Darkness
Darkness means there is no light. There was no light until God commanded it to appear. He then separated light from darkness (Genesis 1:2, 4–5, 18). The ninth plague he sent against Egypt was three days of deep darkness, with no light at all (Exodus 10:21–23).
Darkness surrounds God (Exodus 20:21; Deuteronomy 4:11; 5:23; 2 Samuel 22:12; Psalm 18:11; 97:2). He lives in thick darkness (1 Kings 8:12 and the parallel passage in 2 Chronicles 6:1). Thick darkness is beneath his feet (2 Samuel 22:10 and the parallel passage in Psalm 18:9). We cannot know God unless he reveals himself.
Darkness often represents distress and anxiety. Or it can refer to the confusion and destruction experienced by the evil people (Genesis 15:12; Job 12:25; 19:8; Psalms 35:6; 107:10, 14; Ecclesiastes 5:17; Isaiah 5:30).
For Job, darkness meant emptiness (Job 3:4–6). It symbolized death, a land of shadow and gloom where the dead live, far from daylight (Job 10:21–22; 17:12–13; Ecclesiastes 6:4).
Evil often happens in the dark (Job 24:16–17). But darkness cannot hide anything from God (Psalm 139:11–12; Isaiah 29:15–16). Darkness often represents not knowing God's will. Knowing God is "light," so not knowing is "darkness" (Job 12:24–25; Matthew 4:16; John 1:5; 8:12; 12:35, 46; 1 John 1:5; 2:8–9, 11).
The Bible often uses “darkness” to describe a sinful or evil way of life (Proverbs 2:13; 4:19; Isaiah 5:20; 60:2). In the New Testament, darkness can also represent living without the truth of God (Matthew 6:23; Luke 11:35; Romans 2:19; Colossians 1:13). Isaiah 9:2 speaks of a people living in distress who see a great light (see also Matthew 4:16; Luke 1:79). This light is Jesus himself. In that context, “darkness” refers more to suffering and need than to spiritual ignorance.
A major theme of the Old Testament prophets was the "Day of the LORD," often linked with darkness (Ezekiel 32:8; Joel 2:2, 31; Amos 5:18, 20; Zephaniah 1:15). The New Testament also connects darkness with judgment (Matthew 8:12; 22:13; 25:30; 2 Peter 2:17; Jude 1:6, 13).
Light
Light was the first thing God created after the heavens and earth (Genesis 1:3; see also 1:16). It naturally symbolizes what is pleasant, good, or cheerful (Ecclesiastes 11:7; James 1:17). When the Israelites left Egypt, a pillar of cloud and fire gave them light (Exodus 13:21; 14:20). It showed them the way (Nehemiah 9:19). Light represents the Lord's blessing (Job 12:22; 29:2–3; Psalms 4:6; 18:28; 44:3; 118:27). God's servants can share this blessing by guiding others to God through their obedience (Isaiah 42:6; 49:6). God's light also reveals sin and brings justice (Psalms 90:8; Isaiah 51:4).
The Bible describes God as light (Psalm 27:1; Isaiah 60:19–20; Daniel 2:22; 1 John 1:5). He "dwells in unapproachable light" (see 1 Timothy 6:16). Yet, he guides his followers into the light (Micah 7:8–9; see also 1 John 1:7).
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12; 9:5; 12:46). He brought a message from God, but he was also that message (John 1:1–10). Those who receive his message and trust in him, He gives "the right to become children of God" (John 1:9–12). His light spiritually enlightens them and they come to know God and his salvation (Matthew 4:16; Luke 2:32; Acts 13:47; 26:18).
They are “sons of light” (John 12:36; 1 Thessalonians 5:5). They "walk in the light" (1 John 1:7). Their actions are like light—by doing what is good and right and true (Ephesians 5:8–9).
Passages for Further Study
Genesis 1:3–5, 14–18; 15:12; Exodus 10:21–23; 14:20; 20:21; 2 Samuel 22:10–13; 1 Kings 8:12; Job 3:3–7; 12:22–25; 15:22; 17:12–13; 34:22; Psalms 18:11, 28; 27:1; 97:2–6; 139:11–12; Proverbs 2:13; 4:18–19; Ecclesiastes 11:7–8; Isaiah 5:20; 9:2; 29:15; 51:4; 60:2–3, 19–20; Daniel 2:22; Micah 7:8–9; Matthew 4:16; 6:22–23; 8:12; Luke 1:78–79; 2:32; John 1:4–9; 8:12; 9:5; 12:35–36, 46; Acts 13:47; 26:18; Romans 2:19–20; Ephesians 5:7–14; 1 Thessalonians 5:5–8; 1 Timothy 6:16; James 1:17; 2 Peter 2:17; 1 John 1:5–7; 2:7–11