John 1:1

KJV

¶ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

KJV (with Strong's)

In {G1722} the beginning {G746} was {G2258} the Word {G3056}, and {G2532} the Word {G3056} was {G2258} with {G4314} God {G2316}, and {G2532} the Word {G3056} was {G2258} God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

Berean Standard Bible

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

American Standard Version

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 1:1 serves as the profound theological cornerstone of John's Gospel, introducing Jesus Christ as the eternal "Word" (Logos) who pre-existed with God and was Himself God. This foundational declaration establishes Christ's divine nature, His co-equality and distinct relationship within the Godhead, and His essential role in creation and revelation, setting the stage for the entire narrative of God's self-disclosure in human history through the Incarnate Word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The Gospel of John opens with a cosmic and eternal prologue, spanning [John 1:1-18](/john/1-1-18 "John's Prologue - The Incarnation of the Word"), a stark contrast to the genealogical or birth narratives found in Matthew and Luke. This prologue immediately elevates the reader's perspective beyond earthly origins, establishing Jesus' identity not merely as a historical figure but as the pre-existent, divine Word. This introductory section functions as a theological overture, introducing the major themes and characters that will be developed throughout the Gospel, such as light versus darkness, life, truth, and the unique relationship between the Son and the Father. It culminates in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), where the eternal Word becomes flesh, thus revealing God to humanity. The entire Gospel then unfolds as a demonstration of the truths declared in this prologue, aiming to lead readers to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, so that by believing they may have life in His name, as stated in [John 20:31](/john/20-31 "John 20:31 - Purpose of John's Gospel").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's opening phrase, "In the beginning," immediately echoes [Genesis 1:1](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1 - The Creation Account"), intentionally linking the Word's pre-existence to the very act of creation and establishing His role as the divine agent. Furthermore, the concept of the "Logos" (Word) was significant in both Jewish and Hellenistic thought. In Jewish tradition, the "Word of the Lord" (Davar Yahweh) often referred to God's active presence, creative power, and revelatory communication (e.g., [Psalm 33:6](/psalms/33-6 "Psalm 33:6 - Creation by God's Word") or [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes His Purpose")). In Greek philosophy, particularly Stoicism and Platonism, "Logos" could denote universal reason, the principle of cosmic order, or divine intelligence. John masterfully employs this familiar term, emptying it of its pagan philosophical connotations and filling it with profound biblical meaning, identifying this ultimate "Logos" not as an abstract principle, but as a distinct, personal being—Jesus Christ—who is both "with God" and "was God." This strategic use of "Logos" allowed John to communicate the profound truth of Christ's identity to a diverse audience, bridging Jewish theological concepts with Hellenistic philosophical language.

* **Key Themes:** John 1:1 introduces several foundational themes central to the entire Gospel. Firstly, it establishes the **pre-existence and eternity of Jesus Christ**, asserting that He was not created but "was" in the beginning, prior to all creation. Secondly, it highlights the **distinct yet intimate relationship within the Godhead**, declaring that "the Word was with God," implying both distinct personhood and profound communion. Thirdly, and most powerfully, it asserts the **full deity of Jesus Christ**, stating unequivocally "and the Word was God." This declaration is crucial for understanding Christ's authority, His ability to reveal the Father ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Seeing Jesus is Seeing the Father")), and His unique role as the sole mediator between God and humanity ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). These themes collectively lay the groundwork for John's Christology, presenting Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God, the source of life ([John 1:4](/john/1-4 "John 1:4 - In Him Was Life")), and the light of the world ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Greek, _lógos'_):** From *legō*, meaning "something said," "reasoning," or "motive." Specifically, in John 1:1, with the article, it refers to "the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ)." John uses this term to encapsulate not just a spoken word, but the very mind, will, and self-revelation of God, embodied in a personal being. This "Word" is the active agent of God's communication and creation.
* **beginning (Greek, _archḗ'_):** Properly abstract, denoting "a commencement" or "chief" (in order, time, place, or rank). Here, it signifies the absolute origin of all things, implying a time before creation. The use of "was" (imperfect tense) with "in the beginning" emphasizes the Word's continuous existence *prior* to and *at* the very start of creation, indicating eternity.
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** Of uncertain affinity, referring to "a deity," especially (with the article) "the supreme Divinity." Figuratively, it can mean a magistrate, or by Hebraism, "very." In John 1:1, it refers to the supreme Being, Yahweh. The repetition of "God" in the verse, first with the article ("the God," referring to the Father) and then without ("God," referring to the Word), is crucial for understanding both the distinct personhood and shared divine essence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the beginning was the Word":** This clause immediately establishes the pre-existence and eternal nature of the Word. The phrase "In the beginning" directly echoes [Genesis 1:1](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1 - The Creation Account"), signaling that the Word was already in existence before the creation of the cosmos. The Greek verb "was" (ēn), an imperfect tense of *eimi* ("to be"), denotes continuous existence, not a beginning of existence for the Word. The Word did not *come into* being in the beginning; He *already was*.
* **"and the Word was with God":** This second clause clarifies the relationship of the Word. The Greek preposition *pros* ("with") implies not merely proximity but a dynamic, face-to-face relationship, suggesting intimate communion and distinct personhood. It highlights that the Word, while divine, is also distinct from "God" (referring to God the Father), indicating a relational dynamic within the Godhead. This refutes any notion that the Word is a mere emanation or an impersonal force.
* **"and the Word was God":** This third and climactic clause unequivocally declares the full deity of the Word. The Greek structure, *kai theos ēn ho logos* ("and God was the Word"), places "God" (theos) at the emphatic position, asserting the divine nature of the Word. The absence of the definite article before "theos" (God) here distinguishes the Word's person from God the Father (who is "the God" in the previous clause) without denying shared divine essence. It means the Word possesses the very nature and attributes of God, making Him fully divine. This statement is a cornerstone of Christian Trinitarian theology.

#### Literary Devices
John 1:1 is rich with literary artistry that deepens its theological impact. The most prominent device is **Allusion**, specifically to [Genesis 1:1](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1 - The Creation Account"). By opening with "In the beginning," John immediately connects the Word to the primordial act of creation, establishing His eternal nature and creative power. This sets up the Word as the divine agent through whom all things were made, echoing the creative "word" of God in Genesis. **Repetition** is also key, with "the Word" and "God" appearing multiple times, emphasizing the central subject and its divine association. This repetition reinforces the identity of the Logos and His relationship to God. Furthermore, John employs **Paradox** by asserting both the distinctness ("the Word was with God") and the unity ("the Word was God") of the Word and God, laying the groundwork for the complex truth of the Trinity. The concept of the "Word" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing God's self-expression, communication, and active presence in the world, ultimately personified in Jesus Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 1:1 is arguably the most significant verse in the New Testament for establishing the doctrine of the deity of Christ and laying the groundwork for the doctrine of the Trinity. It asserts that Jesus, the "Word," is not a created being but is eternally existent, co-equal with God the Father, and shares the very essence of divinity. This profound truth underpins the entire Christian faith, explaining how God could truly become man (the Incarnation) and how Jesus' sacrifice could have infinite redemptive power. It means that in Jesus, we encounter God Himself, fully revealed and accessible. This verse ensures that Christian worship of Jesus is not idolatry but the worship of God.

* [Philippians 2:5-7](/philippians/2-5-7 "Philippians 2:5-7 - Christ's Humility and Deity")
* [Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15-17 "Colossians 1:15-17 - Christ's Supremacy and Creator Role")
* [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Speaks Through His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 1:1 invites us into the deepest mystery of the Christian faith: the eternal nature and divine identity of Jesus Christ. To grasp that the One who walked the dusty roads of Galilee, taught the multitudes, healed the sick, and ultimately died on a cross, was none other than the eternal God, the Word through whom all things were made, transforms our understanding of His authority, His love, and His sacrifice. This truth provides immense comfort and assurance, knowing that our salvation is secured by the very Creator of the universe. It calls us to worship Jesus not just as a prophet or a good teacher, but as God incarnate, worthy of all praise and adoration. Furthermore, understanding that the Word was "with God" emphasizes the relational aspect of the Godhead, inviting us into that divine fellowship through Christ. This profound truth should deepen our trust in His sovereignty, His wisdom, and His unwavering commitment to His creation and His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the declaration of Jesus as the eternal "Word" in John 1:1 impact your understanding of His authority and significance in your life?**
* **In what ways does knowing that Jesus is fully God change your perspective on His teachings, miracles, and ultimate sacrifice?**
* **How does the concept of the Word being "with God" inform your understanding of the relational nature of the Godhead and your own relationship with God?**

### FAQ

**Why does John refer to Jesus as "the Word" (Logos) instead of directly calling Him Jesus?**

Answer: John's choice to introduce Jesus as "the Word" (Logos) in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word") is highly significant and strategic. It allowed him to communicate profound theological truths about Jesus to a diverse audience, both Jewish and Gentile. For Jewish readers, "the Word of the Lord" (Davar Yahweh) was a familiar concept, often representing God's active presence, creative power, and revelatory communication (e.g., [Psalm 33:6](/psalms/33-6 "Psalm 33:6 - Creation by God's Word")). John builds on this, showing that Jesus is the ultimate, personal embodiment of God's self-revelation. For Hellenistic (Greek) readers, "Logos" was a philosophical term referring to universal reason, cosmic order, or divine intelligence. John takes this familiar term and redefines it, asserting that the ultimate principle of the universe is not an abstract concept but a personal being—Jesus Christ—who is both "with God" and "was God." This introduction establishes Jesus' pre-existence, deity, and His role as the agent of creation and revelation before the narrative shifts to His earthly ministry in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), where "the Word was made flesh."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 1:1 is the bedrock of Christ-centered theology, revealing Jesus as the eternal God, the very "Word" (Logos) through whom all creation came into being. This verse establishes that the Jesus who walked among us was not merely a man, but the pre-existent, co-equal second person of the Trinity. He is the divine architect of the cosmos, the light and life of humanity, as further articulated in [John 1:3-4](/john/1-3-4 "John 1:3-4 - All Things Made Through Him"). The Incarnation, described in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), is the ultimate fulfillment of this eternal Word, as God Himself condescended to dwell among His creation, embodying truth and grace. Through Christ, the invisible God is made visible ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - The Image of the Invisible God")), His glory revealed ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")), and His redemptive plan enacted. The Word, who was in the beginning with God and was God, became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), demonstrating that the very essence of God is self-giving love, culminating in His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, which offers eternal life to all who believe in His name ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 1:1

¶ In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

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.

Revelation 19:13

And he [was] clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

Colossians 1:17

And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

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

¶ 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 1:2

(For the life was manifested, and we have seen [it], and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)