What does 'Let there be light' mean as it relates to creation? Why did God say, 'Let there be light'?

what does the bible say?

When God said, "Let there be light," at the beginning of creation, He was initiating the transformation from chaos to order, bringing clarity and life where there was darkness and void. This light symbolizes God's presence, truth, and the beginning of all life, setting the stage for everything that would follow. By speaking light into existence, God not only illuminated the physical world but also established a pattern of separating light from darkness, good from evil, and truth from deception. Ultimately, God’s command for light reflects His desire for creation to be filled with His glory and for us to live in the light of His truth, free from the confusion and emptiness of darkness.

from the old testament

When God said, "Let there be light" (Genesis 1:3), He spoke it onto an earth that “was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep” (Genesis 1:2). Light came into existence at His word, and it was good. God separated the light from the darkness (Genesis 1:4). Physical light, caused by God's creative act and command to "Let there be light," is a demonstration of God's creative power and sovereignty.The verb in the Hebrew language here for "let" is yehi. In this context it is a command: "Light, exist!" God used the same commanding voice throughout Genesis 1 as He created the earth and the sky, the sun and the moon, animals and plants and the sea.

from the new testament

Light is often used as a metaphor of the goodness and truth God brings to a person, group, or situation. For example, John 1:4–5 says of Jesus, "In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." In John 8:12 we read, "Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"Second Corinthians 4:6 says, "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."One day, in the new heavens and new earth, "night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever" (Revelation 22:5).

implications for today

In the beginning, God separated light from darkness, demonstrating His power to bring order out of chaos and to distinguish between what is good and what is harmful. This act of separation is not just a physical reality but also a spiritual truth that continues in our lives today. God calls us to live in His light, setting us apart from the darkness of sin, despair, and deception. In practical terms, this means making choices that align with His truth, rejecting behaviors and thoughts that pull us away from His presence. By seeking God’s wisdom through prayer, reading Scripture, and surrounding ourselves with godly influences, we allow His light to shine in our lives, guiding us to make decisions that reflect His character. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we become more attuned to His light, learning to discern and reject the darkness that seeks to encroach upon our lives, and instead, walking confidently in the path He has illuminated for us.