Paragraph 1:5–10

Read 1:5–10 in both Berean Standard Bible and Good News Translation. Compare the two versions.

Paragraph Theme: In the previous verses John expresses the desire that his readers should share the fellowship which he has with God. In 1:5–10 he makes the point that God is morally pure and holy, and therefore those who sin cannot have fellowship with God unless they confess their sins and God forgives them. His purpose is to persuade his readers to confess their sins.

1:5a

And: (Discourse Feature) Because the previous verses contrast with what John is saying in 1:5–10, a connecting word such as “But” may be needed here instead of And. Good News Translation uses “Now,” which in English indicates a mild contrast.

this: (Pronoun Reference) The word this refer to the statement “God is light…”

we: (Pronoun Reference) John is referring to himself and the other apostles.

from Him: (Pronoun Reference) In order to make clear who this refers to, it will probably be necessary to use a fuller form, for example, “from Jesus Christ,” or “from God’s Son” as in Good News Translation.

1:5b–c

God is light: (Meaning) This is a description of God’s nature or character. Be sure in translation it does not sound as if John is identifying God with some particular light. The following clause confirms this statement by denying its opposite: “in him there is no darkness at all.”

light…darkness: (Metaphor) In the Bible “light” symbolizes goodness and purity and the truth that comes from God’s revelation of himself. “Darkness” symbolizes ignorance and all that is evil. If these symbols are not clear in your language, it may be necessary to state the meaning explicitly in your translation.

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.