John 1:4

In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

In {G1722} him {G846} was {G2258} life {G2222}; and {G2532} the life {G2222} was {G2258} the light {G5457} of men {G444}.

In him was life,
and the life was the light of mankind.

In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.

In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

Commentary

John 1:4 (KJV) Commentary

This verse is part of the profound prologue to John's Gospel (John 1:1-18), which introduces Jesus Christ using the title "the Word" (Logos). The prologue establishes the divine nature and pre-existence of the Word before describing His incarnation. Verse 4 builds upon the declaration that "all things were made by him" (v. 3), attributing to the Word the source of both life and light.

Key Themes and Messages:

  • Life Source: The verse declares that "In him was life." This isn't just biological existence but refers to spiritual, eternal life (*zoe* in Greek), which is inherent in the Word. He is the origin and giver of true life.
  • Light for Humanity: This life in the Word is presented as "the light of men." Light in scripture often symbolizes knowledge, truth, understanding, guidance, and salvation, in contrast to darkness which represents ignorance, sin, and spiritual death. The life that the Word possesses is the very illumination needed by humanity lost in spiritual darkness.
  • Interconnectedness: The verse links life and light intrinsically. The life found in the Word is the specific kind of life that serves as light to people, guiding them out of darkness.

Linguistic Insights:

The Greek word for "life" here is *zoe* (ฮถฯ‰ฮฎ), which often refers to a higher, spiritual, or eternal quality of life, distinct from mere physical existence (*bios*). This highlights that the life Jesus possesses and gives is not just about living longer, but about a transformed, vital, and eternal relationship with God.

Cross-References:

  • John 8:12: "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (Jesus identifies Himself explicitly as the light, linking it to life).
  • 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." (Jesus identifies Himself as "the life").
  • 1 John 1:5: "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." (Reinforces the concept of God/Christ as light).

Practical Application:

This verse reminds us that true spiritual life and understanding do not originate within ourselves but are found only in Jesus Christ, the Word. He is the source of the life that illuminates our path and guides us through the darkness of this world. Embracing Him means receiving both life and light.

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Cross-References

  • John 8:12 (63 votes)

    ยถ Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

  • John 12:46 (56 votes)

    I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

  • John 5:26 (41 votes)

    For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;

  • 1 John 1:5 (40 votes)

    ยถ This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

  • 1 John 1:7 (40 votes)

    But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

  • Luke 1:78 (32 votes)

    Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,

  • Luke 1:79 (32 votes)

    To give light to them that sit in darkness and [in] the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.