives. Spiritual IlluminationThe light of God's knowledge is not just intellectual but transformative, changing our hearts and aligning us with His will. Living as Light-BearersAs recipients of God's light, we are called to shine in a dark world, sharing the knowledge of God's glory with others. The New CreationJust as God created light in the beginning, He creates a new spiritual reality in us, making us new creations in Christ. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 4:6?
2.How does 2 Corinthians 4:6 inspire us to reflect God's light in darkness?
3.What does "light shine out of darkness" reveal about God's transformative power?
4.How can Genesis 1:3 deepen our understanding of 2 Corinthians 4:6?
5.How can we cultivate the "knowledge of God's glory" in daily life?
6.In what ways can we embody Christ's light to those around us?
7.How does 2 Corinthians 4:6 relate to the concept of divine revelation in Christianity?
8.What does "light shine out of darkness" symbolize in 2 Corinthians 4:6?
9.How does 2 Corinthians 4:6 support the belief in Jesus as the light of the world?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 4?
11.What is the significance of the Mandylion of Edessa?
12.What is the journey of the soul to enlightenment?
13.What defines spiritual darkness?
14.What is Bible Study Fellowship (BSF)?What Does 2 Corinthians 4:6 Mean For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”Paul reaches back to creation’s first morning. • InGenesis 1:3 God commands, “Let there be light,” and the darkness obeys. • The same Creator still speaks with absolute authority; His word never fails (Isaiah 55:11). •John 1:5 reminds us, “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” By invoking that opening act, Paul ties our salvation to God’s original, world-forming power. The Lord who brought physical light now brings spiritual light with equal certainty.
made His light shine in our heartsSalvation is not self-generated; God Himself flips the switch inside us. •Ezekiel 36:26 pictures Him giving a new heart of flesh. • Jesus tells Nicodemus, “no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (John 3:3). • Paul prays that believers might have “the eyes of your hearts enlightened” (Ephesians 1:18). Our conversion is as unmistakable and supernatural as the dawn of creation—God acts, light floods in.
to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of GodWhy the inner illumination? To know Him. •Jeremiah 9:24 says, “let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me.” •Habakkuk 2:14 foresees the earth “filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD.” • Eternal life itself is defined as knowing God (John 17:3). The Lord invites us beyond facts to personal acquaintance with His glory—His character, beauty, and majesty revealed.
in the face of Jesus ChristThat glory has a specific address: Jesus. • “The Word became flesh … and we beheld His glory” (John 1:14). • “Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). • Christ is “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15) and “the radiance of His glory” (Hebrews 1:3). Look to Christ and you see God’s heart on display—His purity, power, compassion, and truth fused together. Every ray of divine light converges in the face of Jesus.
summary2 Corinthians 4:6 links our new-birth experience to the very first words God ever spoke. The Creator who flooded the cosmos with light has personally invaded our darkness, igniting faith so we can truly know His glory. That glory is perfectly showcased in Jesus Christ; therefore, the more we gaze on Him, the brighter our hearts burn and the clearer God’s character becomes. (6) For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness.--Better, For it is God who commanded . . . that hath shined. The whole verse is in manifest antithesis to 2Corinthians 4:4. The god of this world did his work of blinding; the true God called light out of darkness. Here there is obviously a reference to the history of the creation in Genesis 1:3. Hath shined.--The English tense is allowable, but the Greek is literallyshone, as referring to a definite fact in the past life of the Apostle and other Christians at the very time of their conversion. In the face of Jesus Christ.--Some MSS. give "Christ Jesus," others "Christ." The clause is added as emphasising the fact that the glory of God is for us manifested only in the face (or, possibly, in theperson, with a somewhat wider sense; see Note on2Corinthians 1:11) of Christ, as it was seen by the Israelites in the face of Moses. The word for "give light" is the same as that rendered "radiance" in2Corinthians 4:4. Verse 6. - Who commanded the light to shine out of darkness. The argument of the verse is that God, who created the material light ( Genesis 1:3) and who is the Father of lights ( James 1:1) and sent his Son to be the Light of the world ( John 8:12), did not shine in our hearts for our sakes only, or that we might hide the light under a bushel for ourselves, but that we might transmit and reflect it. There is an implied comparison between the creation of light and the dawn of the gospel light, and each of these was meant for the good of all the world. The verse should be rendered, if we follow the best manuscripts, "Because it is God, who said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shone in our hearts for the illumination of the knowledge of the glory of God." In the face of Jesus Christ (see ch. 2:10; 3:7). Probably, however, there is a reference to the glory of God, not as reflected from the face of Christ, but as concentrated in and beaming from it ( Hebrews 1:2).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Forὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.God,Θεὸς(Theos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.whoὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.said,εἰπών(eipōn)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.“{Let} lightφῶς(phōs)Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5457:Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.shineλάμψει(lampsei)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2989:To shine, give light. A primary verb; to beam, i.e. Radiate brilliancy.out ofἘκ(Ek)Preposition
Strong's 1537:From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.darkness,”σκότους(skotous)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4655:Darkness, either physical or moral. From the base of skia; shadiness, i.e. Obscurity.made His light shineἔλαμψεν(elampsen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2989:To shine, give light. A primary verb; to beam, i.e. Radiate brilliancy.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.ourἡμῶν(hēmōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.heartsκαρδίαις(kardiais)Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2588:Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.to give usπρὸς(pros)Preposition
Strong's 4314:To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.[the] lightφωτισμὸν(phōtismon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5462:Light, luster, illumination, enlightenment. From photizo; illumination.of theτῆς(tēs)Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.knowledgeγνώσεως(gnōseōs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1108:Knowledge, doctrine, wisdom. From ginosko; knowing, i.e. knowledge.of theτῆς(tēs)Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.gloryδόξης(doxēs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1391:From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application.of GodΘεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.[the] faceπροσώπῳ(prosōpō)Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4383:From pros and ops; the front, i.e. The countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person.of JesusἸησοῦ(Iēsou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.Christ.Χριστοῦ(Christou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547:Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.
Links 2 Corinthians 4:6 NIV2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT2 Corinthians 4:6 ESV2 Corinthians 4:6 NASB2 Corinthians 4:6 KJV
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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 4:6 Seeing it is God who said Light (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) |
