The concept of Great light in Christianity
The concept of Great Light encompasses various interpretations across different belief systems. In Christianity, it symbolizes divine presence and enlightenment, offering hope to those in darkness and representing the teachings of Jesus. It signifies profound spiritual understanding and assurance in faith, illuminating the path towards eternal life. In Gnosticism, Great Light denotes ultimate knowledge and purity linked to divine beings, while Early Christianity views it as a transformative presence that highlights Christ's role in guiding believers. Overall, Great Light embodies the promise of spiritual awakening and joy in faith.
Synonyms: Excellent brightness, Bright light, Radiant light, Luminous light, Brilliant light, Dazzling light, Intense light
In Dutch: Geweldig licht; In Finnish: Hieno valo; In Spanish: Gran luz; In German: Tolles Licht; In Malay: Cahaya yang hebat; In Swedish: Bra ljus; In French: Belle lumi猫re
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Great light'
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) This refers to the source of illumination and understanding, providing clarity in the context of death, offering hope and dispelling the darkness associated with it.[1] (2) These were made, because His mercy endures forever, as the text indicates.[2] (3) This is something that can bring joy, guidance, and music to the individual, as described in the text.[3] (4) If you wish to brighten that great light that fills the future, see to it that your present Christianity is fuller of peace with God, access into grace, and the firm, erect standing.[4] (5) This is a metaphor used to describe the spiritual impact of the Gospel, representing understanding and knowledge, particularly for those who were previously in darkness.[5]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) The existence of two great lights, such as the sun and the moon, is a reason why the number two is often seen in pairs, like men with two wives or two sons.[6] (2) Prominent or influential figures in early Christianity.[7]
From: The Complete Sayings of Jesus
(1) A divine illumination that Paul experienced during his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.[8]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) A prophetic reference to the region of Zabulon and Nephthalim, which was expected to be the first to receive the teachings of Jesus.[9]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) The text describes a great light associated with a vision, highlighting its significance in the context of divine communication.[10] (2) This is the great light of the Aeons, which is entirely radiance, and is the form of all animals, according to the Docetae's beliefs and teachings.[11] (3) The text indicates that this is a reference to the moon, and that it is said to rule over the night and that its phases are observed by an impure spirit.[12] (4) These were made to rule the day and night, and were set in the firmament to provide illumination to the Earth.[13] (5) Represents the divine illumination brought by Christ for those who are in darkness.[14]
Gnostic concept of 'Great light'
From: Pistis Sophia
(1) This refers to a powerful and intense source of illumination, which the disciples are shown, symbolizing a glimpse into a higher spiritual reality beyond human description.[15] (2) The great Light received a portion of power from the First Commandment and subsequently cast a portion of it into the five Helpers.[16] (3) This phrase is used to describe Yew and Zorokothora Melchisedec, and their roles in purifying and leading lights.[17] (4) This is a state or condition, and it is immeasurable for the gods and all invisibles. It is associated with joy and jubilation, and is linked to the inheritance of the Light.[18] (5) The great light is formed when the light-power from the First Mystery merges with the light-power from Jesus, representing a significant unification of divine forces.[19]
From: Fragments of a Faith Forgotten
(1) The Great Lights are Ieou and Melchizedec, who descend to gather the pure radiance of light from those they have cleansed among the Rulers.[20] (2) The Great Light is a radiant force, which the Master emanates, ascending to heaven, and is a source of confusion and fear, and a transformative presence in the narrative.[21] (3) A significant symbol in Gnostic thought that likely represents divine revelation or knowledge associated with higher spiritual truths.[22] (4) A depiction of an ultimate divine presence that surrounds the spiritual realm, representing pure enlightenment.[23] (5) A divine illumination perceived by Elohim within the spiritual realms, indicative of enlightenment and higher truth.[24]
From: The Gnostics and Their Remains
(1) A metaphor for the divine knowledge or truth that is feared by the forces of darkness.[25]
The concept of Great light in local and regional sources
Great light signifies divine enlightenment and the promise of eternal life, as observed by the handmaid. It embodies the spiritual illumination provided by Christ's saints in Heaven, representing hope and sacred presence.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A moment of clarity or understanding that significantly impacts perception.[26] (2) The great light symbolizes an ultimate truth or moral guidance that inspires and leads people toward spiritual fulfillment.[27] (3) A metaphorical expression symbolizing the emerging awareness and realization of shared humanity and interconnectedness.[28] (4) A moment of realization or enlightenment experienced by the peasants upon understanding the true meaning of the slogan.[29] (5) Symbolizes knowledge, understanding, or enlightenment that illuminates the path of existence.[30]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) This came down.[31] (2) Symbolizing the divine and spiritual enlightenment offered by the saints of Christ in Heaven.[32] (3) The bright presence observed by the handmaid that symbolizes divine enlightenment or the promise of eternal life.[33]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) These are the individuals who come and help people realize God in a different way than how ordinary people do, and they come as emperors.[34] (2) When these figures come, then man realises God, and they come in a different way than the rest of humanity, arriving as Emperors rather than beggars.[35]