This is one of the I am names of Jesus (Yeshua‘) that occurs in John’s gospel. It is also one of the descriptive names of Jesus. There is no exact equivalent name in the Old Testament but God’s Light of Israel is described as a purging fire (Isa. 10:17) and the Messiah is a light to (or of) the nations (Isa. 42:6; 49:6).
The New Testament picks up the theme of Jesus as the light in other names: True Light and Light of Revelation. Jesus said that He had come to bring light to the world, but the light only provides spiritual illumination if we believe in Him:
I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness. (John 12:46).
In the heavenly city, Jesus provides the lighting:
The city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. (Rev. 21:23)
“I am the Light of the world” in the Greek text of John 8:12
I am Light of the World in Greek:
Egō eimi to phōs tou kosmou
Strong’s Concordance numbers: 5457, 2889
Bible references: John 8:12; 9:5
Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” (John 8:12)
