9:5a

While I am in the world: This clause refers to the whole time that Jesus lived on earth. For example:

while I am here in the world (New Living Translation (2004))

9:5b

I am the light of the world: The clause is a metaphor. This metaphor is also found in Isaiah 42:6, where the Messiah is said to be “a light to the nations.” In this metaphor Jesus compares himself to light. Like light, he makes it possible for people to see. He gives spiritual light to the people of the world, showing them who God is.

In some languages a literal translation of this metaphor may be difficult to understand. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

• Change the metaphor to a simile. For example:

I am like the light of the world.

• Change the metaphor to a simile and make explicit the way that they are similar. For example:

I am like the light of the world because I enable people to see.

• Indicate or suggest some of the meaning. For example:

I am the one who is the ⌊true⌋ light of the world.
-or-
I bring/give ⌊true/spiritual⌋ light to the people of the world.

General Comment on 9:5a–b

In some languages it may be natural to reverse the order of 9:5a and b. For example:

5b I am the world’s light 5a as long as I am in it. (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

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