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Verse Takeaways
1
The Meaning of Light & Darkness
Commentators explain that "sitting in darkness" and the "shadow of death" are powerful metaphors for a state of profound spiritual ignorance, sin, and hopelessness. Jesus is the "great light" who brings truth, salvation, and life, piercing through this gloom. His arrival is like the dawn, bringing a new era of hope and knowledge of God.
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Book Overview
Matthew
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Commentaries
8
Albert Barnes
On Matthew 4:16
18th Century
Theologian
The people who sat in darkness. This is an expression denoting great ignorance. As in darkness or night we can see nothing and do not know…
AT Robertson
On Matthew 4:16
Saw a great light (φως ειδεν μεγα). Matthew quotes Isa 9:1f. , and applies the words about the deliverer from Assyria to the Messi…
Charles Spurgeon
On Matthew 4:13–16
19th Century
Preacher
Oh, the tender mercy of our God! Where the darkness is the deepest, there the light shines the brightest. Christ selects such dark regions as Napht…
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Matthew 4:16
Jesus’ move fulfilled Isa 9:1–2, a prophecy that is part of a large structure looking to Immanuel’s coming (). The point of the quotation is clear …
John Gill
On Matthew 4:16
17th Century
Pastor
The people which sat in darkness
The inhabitants of Galilee, who sat or "walked", as in Isaiah; that is, continued i…
Matthew Henry
On Matthew 4:12–17
17th Century
Minister
It is just for God to take the gospel and the means of grace from those who disregard them and thrust them away. Christ will not stay long where he…
Thomas Aquinas
On Matthew 4:12–22
13th Century
Philosopher
The Evangelist showed how Christ was tried and approved, specifically by conquering the devil; here he shows how Christ began to teach. In this reg…