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Joh 1:9. Ἦν, was) The Light itself, moreover, was that true light, which enlighteneth. The Effect shows the Subject, to whom the name of Light is most applicable [whose attributes entitle Him best to the name.]-τὸ ἀληθινόν, the true) There follows immediately the declaration, which enlighteneth, etc. This forms an antithesis to John, [who was only] a lamp, a witness. Comp. concerning the Truth, Joh 1:14; Joh 1:17.-ὃ φωτίζει, which enlighteneth) It is proved by the effect, that this is the true light. It enlightens, the Present, in relation to the time, in which He came, as opposed to the former time, Joh 1:5.-πάντα, every one) every one, and wholly, so far as a man doth not withdraw himself from His influence: whosoever is enlightened at all, is enlightened by this Light. The singular number here has great force. Comp. Col 1:28 [Warning every man and teaching every man, and that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus] Rom 3:4 [Let God be true, but every man a liar]. Not even one is excluded.-ἄνθρωπον, man) Who by himself [when left to himself] is in darkness: every man has a more august sound, than all men, Joh 1:7. John was but a man, Joh 1:6. The Light, so far as it is light, is contradistinguished from man.-ἐρχόμενον εἰς τὸν κόσμον, coming into the world) ἐρχόμενον, coming is nominative, and depends on ἦν, was. A striking antithesis is thus presented: [ἐγενέτο] was made, [ἀπεσταλμένος] sent, Joh 1:6, and [ἦν] was, [ἐρχόμενον] coming [in this verse]: in which last word the Participle present, as often, has the force of an imperfect. Comp. ὤν, ch. Joh 9:25 [τυφλὸς ὢν, ἄρτι βλέπω, whereas I was blind, now I see] Notes: and elsewhere. Among the Hebrews it is a frequent periphrasis for a man. הבא בעולם, coming [a comer] into the world: but in the New Testament, and especially in this book, this phrase is used of Christ alone, and in an exalted sense. For He was, even before that He came. Thus evidently the phrase is applied ch. Joh 3:19, Light is come into the world: ch. Joh 12:46, I am come a light into the world. Presently after this Joh 1:9, succeeds the mention of the world and of His coming, repeated, Joh 1:10-11. The Son is also said to be sent by the Father, but not in the same way, as John is said to have been sent. Moreover the Son came, being sent and given, Mat 21:37 “Last of all He sent unto them His Son;” Joh 3:16, “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son;” ch. Joh 11:27, Martha, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world;” Rom 8:3; Rom 8:32, “God sending His own Son, in the likeness of sinful flesh-He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all;” 1Jn 3:8, “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested;” Joh 4:9, “God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.” Therefore it was not at last after His mission [it was not then first], that He was made Son, but evidently before His being born of a woman; Gal 4:4, “God sent forth His Son, made of a woman.”