LIGHT AND DARKNESS: FROM REALITY TO LITERATURE

The present contribution focuses on the biblical concepts of light and darkness. As a recurring element in biblical reflection, both light and darkness have a highly meaningful influence in our religious speech and thought. In order to understand it well, it is important to trace its origin and development. The first part of this contribution will therefore focus on light and darkness as a cosmic, physical reality in the context of the ancient Near East (I). The second part will look at light and darkness as a narrative motif in biblical narratives (II), and the third and final part will shed light on the use of light and dark imagery in biblical metaphors (III). doi: 10.7833/111-1-3