Comprehend or Overcome?
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5
Check out last Sunday’s sermon here.
Question: Does darkness not overcome light, or does darkness not comprehend the light?
Students of the Bible might scratch their heads after reading John 1:5 in both the English Standard Version (ESV) and the New American Standard Bible (NASB).
The ESV reads that, “...the darkness has not overcome it [the light].”
The NASB reads, “...the darkness did not comprehend it.”
Which is correct? It comes down to the interpretation of the Greek Word, καταλαμβάνω (pronounced “kata-lam-bano”). As with almost any word, this word can be rendered in various ways. One of the most prominent Greek-English lexicons* offer four potential understandings of the word. Both “overcome” and “comprehend” fit within their renderings of καταλαμβάνω.
Who is correct?
A ‘Contextual’ Answer
Clearly the ESV and NASB offer translations which drastically change John's intended meaning, right? The answer is yes and no.
When interpreting the Bible, context is king. The best practice is for one to first begin by studying the immediate context and then expand to the large context. For example, ask yourself, “What does this word mean in relation to the first five verses of John?” Then ask, “What does this word mean in relation to John 1:1-18?” and so on. Eventually, you will ask that question in relation to the whole of John’s Gospel and even the entire Bible.
The Darkness Does Not Comprehend The Light
The NASB states something that is true when it reads, “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” (Jn 1:5). Yes, darkness did not comprehend the light when Jesus, the light of the world (see Jn 8:12), came to earth. Thus, NASB looks at the meaning of the word, “light” in 1:5 and concludes that indeed the word is best understood as “comprehend.” We see this later on confirmed in John 1:10. Thus, I think that the NASB is interpreting the passage as follows:
- Jesus is the light referred to in John 1:5.
- Jesus was not known or received (see Jn 1:10-11).
- Thus, darkness did not “comprehend” the light.
The Darkness Does Not Overcome The Light
The ESV also states something that is true when it reads, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Here, the ESV offers a reasonable translation, however, this translation does not leave the immediate context of the first five verses of John (1:1-5).
In those five verses, John tells us that Jesus is the “Word” who created all things. The main idea in those verses (clearly in verses 1-3 at least) is that Jesus is the author of creation.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (Jn 1:1-3).
In verses 4-5, the translator has to make a decision. Is the “Word” still creating here? Or, is the Word being described here as Jesus, the person, who condescended to earth as the light of the world?
“In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4-5).
The ESV stays close to the concept of creation which is an idea made clear earlier in verses 1-3, and continues the idea of creation into verses 4-5. Life was in Jesus, and He shines His light (as Creator) to men. The Creator's life gives men light. Thus, I believe the ESV concludes, that the Creator's light (life given by Him) shines into the darkness (of uncreation), and the darkness does not overcome it.”
Conclusion
Both translations are being faithful, saying true things about Jesus. However, the ESV stays within the context of creation in John 1:1-5 by rendering καταλαμβάνω as "overcome." The darkness of uncreation cannot overcome the Creator's light which shines life into the world. Thus, I believe it is a better understanding of that verse.
However, in verse 5 there are undeniably allusions to Jesus who personally 'shines' down to earth as the light of the world. If you were to read John 1:1-5 cold (i.e. having never read any part of John’s Gospel), I think John would expect you to think of this “Word” as the Creator who shines the light of life into creation. But, if you were to re-read John’s Gospel, when you open again to John 1:1-5, you would not be able to help but think of Jesus, the Creator, who personally came down as the light of the world!
- Jesus is the light, shining life into an uncreated darkness!
- Jesus is the light, shining into the darkness by coming to earth and living among us!
Question: Are you trusting in Jesus, the Creator/Savior, today?
*A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. by Walter Bauer and Fredrick William Danker.