The light (5462) (photismos from photizo from phos = light <> from phao = to shine) the giving of light, illumination in the physical sense. Figuratively, it describes an enlightenment, something made fully known by revealing clearly and in detail, in this passage referring to that which has been revealed as true -- the spiritual illumination in the Gospel. In 2Co 4:6-note photismos describes the bringing to light or a revealing (revelation). Photismos - Only 2x in NT - 2Co 4:4,6. Six times in 6 verses in the non-apocryphal Septuagint (LXX) - Job 3:9; Ps 27:1; 44:3; 78:14; 90:8; 139:11. Psalm 27:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light (Lxx = photismos) and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? Spurgeon: Here is personal interest, "my light," "my salvation;" the soul is assured of it, and therefore, declaring it boldly. "My light;" -- into the soul at the new birth divine light is poured as the precursor of salvation; where there is not enough light to see our own darkness and to long for the Lord Jesus, there is no evidence of salvation. Salvation finds us in the dark, but it does not leave us there; it gives light to those who sit in the valley of the shadow of death. After conversion our God is our Joy, Comfort, Guide, Teacher, and in every sense our Light; He is light within, light around, light reflected from us, and light to be revealed to us. Note, it is not said merely that the Lord gives light, but that He "is" light; nor that He gives salvation, but that He is salvation; he, then, who by faith has laid hold upon God has all covenant blessings in His possession. Psalm 44:3 For by their own sword they did not possess the land, And their own arm did not save them, But Your right hand and Your arm and the light of Your presence, For You favored them. Psalm 78:14 Then He led them with the cloud by day And all the night with a light (Lxx = photismos) of fire. Comment: It is interesting to see photismos used to describe the pillar of fire which was associated with the presence of the Angel of the LORD, Who most observers agree was a preincarnate manifestation of Christ (Ex 13:21, Ex 14:19, Ex 14:19NLT). Psalm 90:8 You have placed our iniquities before You, Our secret sins in the light of Your presence. The light of the Gospel - The Gospel has inherent power (Col 1:5, 6 = the Gospel is likened to a "supernatural seed" [cp 1Pe 1:23] which is has the power to be "constantly bearing fruit") which brings supernatural spiritual light to liberate those entrapped in the kingdom of spiritual darkness. (The Gospel has the power) to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, in order that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.' (Acts 26:18, cp Isa 29:18 35:5 Isa 42:6,7) The LORD (Jehovah) opens (Lxx translates with "sophoo" in the present tense = Jehovah continually makes wise, gives wisdom to) the eyes of the blind (Lxx = tuphlos/typhlos); The LORD raises up those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous (Ps 146:8-note) Spurgeon comments: Jesus did this very frequently, and hereby proved himself to be Jehovah (See Jehovah = Jesus). He who made the eye can open it, and when He does so it is to His glory. How often is the mental eye closed in moral night! And who can remove this dreary effect of the fall but the Almighty God. This miracle of grace He has performed in myriads of cases, and it is in each case a theme for loftiest praise. Spiritual blindness, its curse, cause, and cure. The Lord raises them that are bowed down. This also Jesus did literally, thus doing the work peculiar to God. Jehovah consoles the bereaved, cheers the defeated, solaces the despondent, comforts the despairing. Let those who are bowed to the ground appeal to him, and he will speedily upraise them. William Law: Precious lessons are learned from contemplating God's gracious dealings. His people are born in the prison-house of Satan. God removes the shackles; they go forth free. They are (spiritually) blind by nature. He opens their eyes to see all the wonders of redeeming love. Heavy burdens often oppress them. He enables them to lay aside every weight so as to run with patience the heavenward road. He delights to cheer them with manifestations of His love. They are strangers and pilgrims in an enemy's land. He is their constant guardian. In family destitution He brings relief. But just wrath burns fiercely against His adversaries forever and forever. God shall reign inhabiting the praises of His people. Bless the Lord, O our souls. Amen. F B Meyer: The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.--What a true portraiture is this of the ministry of Christ through the ages (Luke 4:18; see also john 9:1-33). Mark these present tenses! This is His unceasing work. Victor Immanuel--Emancipator! Charles Simeon: To the blind and willing slaves of sin—[The world at large are in bondage to their lusts, and to that wicked one (Satan) who leads them captive at his will; and they are shut up under a sentence of condemnation for their numberless violations of the law of God (Ga 3:23). Yet, so blind are they to their real state, that they cannot see, and will not believe it. Their cunning adversary has undertaken to be their guide, but has led them into the heart of the enemies’ country, and, if mercy does not interpose, into the very jaws of (everlasting) destruction (cp 2 Kings 6:18 19 20 21). But the Lord Jesus is not an unconcerned Spectator of their misery: He is ready to weep over them as over the murderous Jerusalem: and even while they reject Him, He “would gladly gather them, as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings.” *(Mt 23:37) He would give them an eye-salve, whereby they should be enabled to see clearly (see Rev 3:18-note): He would cause their chains to fall off (Lk 4:18), and would say to them, go forth, and show yourselves (Is 49:9 with Ac 5:18, 19, 20 cp Lk 17:14): yea, so desirous is He to exercise mercy towards them, that nothing but a determined rejection of His grace can involve them in final ruin. (Read his full sermon The Extent of Christ's Compassion on Ps 146:7,8) (In Col 1:9, 10, 11 Paul is praying for the saints at Colossae) giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified (hikanoo - the moment we believed in Christ) us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light (~"the kingdom of light"). For (explaining what happened when we first believed and were set free from kingdom of darkness ruled by Satan) He delivered (rhuomai - rescued us from danger of perishing - cp 2Co 4:3) us from the domain (exousia ~ the right and the might) of darkness (and from the power of the ruler of this kingdom!), and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son (the "kingdom of light") (Col 1:12, 13) (Jesus' reading Isa 61:1 in the synagogue declared He was the fulfillment) 18 "THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE DOWNTRODDEN (Lk 4:18) (Jesus post-resurrection appearance with His disciples) Then He opened their minds to understand (spiritually "see") the Scriptures (Lk 24:45, cp Lk 24:44) And Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see (spiritually blind) may see; and that those who see may become blind." (Jn 9:39) Comment: While Jesus first coming was not specifically for the purpose of judgment (Read Jn 3:17), it inevitably did result in judgment for all who rejected Him. See Mk 4:12 and Is 6:9)