DARKNESS
— the absence of light. Darkness existed before the light of creation (Gen.
1:2). Since darkness was associated with the chaos that existed before the
creation, it came to be associated with evil, bad luck, or affliction (Job
17:12; 21:17). Darkness was also equated with death. In
Sheol, the land of the dead,
there is only darkness (Job 10:21–22; 38:17). Darkness symbolizes human
ignorance of God’s will and, thus, is associated with sin (Job 24:13–17).
Darkness also describes the condition of those who have
not yet seen the light concerning Jesus (John 1:4–5; 12:35; Eph. 5:14) and
those who deliberately turn away from the light (John 3:19–20). Hating the
light will bring condemnation (Col. 1:13; 2 Pet. 2:17). Living in extreme
darkness describes those who at the end of time have not repented (Rev.
16:10; 18:23).
Youngblood, Ronald F. ; Bruce, F. F. ;
Harrison, R. K. ; Thomas Nelson Publishers: Nelson's New
Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville : T. Nelson, 1995