“Let There Be Light” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 15, 2024 by Liam Daniel

Have you ever heard the term ‘let there be light’ in an English conversation and wondered what it meant? We are going to take a look at the meaning of this phrase and where it originally came from. We will also look at how the term can be used in a conversation.

“Let There Be Light” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “let there be light” symbolizes the introduction of clarity, understanding, or enlightenment into a situation. It can be interpreted as a desire for knowledge, truth, or hope to dispel confusion or ignorance.
Let There Be Light
Let There Be Light – Created by 7ESL

“Let There Be Light” Meaning

The phrase “Let there be light” means to bring forth illumination, clarity, or understanding. It signifies the initiation of enlightenment or the removal of ignorance, confusion, or darkness.

Examples:

  • “After hours of brainstorming, we finally found a solution—let there be light!”
  • “The new policy aims to increase transparency in the organization; let there be light on our operations.”

Origin of This Idiom

The phrase originates from the Bible, specifically from the book of Genesis 1:3, where God commands, “Let there be light,” during the creation of the world. This declaration marks the moment when light is created, symbolizing the beginning of order and the dispelling of chaos.

Usage of “Let There Be Light”

  • In a discussion about innovation:

“After months of research, the team finally found a solution to the problem, and it felt like ‘let there be light’ as everything fell into place.”

  • Talking about personal clarity:

“When she decided to confront her fears, it was a moment of ‘let there be light’ in her life, bringing her newfound confidence.”

  • In a humorous context:

“As he flipped the switch on the new lighting system, he jokingly declared, ‘Let there be light!’ and illuminated the entire room.”

  • During a creative project:

“When the artist found inspiration for her painting, she felt like shouting, ‘Let there be light!’ as her vision became clear.”

Related Terms to “Let There Be Light”

  • Illumination – the act of lighting up or making something clearer.
  • Enlightenment – the state of gaining knowledge, insight, or understanding.
  • Clarity – the quality of being clear and easy to understand.
  • Revelation – a surprising and previously unknown fact that has been disclosed, leading to greater understanding.
  • Light bulb moment – a sudden realization or idea that provides clarity.
  • Awakening – a new awareness or understanding, often related to spiritual or intellectual insight.
  • Insight – the ability to gain a deep understanding of a person or thing.
  • Shed light on – to clarify or explain something that was previously unclear.
  • Open your eyes – a phrase encouraging someone to see or understand the truth of a situation.
  • Bring to light – to reveal or make known something that was hidden or unknown.

Other Ways to Say This Idiom

There are other ways in which you can say the term ‘let there be light.’

Here are some examples of other things you might say in its place.

  • Shedding light
  • Light it up
  • Gets light

“Let There Be Light” Examples

Examples in Statements

Here is a statement made by someone making a movie.

  • ‘OK, we have everything set up, now let there be light.’

This is a statement made by a pastor doing a sermon.

  • ‘God created the world and filled it with living beings, it was dark and so God said ‘let there be light.’

Conversation Examples

There are plenty of conversations in which the term ‘let there be light’ might be used. Although the phrase was originally one made by God, it is now used in a more informal manner during every day conversation.

The first conversation is between a mother and son who are decorating a Christmas tree.

  • Person 1:“Mom, can we put the fairy lights on the tree now?”
  • Person 2: “Yes let me just plug them in.”
  • Person 1: “OK.”
  • Person 2: “And let there be light.”

This next conversation is taking place between two people after a power cut.

  • Person 1: “I wonder when the power will be back on?”
  • Person 2: “Soon, I hope.”
  • Person 1: “Oh look, the house across the street has their lights on, try the switch.”
  • Person 2: “Let there be light!”
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