John 1:17

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

John 1:17 serves as a pivotal statement in the prologue of John's Gospel, succinctly contrasting the Old Covenant era with the New Covenant inaugurated by Jesus Christ. It highlights the distinct nature of God's revelation through Moses versus His ultimate self-disclosure through His Son.

Context

This verse follows the profound declarations of John 1, which introduce Jesus as the eternal Word (Logos) who was with God and was God. The prologue emphasizes that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. John 1:17 directly builds on this by clarifying the unique nature of Jesus's mission compared to that of Moses, who was the central figure of the Old Testament law.

Key Themes

  • The Law Given by Moses: The verse acknowledges the divine origin of the Law, which was mediated through Moses at Mount Sinai. The Law served as a guide for God's people, revealing His holy character and His righteous standards. While essential, the Law also exposed humanity's inability to perfectly fulfill God's demands, thus demonstrating the need for a different kind of divine intervention. It was a "schoolmaster" leading to Christ.
  • Grace and Truth Through Jesus Christ: This phrase signifies the superior and ultimate revelation of God in Jesus.
    • Grace (charis): This refers to God's unmerited favor, kindness, and benevolence. Unlike the Law, which prescribed rules and penalties for disobedience, grace offers forgiveness, reconciliation, and divine enablement freely. It is the abundant "grace for grace" mentioned in John 1:16.
    • Truth (aletheia): In John's Gospel, "truth" is more than just factual accuracy; it is ultimate reality, divine fidelity, and the true nature of God revealed perfectly in Jesus. Jesus himself declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." He embodies the full and final revelation of God's character and plan.
  • Continuity and Fulfillment: This verse does not suggest a contradiction between the Law and Christ, but rather a progression and fulfillment. Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, bringing its ultimate purpose to fruition and establishing a new, more intimate covenant relationship with God.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "grace" is charis, which denotes a gift given freely and without expectation of return, emphasizing God's benevolent disposition. "Truth" is aletheia, often implying not just intellectual correctness but also ultimate reality and reliability, particularly as it pertains to God's nature and promises, which are fully realized in Christ.

Practical Application

For believers today, John 1:17 underscores the fundamental shift in our relationship with God. We are no longer primarily defined by adherence to a legal code, but by a relationship built on God's unmerited favor and the saving work of Jesus Christ. This means that salvation is a gift received by faith, not earned by works. We live "not under law, but under grace," empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives that reflect the truth and grace we have received in Christ. It calls us to appreciate the depth of God's love and the sufficiency of Jesus's sacrifice.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 6:14 (23 votes)

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

  • John 14:6 (22 votes)

    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 (19 votes)

    ¶ 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 (19 votes)

    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 (18 votes)

    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 (18 votes)

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

  • Romans 5:21 (18 votes)

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