Darkness, as a symbol of sin

Darkness is often used in Scripture as a symbol of sin and its effects. It is often contrasted with light, as a symbol of forgiveness and the presence of God.

Darkness as a symbol of sin

John 3:19–20 See also Job 24:16–17; Proverbs 2:12–15, Proverbs 4:19; Isaiah 5:20, Isaiah 29:15; Matthew 6:23; Luke 22:53 Jesus Christ arrested; Romans 1:21ROM Romans 13:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 5:8–12 1 John 1:5–6

And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.

Darkness as a symbol of the effects of sin

Darkness symbolising ignorance of the truth

2 Corinthians 4:4 See also Psalm 82:5; Isaiah 8:20; 2 Corinthians 3:14–15; Ephesians 4:18

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Darkness symbolising the inability to find the right way

John 12:35 See also Job 12:24–25; Isaiah 59:9–10; Matthew 5:14; 1 John 2:9, 1 John 2:11

Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.

Darkness symbolises times of trial

Job 3:3–6, Job 19:8, Job 23:16–17, Job 30:26; Psalm 107:10, Psalm 143:3; Ecclesiastes 11:8

Darkness symbolises death and the grave

Job 10:20–22 See also Psalm 49:19, Psalm 88:10–12

Are my days not few? Withdraw from me, that I may have a little comfort, before I go — never to return — to a land of darkness and gloom, to a land of utter darkness, of deep shadow and disorder, where even the light is like darkness.”

God's provision for the darkness of sin

God himself is a remedy for darkness

2 Samuel 22:29 See also Psalm 18:28, Psalm 30:5, Psalm 91:4–7; Isaiah 42:16, Isaiah 50:10; Micah 7:8

For You, O LORD, are my lamp; the LORD lights up my darkness.

God will deliver from darkness

Isaiah 9:2 See also Matthew 4:16; Psalm 107:13–14; Isaiah 29:18, Isaiah 49:8–9; Luke 1:78–79; Acts 26:17–18; Colossians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:4–5; 1 Peter 2:9

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.

God's Son saves believers from darkness

John 8:12 See also John 1:4–5, John 12:46; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Genesis 1:3; Ephesians 5:8; 2 Peter 1:19; 1 John 2:8

Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”

God's people rescue others from darkness

Isaiah 42:6–7 See also Isaiah 60:1–5

“I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house.