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John 1:14

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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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

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."

Context

This pivotal verse concludes the prologue of John's Gospel (John 1:1-18), shifting from the eternal, cosmic identity of "the Word" (John 1:1) to His physical manifestation on Earth. The preceding verses establish the Word's existence with God, His role in creation (John 1:3), and the darkness's inability to overcome Him. Verse 14 announces the astonishing event where this divine, eternal Word entered human history in a tangible form.

Key Themes

  • The Incarnation: The central theme is the "Word was made flesh," signifying the divine Son of God taking on full humanity. This is the mystery of God becoming man.
  • Deity and Humanity of Christ: The verse affirms both Christ's divine nature (He is the eternal "Word," the "only begotten of the Father") and His true human nature ("made flesh, and dwelt among us").
  • Witnessing Christ's Glory: Those who were with Jesus physically "beheld his glory," a divine radiance veiled in human form, revealed through His actions, character, and later, His resurrection and ascension.
  • Grace and Truth: Jesus is described as being "full of grace and truth," embodying God's undeserved favor and faithfulness perfectly, in contrast to the Law given through Moses (John 1:17).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "Word" is Logos, a term rich in philosophical and theological meaning, here referring uniquely to the pre-existent Son of God. "Made flesh" (sarx egeneto) is a direct statement of the Incarnation – the divine essence fully inhabiting human nature without ceasing to be divine. "Dwelt among us" comes from eskenosen, meaning "to pitch a tent" or "to tabernacle." This evokes imagery of God dwelling with Israel in the tabernacle in the Old Testament, suggesting that in Jesus, God's presence was now uniquely and personally among humanity. "Only begotten" (monogenes) emphasizes Jesus' unique relationship with the Father, not implying creation, but a unique, singular relationship as the Son.

Commentary and Reflection

John 1:14 is arguably the most profound statement in the prologue, revealing the core Christian belief that God, in the person of Jesus Christ, became human. This wasn't a mere appearance or a temporary dwelling, but a full embodiment ("made flesh"). By "dwelling among us," Jesus identified completely with humanity, experiencing life, suffering, and joy. Those who were with Him, like the disciples, bore witness to His unique divine glory, not just in miraculous power, but in His perfect character, wisdom, and love. This glory was the glory of the "only begotten of the Father," highlighting His unique Sonship and divine nature. Furthermore, He was the ultimate revelation of God's character, being "full of grace and truth." This combination signifies God's loving kindness and faithfulness perfectly revealed in action and word through Jesus. This verse is foundational to understanding who Jesus is and the basis of the Christian faith.

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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

  • 1 John 4:9 (100 votes)

    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 (82 votes)

    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 (65 votes)

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

  • Galatians 4:4 (63 votes)

    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 (61 votes)

    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 (54 votes)

    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 (47 votes)

    ¶ 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;