Light is the opposite of chaotic darkness (1:2). God considers light to be good, but not darkness (John 1:5). God is the source of this light (Genesis 1:14–19). God separated light, just like he separated water (1:6–8), using his word that creates. Light is associated with life and blessings (Job 38:19–20; Psalms 19:1–6; 97:11; 104:19–20; Isaiah 60:19–20). It limits the darkness that could destroy cosmic order.
Darkness often represents fear, death, and evil (Genesis 15:12; Job 18:6, 18; Psalm 88:12; Ephesians 5:11–12; 1 John 1:5).