Who is the true light in John 1:9?
The true light in John 1:9 is Jesus the Christ, Jesus of Nazareth. John the Baptist was not that light but came to bear witness of it. This true light enlightens every man, and Scripture does not lie about that universal enlightening work.
In John’s Gospel, John the Baptist is described as coming for a witness to bear witness of the light, capital L, speaking of Christ, so that all men through him might believe. Verse 8 clarifies that John was not that light but was sent to bear witness. Then verse 9 identifies the true light as Jesus the Christ, Jesus of Nazareth—the true light which lighteth every man. The speaker emphasizes the words “every man” and says the book does not lie. He notes that people may wonder about those in spiritually dark places, such as the Amazon Valley, who have never heard the gospel, but the book says over and over that they have received the light and have a certain amount of knowledge, which he cannot explain but accepts because that is what the book says.
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
More Questions
Who is the true Light that enlightens every man?
The true Light, Jesus, enlightens every man that comes into the world.
Is Romans 1:19 saying the same thing as John 1:9 about the light that enlightens every man?
Paul in Romans 1:19 is saying basically the same thing as John 1:9 — that Christ is the light which lightens every man that comes into the world.