Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, "darkness" often symbolizes the absence of light, both in a physical and spiritual sense. It is frequently associated with evil, ignorance, and the realm of Satan. The "Power of Darkness" is a term that encapsulates the influence and dominion of evil forces opposed to God and His purposes.Biblical References and Symbolism 1. Creation and Separation: In the Genesis account, God separates light from darkness, establishing a fundamental dichotomy (Genesis 1:4). This separation signifies God's authority over chaos and disorder, often represented by darkness. 2. Spiritual Blindness and Ignorance: Darkness is used metaphorically to describe spiritual blindness and ignorance. In John 1:5, it is written, "The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." Here, darkness represents the world's inability to comprehend or accept the divine truth embodied in Christ. 3. The Realm of Satan: The "Power of Darkness" is explicitly linked to the dominion of Satan and his forces. Colossians 1:13 states, "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son." This passage highlights the deliverance from the oppressive rule of evil into the liberating reign of Christ. 4. Judgment and Consequence: Darkness is also a symbol of divine judgment. In Exodus 10:21-23, one of the plagues upon Egypt is a palpable darkness, representing God's judgment against Pharaoh's hardened heart. Similarly, in the eschatological visions of Revelation, darkness accompanies the outpouring of God's wrath (Revelation 16:10). 5. Moral and Ethical Implications: The New Testament frequently contrasts light and darkness to delineate moral and ethical living. Ephesians 5:8-11 exhorts believers, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light... Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." Theological Implications The "Power of Darkness" underscores the reality of spiritual warfare. Believers are called to recognize the pervasive influence of evil and to stand firm in the truth of the Gospel. Ephesians 6:12 reminds Christians, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Victory Over Darkness The ultimate victory over the "Power of Darkness" is assured through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. John 8:12 records Jesus' declaration, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." This promise offers hope and assurance that the power of darkness is temporary and will be fully vanquished in the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. In conclusion, the "Power of Darkness" serves as a profound reminder of the ongoing battle between good and evil, light and darkness. It calls believers to live in the light of Christ, resisting the influence of darkness, and to trust in the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. Nave's Topical Index Luke 22:53When I was daily with you in the temple, you stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. Nave's Topical Index Ephesians 6:12 Colossians 1:13 1 Thessalonians 5:5 Revelation 16:10 Greek 4653. skotia -- darkness ... darkness. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: skotia Phonetic Spelling: (skot-ee'-ah) Short Definition: darkness Definition: darkness; fig ... darkness. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4653.htm - 6k 4655. skotos -- darkness 1105. gnophos -- darkness, gloom 2217. zophos -- deep gloom 4652. skoteinos -- dark 4639. skia -- shadow 4656. skotoo -- to darken 1659. eleutheroo -- to make free, fig. to exempt (from liability) 541. apaugasma -- radiance 5461. photizo -- to shine, give light Strong's Hebrew 2825. chashekah -- darkness... 2824, 2825. chashekah. 2826 . darkness. Transliteration: chashekah Phonetic Spelling: (khash-ay-kaw') Short Definition: darkness. ... darkness. ... /hebrew/2825.htm - 6k 2816. chashok -- darkness 652. ophel -- darkness, gloom 2822. choshek -- darkness, obscurity 5890. ephah -- darkness 653. aphelah -- darkness, gloominess, calamity 3990. maaphel -- darkness 3991. maapheleyah -- deep darkness 6940. qadruth -- darkness, gloom 3650. kimrir -- darkness, gloominess Library The Arrest of Christ. --Peter's Haste, and Its Reproof. --The ... Darkness Before the Dawn The Gethsemane Prayer Light for those who Sit in Darkness Light in Darkness. There is a Divine Darkness which is not Evil, and which Ultimately ... Different Kinds of Light; and of Darkness. How the Darkness Failed to Overtake the Light. Unfruitful Works of Darkness When Darkness Falls and Night is Here, Resources What time was Jesus crucified? What time did Jesus die on the cross? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is a day measured from evening to morning in Genesis 1? | GotQuestions.org How could there be light on the first day of Creation if the sun was not created until the fourth day? | GotQuestions.org Darkness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Darkness of Spiritual Blindness Darkness the Following Scriptures Darkness: Abstruse and Deep Subjects Darkness: Called the Swaddling Band of the Sea Darkness: Cannot Hide Us from God Darkness: Caused by the Setting of the Sun Darkness: Degrees of, Mentioned: Great Darkness: Degrees of, Mentioned: Gross Darkness: Degrees of, Mentioned: Outer or Extreme Darkness: Degrees of, Mentioned: That May be Felt Darkness: Degrees of, Mentioned: Thick Darkness: Effects of Causes Us to Go Astray Darkness: Effects of Causes Us to Stumble Darkness: Effects of Keeps Us from Seeing Objects Darkness: Exhibits God's Power and Greatness Darkness: Greatness and Unsearchableness of God Darkness: Inexplicable Nature of Darkness: Miraculous: At Mount Sinai Darkness: Miraculous: At the Crucifixion Darkness: Miraculous: At the Death of Christ Darkness: Miraculous: Before the Destruction of Jerusalem Darkness: Miraculous: On Mount Sinai Darkness: Miraculous: Over the Land of Egypt Darkness: Originally Covered the Earth Darkness: Over the Face of the Earth Darkness: Separated from the Light Darkness: The Punishment of Devils and Wicked Men Darkness: The Wicked are Full of Darkness: The Wicked: Perpetuate Their Designs In Darkness: The Wicked: The Children of Related Terms |