John 1:17

KJV

For the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3754} the law {G3551} was given {G1325} by {G1223} Moses {G3475}, but grace {G5485} and {G2532} truth {G225} came {G1096} by {G1223} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the Torah was given through Moshe;
grace and truth came through Yeshua the Messiah.

Berean Standard Bible

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

American Standard Version

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 1:17 stands as a profound theological statement within the Gospel's prologue, articulating a foundational distinction between the Old Covenant, characterized by the Law delivered through Moses, and the New Covenant, defined by the advent of grace and truth embodied in Jesus Christ. This verse succinctly encapsulates the progression of God's redemptive revelation, moving from a system of divine commands to a relationship founded on unmerited favor and ultimate reality revealed in the person of the Son.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 1:17 is strategically positioned within the prologue of John's Gospel ([John 1:1-18](/john/1-1-18 "John 1:1-18 - The Prologue to John's Gospel")), which introduces Jesus as the eternal Word (Logos), who was with God and was God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Eternal Word")). The preceding verses establish the Word's role in creation ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - The Word as Creator")), His identity as the light of humanity ([John 1:4-5](/john/1-4-5 "John 1:4-5 - The Light of Men")), and His incarnation as "flesh" who "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation of the Word")). Verse 16 speaks of receiving "grace upon grace" from His fullness, setting the stage for the direct comparison in verse 17 between the Mosaic Law and the grace and truth brought by Christ. This verse serves as the climax of the prologue's argument, presenting Jesus not merely as a prophet or a new lawgiver, but as the ultimate and superior revelation of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Jewish audience to whom John's Gospel was initially addressed held Moses in the highest esteem as the preeminent prophet and mediator of God's covenant with Israel. The Law, given at Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19-20](/exodus/19-20 "Exodus 19-20 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai")), was the bedrock of their national identity, religious practice, and understanding of righteousness. It was the divine standard by which life was to be lived. Therefore, any statement contrasting Moses with another figure would have been highly significant and potentially controversial. John's declaration in [John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Law, Grace, and Truth") directly addresses this deeply ingrained reverence for the Law and Moses, asserting that while the Law was a divine gift, it was surpassed by the direct, personal revelation of God's grace and truth in Jesus. This context underscores the revolutionary nature of the Gospel's message for those steeped in Old Covenant traditions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes in John's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It highlights the theme of **Divine Revelation**, emphasizing that while God revealed Himself through the Law given to Moses, His fullest and most perfect self-disclosure came through Jesus Christ. It also underscores the **Progression of Salvation History**, illustrating a shift from a covenant based on legal precepts to one founded on God's unmerited favor. The contrast between **Law and Grace** is central, showing that the Law, though holy and good ([Romans 7:12](/romans/7-12 "Romans 7:12 - The Law is Holy")), exposed sin and could not provide salvation, whereas grace offers forgiveness and new life. Furthermore, the theme of **Truth** is paramount; in John's Gospel, truth is not merely factual accuracy but ultimate reality, the very nature of God, embodied in Jesus Christ Himself, who declares, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")". Finally, it speaks to **Jesus's Unique Superiority**, establishing Him as greater than Moses and the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **given (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb, Strong's G1325, means "to give" in a very wide application, encompassing the idea of bestowing, delivering, or granting. In the context of the Law, it signifies that the Law was a divine gift, a specific bestowal from God to humanity through Moses. It implies an act of divine initiative and provision, establishing a covenant framework.
* **grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** Strong's G5485, derived from a word meaning "to rejoice," denotes graciousness, favor, or kindness. It refers specifically to the divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in life, including gratitude. In [John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Law, Grace, and Truth"), "grace" signifies God's unmerited favor and benevolent disposition, freely given without expectation of return, standing in contrast to the conditional nature of the Law.
* **came (Greek, _gínomai'_):** Strong's G1096, a versatile verb, means "to become," "come into being," or "to happen." Here, it indicates the active arrival or manifestation of grace and truth through Jesus Christ. It suggests a new reality, a new state of being that was brought forth or inaugurated by Christ's presence and work, rather than merely being delivered or transmitted.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the law was given by Moses":** This clause acknowledges the historical and theological reality of the Mosaic Law as a divinely ordained institution. The Law was a gift from God, mediated through Moses, serving as a foundational revelation of God's character, His righteous standards, and His covenant with Israel. It established a framework for understanding sin and righteousness, and it prepared the way for the coming of Christ. The use of "given" emphasizes its origin as a divine bestowal, not a human invention.
* **"but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ":** This contrasting clause introduces the superior and ultimate revelation of God. "Grace" signifies God's unmerited favor, His benevolent disposition towards humanity, offering forgiveness and reconciliation freely. "Truth" in John's Gospel refers to ultimate reality, divine fidelity, and the true nature of God revealed perfectly and fully in Jesus. The verb "came" (or "came into being") highlights the active, personal embodiment and inauguration of this new reality in Jesus Christ. Unlike the Law, which was mediated *by* Moses, grace and truth are not merely transmitted *through* Jesus but are intrinsically *in* Him and *from* Him, as He is the very source and embodiment of both. This signifies a new, personal, and relational covenant.

#### Literary Devices
John 1:17 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, or **Contrast**, where two opposing ideas—"the law" and "grace and truth"—are placed in juxtaposition to highlight their differences and the superiority of the latter. This creates a clear theological distinction between the Old Covenant and the New. The phrase also utilizes **Metonymy**, where "Moses" stands in for the entire Mosaic Law and the Old Covenant system, while "Jesus Christ" represents the New Covenant and the full revelation of God's redemptive plan. Furthermore, there is a subtle use of **Climax** in the prologue, with this verse serving as the theological high point, demonstrating that while the Law was a necessary stage, it culminated and was surpassed by the ultimate revelation in Christ. The concept of "truth" in John's Gospel also functions as **Symbolism**, representing not just factual accuracy but ultimate reality and divine fidelity, embodied perfectly in Jesus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 1:17 is a cornerstone for understanding the relationship between the Old and New Covenants. It clarifies that the Law, though divine in origin and purpose, was a preparatory stage, revealing God's holiness and humanity's sinfulness, thereby pointing to the need for a Savior. Grace and truth, on the other hand, represent the fulfillment and ultimate expression of God's redemptive plan, made accessible through Jesus Christ. This verse does not negate the Law's value but rather establishes its temporary and preparatory nature in light of Christ's perfect and complete work. It underscores that salvation is not by human effort to keep the Law, but by God's free gift of grace received through faith in Jesus, who is the embodiment of divine truth and faithfulness. This transition from law to grace is a central theme throughout the New Testament, emphasizing God's initiative in salvation and the sufficiency of Christ's work.

* [Romans 6:14](/romans/6-14 "Romans 6:14 - Not Under Law, But Under Grace")
* [Galatians 3:23-25](/galatians/3-23-25 "Galatians 3:23-25 - The Law as a Guardian Leading to Christ")
* [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Superior Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 1:17 offers profound insights for our spiritual lives, reminding us that our relationship with God is fundamentally rooted in His unmerited favor, not our performance. It frees us from the burden of trying to earn God's approval through perfect adherence to rules, inviting us instead into a relationship of grace and truth. This means embracing the liberating truth that salvation is a gift, received by faith in Jesus Christ, who has perfectly fulfilled all righteousness on our behalf. Living under grace empowers us to love God and others not out of obligation or fear, but out of gratitude for His boundless love. It calls us to embody the truth of the Gospel in our daily lives, reflecting Christ's character and living authentically in His light. This verse encourages us to continually turn to Jesus as the source of all grace and truth, trusting in His finished work rather than our own efforts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the contrast between "law" and "grace and truth" impact your view of your relationship with God?**
* **In what areas of your life might you still be trying to earn God's favor, rather than resting in His grace?**
* **How can you more fully embody the "grace and truth" of Jesus Christ in your interactions with others?**
* **What does it mean for Jesus to be the embodiment of "truth" in your daily walk with Him?**

### FAQ

**Does John 1:17 mean the Law is bad or abolished?**

Answer: No, John 1:17 does not mean the Law is bad or abolished. Instead, it highlights a progression and fulfillment. The Law, given by Moses, was holy, righteous, and good ([Romans 7:12](/romans/7-12 "Romans 7:12 - The Law is Holy")), serving to reveal God's character and expose humanity's sin ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin")). It acted as a "guardian" or "schoolmaster" to lead people to Christ ([Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Schoolmaster")). Jesus Himself stated that He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). The "grace and truth" that came through Jesus Christ represent the ultimate and superior revelation of God's nature and redemptive plan, bringing to fruition the purposes of the Law and establishing a new covenant relationship based on God's unmerited favor rather than human performance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 1:17 powerfully articulates the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The Law, mediated by Moses, served as a foundational revelation of God's standards and His covenant with Israel, yet it ultimately exposed humanity's inability to perfectly obey and attain righteousness ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - No One Justified by the Law")). It was a shadow of the good things to come ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law as a Shadow")), pointing forward to the perfect sacrifice and mediator. Jesus Christ, however, is the very embodiment of "grace and truth." He perfectly fulfilled the Law's righteous demands through His sinless life ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")) and bore its curse on the cross ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")). Through His atoning death and resurrection, He inaugurated a new covenant, not based on human works or legalistic adherence, but on God's unmerited favor and faithfulness ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Superior Covenant")). In Him, God's ultimate reality and redemptive purpose are fully revealed and made accessible to all who believe, offering forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life as a free gift ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")). Thus, Jesus is not merely a new lawgiver, but the very source and substance of the grace that saves and the truth that sets us free ([John 8:32](/john/8-32 "John 8:32 - The Truth Will Set You Free")).

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

Romans 6:14

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Romans 3:19

¶ Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Romans 3:26

To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

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.

Romans 5:20

Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

Romans 5:21

That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.