John 1:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the Word {G3056} was made {G1096} flesh {G4561}, and {G2532} dwelt {G4637} among {G1722} us {G2254},(and {G2532} we beheld {G2300} his {G846} glory {G1391}, the glory {G1391} as {G5613} of the only begotten {G3439} of {G3844} the Father {G3962},) full {G4134} of grace {G5485} and {G2532} truth {G225}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The Word became a human being and lived with us,
and we saw his Sh’khinah,
the Sh’khinah of the Father’s only Son,
full of grace and truth.

Berean Standard Bible

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

American Standard Version

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 1:14 stands as the theological cornerstone of the Gospel's prologue, profoundly declaring the incarnation of the eternal Word of God. This verse reveals that the divine, pre-existent Word, who was with God and was God, took on human flesh, thereby becoming fully human while remaining fully divine. In this enfleshed state, He "dwelt among us," signifying God's intimate presence among humanity, reminiscent of the Old Testament tabernacle. Eyewitnesses beheld His unique glory—a glory not merely human, but distinctively divine, as of the "only begotten" Son from the Father—manifesting a perfect embodiment of grace and truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 1:14 serves as the climactic statement in the Gospel's profound prologue (John 1:1-18), transitioning from the cosmic, pre-existent nature of the "Word" to His historical, tangible manifestation. The preceding verses establish the Word's eternal divinity, His active role in creation ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word and Creation")), and His illuminating presence in a world shrouded in spiritual darkness ([John 1:4-5](/john/1-4-5 "John 1:4-5 - Life, Light, and Darkness")). The prologue then introduces John the Baptist as a witness to this light ([John 1:6-8](/john/1-6-8 "John 1:6-8 - John the Baptist, Witness to the Light")), and highlights humanity's varied responses to the Word's coming, from rejection by "His own" to acceptance by those who received Him, granting them the right to become children of God ([John 1:9-13](/john/1-9-13 "John 1:9-13 - The Word Comes to His Own")). Verse 14, therefore, is the astounding declaration of *how* this divine Word entered human history, providing the basis for the eyewitness testimony that follows in the Gospel narrative. The verses immediately following ([John 1:15-18](/john/1-15-18 "John 1:15-18 - John's Testimony and the Fullness of Grace")) further elaborate on the Word's superiority to John and His unique revelation of the Father, contrasting the Law with the grace and truth brought by Jesus Christ.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of the "Logos" (Word) was rich and multifaceted in the ancient world. In Greek philosophy (e.g., Stoicism), Logos referred to the universal reason or divine principle that ordered the cosmos. In Jewish thought, "Word" (Hebrew: *davar*) often personified God's creative and revelatory power (e.g., [Psalm 33:6](/psalms/33-6 "Psalm 33:6 - Creation by God's Word"), [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes His Purpose")). John, however, elevates and redefines this concept, identifying the eternal, personal Word as Jesus Christ Himself. The phrase "dwelt among us" (Greek: *eskenosen*) carries significant Old Testament resonance, evoking the **Tabernacle** (Hebrew: *mishkan*, "dwelling place") where God's presence resided among Israel in the wilderness ([Exodus 25:8-9](/exodus/25-8-9 "Exodus 25:8-9 - The Command to Build the Tabernacle")). This imagery suggests that in Jesus, God's very presence was now uniquely and personally manifest among humanity, not in a physical tent, but in a human body. The notion of "glory" (Hebrew: *kavod*) also connects to Old Testament manifestations of God's presence, often associated with a visible radiance or cloud ([Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle")). Thus, John presents Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God's desire to dwell with His people, a new and living Tabernacle.

* **Key Themes:** John 1:14 is foundational to several core theological themes within the Gospel of John and Christian theology as a whole. The most prominent is the **Incarnation**, the astonishing truth that the divine Son of God took on full humanity, becoming "flesh." This is not merely an appearance but a full embodiment, affirming the **Deity and Humanity of Christ** as co-existent in one person. He is the eternal "Word" (divine) and simultaneously "made flesh" (human). The verse also introduces the theme of **Witnessing Christ's Glory**, as the disciples "beheld his glory." This glory, though veiled in human form, was uniquely divine, revealed through His miracles ([John 2:11](/john/2-11 "John 2:11 - Jesus' First Sign at Cana")), teachings ([John 7:46](/john/7-46 "John 7:46 - Officers Marvel at Jesus' Words")), character, and ultimately, His sacrificial death and resurrection ([John 12:23-24](/john/12-23-24 "John 12:23-24 - Jesus Speaks of His Glorification Through Death")). Finally, the description of Jesus as "full of grace and truth" introduces a crucial Johannine theme that contrasts with the Law given through Moses ([John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Through Jesus Christ")). This phrase encapsulates God's undeserved favor and His faithfulness, perfectly revealed and embodied in Jesus, who is the ultimate revelation of God's character and nature.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Greek, _lógos'_):** G3056 from λέγω; something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ):--account, cause, communication, X concerning, doctrine, fame, X have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say(-ing), shew, X speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work.
* **dwelt (Greek, _skēnóō'_):** G4637 from σκῆνος; to tent or encamp, i.e. (figuratively) to occupy (as a mansion) or (specially), to reside (as God did in the Tabernacle of old, a symbol of protection and communion):-- dwell.
* **only begotten (Greek, _monogenḗs'_):** G3439 from μόνος and γίνομαι; only-born, i.e. sole:--only (begotten, child).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Word was made flesh":** This clause is the theological heart of the verse, declaring the Incarnation. The "Word" (Logos), identified in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") as eternally divine and co-existent with God, took on human nature ("flesh"). This signifies a complete and real assumption of humanity, encompassing all its physical, emotional, and intellectual aspects, yet without sin. It is a profound mystery where the infinite God entered finite human existence.
* **"and dwelt among us":** The Greek word *eskenosen* (from *skēnóō*) literally means "to pitch a tent" or "to tabernacle." This powerful imagery evokes the Old Testament Tabernacle, where God's glorious presence resided among His people Israel in the wilderness ([Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle")). In Jesus, God's presence was no longer confined to a physical structure but was personally and intimately present in a human being. He did not merely visit, but took up residence, identifying fully with humanity's condition.
* **"(and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,)":** This parenthetical statement is the eyewitness testimony of the apostles and early disciples. They did not merely see a man, but recognized a unique, divine "glory" in Jesus. This glory was not just a display of power, but the inherent radiance of His divine nature, veiled by His humanity, yet discernible through His perfect character, miraculous works, and authoritative teaching. The phrase "as of the only begotten of the Father" emphasizes the unique, singular relationship Jesus has with God the Father. *Monogenēs* does not imply creation, but rather a unique, singular, and unparalleled relationship as the Son, sharing the very nature of the Father.
* **"full of grace and truth.":** This final phrase describes the essence of the incarnate Word's character and mission. "Grace" (Greek: *charis*) signifies God's unmerited favor, loving-kindness, and benevolent disposition towards humanity. "Truth" (Greek: *alētheia*) refers to reality, faithfulness, and divine revelation. Jesus perfectly embodied both, being the ultimate expression of God's gracious character and the full, complete revelation of God's nature and will. He is not merely a messenger of grace and truth, but the very embodiment of them, contrasting with the Law which, while true, could not fully impart grace or bring about righteousness ([John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Through Jesus Christ")).

#### Literary Devices
John 1:14 is rich in literary devices that enhance its profound theological message. **Metaphor** is central, as "the Word was made flesh" uses "flesh" (Greek: *sarx*) metaphorically to represent full human nature, contrasting with the Word's divine, non-physical essence. This highlights the radical nature of the Incarnation. **Symbolism** is powerfully employed in "dwelt among us," drawing on the Old Testament imagery of the Tabernacle (*mishkan*), which symbolized God's dwelling presence among His people. By using *skēnóō* ("to tent" or "to tabernacle"), John symbolically portrays Jesus as the new and ultimate dwelling place of God's presence among humanity. The phrase "(and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,)" functions as a **Parenthetical Statement**, providing an essential eyewitness validation and theological clarification within the main flow of the sentence. This direct testimony lends authority and authenticity to the astonishing claim of the Incarnation. Finally, the concluding phrase "full of grace and truth" utilizes **Juxtaposition** by bringing together two complementary yet distinct divine attributes, emphasizing the comprehensive and balanced nature of God's revelation in Christ. The repetition of "glory" in the parenthetical statement also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, drawing the reader's attention to the unique nature of the radiance beheld in Jesus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 1:14 is the bedrock for understanding the person of Jesus Christ in Christian theology. It articulates the doctrine of the Incarnation, the belief that God the Son, the second person of the Trinity, took on human nature, becoming fully God and fully man in one person, without confusion, change, division, or separation. This hypostatic union is crucial because it means that in Jesus, humanity can truly know God, and God can truly redeem humanity. His dwelling among us signifies God's ultimate act of condescension and identification with His creation, making salvation possible through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection. The "glory" beheld by the disciples was not merely human brilliance but the veiled splendor of God Himself, revealing His character of grace and truth, which are perfectly embodied in Christ. This verse sets the stage for the entire Gospel, demonstrating that Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God, making the invisible God visible and comprehensible to humanity.

* [Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")
* [Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15-17 "Colossians 1:15-17 - The Supremacy of Christ")
* [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Speaks Through His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 1:14 invites us to contemplate the profound mystery and immense love of God. The eternal Word, who created all things and sustains the universe, chose to "become flesh" and "dwell among us." This act of divine humility and self-emptying (kenosis) means that God is not a distant, abstract deity, but one who entered into the messy, broken reality of human existence. He experienced our joys, sorrows, temptations, and limitations, yet without sin. For us, this means that we have a God who truly understands our struggles and empathizes with our weaknesses. Furthermore, beholding His glory, "full of grace and truth," assures us that God's character is fundamentally one of benevolent favor and unwavering faithfulness. In a world often characterized by harsh judgment and deceptive narratives, Jesus embodies the perfect balance of undeserved kindness and absolute reality. This truth should inspire not only awe and worship but also a deep trust in His character and a desire to reflect His grace and truth in our own lives, living as His dwelling places in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Incarnation, as described in John 1:14, challenge or deepen your understanding of God's nature and character?**
* **In what ways can we "behold His glory" in our lives today, even though He is no longer physically present among us?**
* **How does the fact that Jesus is "full of grace and truth" impact your view of His teachings and His relationship with humanity?**

### FAQ
**What does "the Word was made flesh" truly mean?**

Answer: "The Word was made flesh" (Greek: *ho logos sarx egeneto*) means that the divine, pre-existent Son of God, who is the eternal "Word" (Logos), took on full human nature, including a physical body, a human mind, and human emotions. This is the doctrine of the Incarnation. It signifies that Jesus Christ is not merely a man inspired by God, nor a divine being who only appeared to be human, but rather He is fully God and fully human simultaneously, without either nature diminishing or corrupting the other. This radical act allowed God to truly identify with humanity and to accomplish salvation from within human experience.

**Why does John say "dwelt among us" and what is the significance of "glory"?**

Answer: The Greek word translated "dwelt" is *eskenosen*, which literally means "to pitch a tent" or "to tabernacle." This is a profound reference to the Old Testament Tabernacle, where God's presence resided among the Israelites ([Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Command to Build the Tabernacle")). By saying the Word "tabernacled" among us, John signifies that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God's desire to be present with His people. In Him, God's presence is no longer confined to a physical structure but is personally and intimately manifest in a human being. The "glory" refers to the visible manifestation of God's divine presence and character. While Jesus' divine glory was veiled in His humanity, it was discernible through His perfect life, miraculous works ([John 2:11](/john/2-11 "John 2:11 - Jesus' First Sign at Cana")), and profound teachings, revealing Him as the unique Son of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 1:14 is the very heart of Christ-centered theology, revealing the Incarnation as the pivotal moment in redemptive history. It declares that the eternal Word, through whom all things were created ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All Things Created Through Christ")), entered human history not as a mere prophet or messenger, but as God in human flesh. This profound truth means that in Jesus, God has fully revealed Himself, making the invisible God visible and accessible ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God")). His "tabernacling" among us signifies His complete identification with humanity, experiencing our joys and sorrows, our temptations and limitations, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). The "glory" beheld by the disciples was the unique radiance of His divine Sonship, a glory "full of grace and truth," which was supremely demonstrated not only in His miraculous power but preeminently in His sacrificial death on the cross and His resurrection, through which He conquered sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")). Thus, John 1:14 establishes Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God's love, power, and redemptive purpose, the very embodiment of God's presence and character among His people.

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

1 John 4:9

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

1 Timothy 3:16

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

John 1:1

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

Galatians 4:4

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

Isaiah 40:5

And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see [it] together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].

Hebrews 1:3

Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

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;