New International VersionIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
New Living TranslationIn the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
English Standard VersionIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Berean Standard BibleIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Berean Literal BibleIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
King James BibleIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
New King James VersionIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
New American Standard BibleIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
NASB 1995In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
NASB 1977In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Legacy Standard BibleIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Amplified BibleIn the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.
Christian Standard BibleIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Holman Christian Standard BibleIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
American Standard VersionIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Contemporary English VersionIn the beginning was the one who is called the Word. The Word was with God and was truly God.
English Revised VersionIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationIn the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Good News TranslationIn the beginning the Word already existed; the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
International Standard VersionIn the beginning, the Word existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
NET BibleIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God.
New Heart English BibleIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Webster's Bible TranslationIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Weymouth New TestamentIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
World English BibleIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God;
Berean Literal BibleIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Young's Literal Translation In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God;
Smith's Literal TranslationIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and God was the Word. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIN the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Catholic Public Domain VersionIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and God was the Word.
New American BibleIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
New Revised Standard VersionIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTHE Word was in the beginning, and that very Word was with God, and God was that Word.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishIn the origin The Word had been existing and That Word had been existing with God and That Word was himself God. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentIN the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD, was with God, and the WORD was God.
Godbey New TestamentIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Haweis New TestamentIN the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Mace New TestamentIn the beginning was the Logos, and the Logos was with God, and the Logos was God.
Weymouth New TestamentIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Worrell New TestamentIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Worsley New TestamentIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Beginning1Inthe beginningwastheWord,andtheWordwaswithGod,andtheWordwasGod.2He was with God in the beginning.…
Cross References Genesis 1:1In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Colossians 1:16-17For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. / He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
Hebrews 1:2-3But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. / The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
Revelation 19:13He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God.
1 John 1:1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our own eyes, which we have gazed upon and touched with our own hands—this is the Word of life.
Philippians 2:6Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
John 17:5And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world existed.
1 Corinthians 8:6yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist.
Isaiah 9:6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Proverbs 8:22-30The LORD created me as His first course, before His works of old. / From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, before the earth began. / When there were no watery depths, I was brought forth, when no springs were overflowing with water. ...
Micah 5:2But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity.
Hebrews 11:3By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
Psalm 33:6By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the stars by the breath of His mouth.
John 8:58“Truly, truly, I tell you,” Jesus declared, “before Abraham was born, I am!”
John 17:24Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
Treasury of Scripture In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. the beginning. Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Proverbs 8:22-31 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old… Ephesians 3:9 And to make allmen see whatis the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: the Word. John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 1 John 1:1,2 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; … 1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. with. John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declaredhim. John 16:28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. John 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. the Word was. John 10:30-33 I andmy Father are one… John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Psalm 45:6 Thy throne, O God,is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdomis a right sceptre. Jump to Previous BeginningFirstRelationWordJump to Next BeginningFirstRelationWordJohn 1 1.The divinity, humanity, office, and incarnation of Jesus Christ.15.The testimony of John.39.The calling of Simon and Andrew, Philip and NathanaelIn the beginningThis phrase echoes the opening of Genesis 1:1, establishing a connection between the creation account and the Gospel of John. It signifies the pre-existence of the Word, indicating that the Word was present before the creation of the world. This emphasizes the eternal nature of the Word, suggesting that the Word is not a created being but has always existed. The phrase sets the stage for understanding the divine nature of the Word, aligning with the Jewish understanding of God as eternal. was the Word
The term "Word" (Logos in Greek) is rich in meaning. In Jewish thought, the Word of God is associated with creation, revelation, and salvation. In Greek philosophy, Logos refers to reason or the principle of order in the universe. By using this term, the text bridges Jewish and Greek understandings, presenting the Word as the divine agent of creation and revelation. The Word is not merely a spoken word but a person, as later verses reveal, who is active in the world. and the Word was with God
This phrase indicates a distinct yet intimate relationship between the Word and God. The preposition "with" suggests a face-to-face relationship, implying both distinction and unity. This relationship is foundational for the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, where the Word (later identified as Jesus Christ) is distinct from the Father yet fully divine. The phrase underscores the personal nature of the Word, who is in communion with God. and the Word was God
This declaration affirms the full divinity of the Word. It is a clear statement of the Word's divine nature, asserting that the Word is not a lesser deity or a created being but fully God. This is crucial for understanding the identity of Jesus Christ, who is later revealed as the Word made flesh. The phrase supports the Christian belief in the deity of Christ, aligning with other New Testament passages such asColossians 2:9 andHebrews 1:3, which speak of the fullness of deity dwelling in Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Word (Logos)Refers to Jesus Christ, the pre-existent divine expression of God. The term "Logos" in Greek philosophy and Jewish thought signifies reason, order, and the divine principle of creation. 2. GodThe eternal, omnipotent, and omniscient Creator. In this verse, God is both distinct from and unified with the Word, emphasizing the mystery of the Trinity. 3. The BeginningThis phrase echoes Genesis 1:1, indicating the eternal nature of the Word and the foundational role of Christ in creation. Teaching Points The Pre-existence of ChristJesus is not a created being; He existed before time began. This truth affirms His divinity and eternal nature. The TrinityThe verse introduces the complex relationship within the Godhead, where the Word is both with God and is God, laying the groundwork for understanding the Trinity. The Authority of ScriptureAs the Word, Jesus embodies the ultimate revelation of God. Believers are called to trust in the authority and truth of Scripture, which reveals Christ. The Centrality of Christ in CreationRecognizing Christ's role in creation encourages believers to see Him as central to all aspects of life and the universe. The Personal Nature of GodThe Word becoming flesh ( John 1:14) shows God's desire for a personal relationship with humanity, inviting believers to respond in faith and obedience. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of John 1:1?
2.How does John 1:1 affirm the divinity of Jesus in your life?
3.What does "the Word was God" reveal about Jesus' eternal nature?
4.How does Genesis 1:1 connect with John 1:1 in understanding creation?
5.How can you apply "the Word was with God" in daily prayer?
6.How does John 1:1 shape your understanding of the Trinity?
7.What does "In the beginning was the Word" imply about Jesus' existence before creation?
8.How does John 1:1 support the doctrine of the Trinity?
9.Why is "the Word was God" significant for understanding Jesus' divine nature?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 1?
11.What is the history and purpose of the Amplified Bible?
12.Is capitalizing pronouns for God necessary?
13.What are the core beliefs of Unitarianism?
14.Did God sacrifice Himself for humanity?What Does John 1:1 Mean In the beginning“In the beginning” (John 1:1) reaches back beforeGenesis 1:1, declaring that the Word already existed. • Eternal reality: Before anything was created, the Word was present (Genesis 1:1;Psalm 90:2). • Outside time: Creation has a starting point; the Word does not (Colossians 1:17;Revelation 22:13). • Foundation of revelation: Just as creation begins with God, redemption begins with the Word who predates everything (Hebrews 1:10). The phrase secures our confidence that Jesus did not become divine—He always was.
was the Word“was the Word” identifies a specific Person. • Personal, not abstract: The Word is later said to become flesh (John 1:14), showing He is Jesus Christ (Revelation 19:13). • Communicating God: Through the Word, God speaks and makes Himself known (Hebrews 1:1-2;1 John 1:1-2). • Creative Agent: All things were made through Him (John 1:3;Colossians 1:16). Because He is the Word, every promise and command of God is embodied in Christ.
and the Word was with God“was with God” portrays intimate fellowship. • Distinction within Deity: The Word is not the Father, yet shares His presence (John 17:5). • Face-to-face relationship: Perfect communion exists eternally (Proverbs 8:30;1 John 1:2). • Basis for the Trinity: One God, yet more than one Person (John 16:28). This clarifies that Jesus is neither a created being nor an impersonal force; He is a distinct divine Person abiding eternally with the Father.
and the Word was GodHere the sentence reaches its apex: the Word shares the very nature of God. • Full deity affirmed: Jesus is “our great God and Savior” (Titus 2:13;Hebrews 1:8). • Worship warranted: Thomas’s confession “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28) is appropriate and true. • Salvation secured: Only God can redeem; because the Word is God, His atoning work is sufficient (Romans 9:5). Every attribute of God—holiness, power, love, eternity—is fully possessed by the Word.
summaryJohn 1:1 presents a single, seamless truth: before time began, the eternal Word existed; He is Jesus Christ. He is personally distinct, eternally in fellowship with the Father, and fully God Himself. These four brief phrases ground our understanding of creation, revelation, redemption, and worship, calling us to trust and adore the Lord Jesus, the eternal Word who is God. (1) In the beginning.--The reference to the opening words of the Old Testament is obvious, and is the more striking when we remember that a Jew would constantly speak of and quote from the book of Genesis as Ber?shith ("in the beginning"). It is quite in harmony with the Hebrew tone of this Gospel to do so, and it can hardly be that St. John wrote his Ber?shith without having that of Moses present to his mind, and without being guided by its meaning. We have then, in the earlier words, a law of interpretation for the later, and this law excludes every such sense as "the Everlasting Father" or "the divine wisdom," which is before all things, though both these have been supported by here and there a name of weight; much more does this law, strengthened as it is by the whole context, exclude any such sense as "the commencement of Christ's work on earth," which owes its existence to the foregone conclusion of a theory, and is marked by the absence of any support of weight. Our law seems equally to exclude from these words the idea of "anteriority to time," which is expressed, not in them, but in the substantive verb which immediately follows. The Mosaic conception of "beginning" is marked by the first creative act. St. John places himself at the same starting point of time, but before he speaks of any creation he asserts the pre-existence of the Creator. In this "beginning" there already "was" the Word. (See expressions of this thought in John 17:5; Proverbs 8:23; 1John 1:1; Revelation 3:14.) Was the Word.--SeeExcursus A: Doctrine of the Word. With God.--These words express the co-existence, but at the same time the distinction of person. They imply relation with, intercourse with. (Comp. the "in the bosom of the Father" ofJohn 1:18, and "Letus make man" ofGenesis 1:26.) "Throned face to face with God," "the gaze ever directed towards God," have been given as paraphrases, and the full sense cannot be expressed in fewer words. The "with" represents "motion towards." The Being whose existence is asserted in the "was" is regarded as distinct, but not alone, as ever going forth in communion with God. (Comp. the use of the same word "with" inMatthew 13:56;Matthew 26:11;Mark 6:3;Mark 9:19;1Corinthians 16:6-7;Galatians 1:18;Galatians 4:18.) . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek InἘν(En)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.[the] beginningἀρχῇ(archē)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 746:From archomai; a commencement, or chief.wasἦν(ēn)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.theὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Word,Λόγος(Logos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056:From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.theὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.WordΛόγος(Logos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056:From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.wasἦν(ēn)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.withπρὸς(pros)Preposition
Strong's 4314:To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.God,Θεόν(Theon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.theὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.WordΛόγος(Logos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056:From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.wasἦν(ēn)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.God.Θεὸς(Theos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.
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NT Gospels: John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word (Jhn Jo Jn) |
