Genesis Chapter 1 - Light in John Chapter 1
JOHN 1:7 — ETHIOPIAN COMMENTARY ON “LIGHT”
“The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.”
1. The Word “Light” in the Ethiopian Bible
In the Ethiopian Bible, the word Light is rendered:
ብርሃን (Berhan)
This word carries spiritual, moral, and divine meaning, not merely physical illumination.
Berhan signifies:
Divine glory
Truth revealed
Life from God
Holiness
The presence of God Himself
In Ethiopian theology, Light is not created substance here — it is PERSONHOOD.
2. Christ as “Uncreated Light”
Ethiopian Orthodox teaching affirms that Christ is:
“Light from Light, true God from true God”
This aligns with:
John 1:4 – “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.”
1 John 1:5 – “God is light.”
Key Ethiopian Distinction
Created light → Genesis 1:3
Uncreated Light → Christ Himself
John 1:7 refers to the Uncreated Light, eternal and divine.
3. John the Baptist’s Role
John is not the Light, but a witness (መስክር – mesker).
Ethiopian Insight
A witness does not create light
A witness points to light
John stands between:
Old Covenant prophecy
New Covenant revelation
He reflects the Light without possessing it.
4. Light and Revelation
In Ethiopian theology, Light reveals truth progressively:
| Aspect | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Light | Divine knowledge |
| Darkness | Ignorance, deception |
| Witness | Prophetic proclamation |
John’s mission was to remove ignorance, not to replace Christ.
5. Light and Salvation
“…that all men through him might believe.”
Ethiopian Understanding
Belief is a response to illumination
Faith is impossible without divine Light
Light precedes repentance
Salvation begins with enlightenment of the heart.
6. Connection to Genesis
Ethiopian fathers connect John 1:7 back to Genesis 1:3:
“Let there be light” → physical creation
“The Light” → spiritual re-creation
Christ restores what was darkened after the Fall.
7. Liturgical Meaning
In Ethiopian liturgy:
Light symbolizes Christ’s presence in worship
Candles represent divine truth
Feasts are described as days of Light
John the Baptist is honored as:
“The Lamp, not the Sun”
8. Moral and Spiritual Application
Light in John 1:7 demands response:
To reject Light is to remain in darkness
To receive Light is to walk in truth
To witness Light is to reflect Christ, not self
9. Summary Teaching
In Ethiopian Orthodox theology:
Light = Christ Himself, the eternal revelation of God
John 1:7 teaches:
Christ is divine, eternal Light
John is a faithful witness
Faith comes through illumination
Salvation begins with revelation
✨ Closing Ethiopian Prayer
“O Light of Light,
shine upon our hearts,
remove the darkness of ignorance,
and lead us into the truth of Your glory.
Amen.”
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