Terms in the Holy Bible – Light
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains the usage of the word “light” in the Holy Bible, clarifying that it has multiple meanings: material light, spiritual light, light applied to persons and angels, and the true light is God and Christ. The purpose is to clarify how Scripture expresses God’s presence and action in the world and the human by the image of light.
1. The Material Light
The saint speaks about the material light created on the first day: “Let there be light” and God separated light from darkness. This is a natural kind of light and its opposite is darkness.
2. Spiritual and Intellectual Light
He clarifies that there is a spiritual, intellectual light, such as the Scripture says: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” and “the law is light” that enlightens the heart and the spiritual eye.
3. Persons as Sources of Light
His Holiness mentions that some persons are called “light of the world” because they are a source of spiritual light for others, and therefore candles are placed before the icons of the saints in remembrance of their holiness and their light.
4. Angels and Deceptive Light
The lecturer points out that angels are described as light, and that the devil sometimes appears in the form of a “cult of light” to deceive people.
5. God and Christ as the True Light Source
He affirms that the highest and most important meaning of light is that “God is light” and “Christ is the true light” who came into the world. Christ declares: whoever follows Him does not walk in spiritual darkness.
6. The Sun and Moon Analogy
The saint uses the example of the sun as true light and the moon as a body that reflects that light to show the difference between original light and reflected light, and that the true light does not vanish while reflected shadows change.
7. Light as Openness and Moral Clarity
He explains that “light” also means publicity and clarity: the righteous work in the light and the wicked hide in darkness. What is spoken in secret will be heard in the light, so the Christian life is a call to spiritual openness and good works.
📜 Spiritual Summary
The word light in the Holy Bible has multiple layers: material light, spiritual light, names for people and angels, and the absolute light is God and Christ. Understanding these meanings invites us to be light in the world, to live in clarity and love, and to follow the true light that reveals God to us.
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