preposition peri (`concerning') is used. The reader will call to mind

many words in our own language that begin with these four letters - for

example, `perimeter,' meaning `circumference'; `period', a cycle of

time; and `periphrasis', a roundabout form of speech. The idea in this

verse is that Christ was the centre around which John's ministry

revolved. His witness was `concerning' Him.

There has been much dispute over the apostle's meaning in the next

`That was the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into

the world'.

The crux of the problem is the verb `cometh'. Does this refer to

`every man' or to `the true light'? J. N. Darby's translation and note

are worth quoting as a contribution here:

`The true light was that which, coming into the world, lightens

every man'.

`Or, "is light to every man". Not "enlightens" but "sheds its light

upon". Not, I judge, "every man coming", in spite of the ancients.

"Comer into the world", is a Rabbinical expression for "man", but

this refers to the incarnation as ver. 10 shews. The Fathers' view of

it was Platonism which John refutes in every point.  The

introduction of anthropon makes the citing the Rabbinical

expression as an argument for the interpretation "every one coming

into the world" a mistake: for the Rabbis use "Comers into the

world" as equivalent to "men"`.

The Lord's own testimony seems conclusive here:

`I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on Me

should not abide in darkness' (12:46).

`And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were

evil' (3:19).

A man may be in the light, and yet be unenlightened. Darkness can

fail to grasp the light, even though it be shining as brightly as the sun.

A glance at the structure confirms this meaning, for the word

erchomenon `cometh', is balanced by eskenosen `dwelt', both words