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John 1:3

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All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

All things {G3956} were made {G1096} by {G1223} him {G846}; and {G2532} without {G5565} him {G846} was {G1096} not {G3761} any thing {G1520} made {G1096} that {G3739} was made {G1096}.

All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing made had being.

Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.

All things were made through him; and without him was not anything made that hath been made.

Commentary

Context

John chapter 1 begins with a profound theological prologue (verses 1-18) that introduces Jesus Christ using the title "the Word" (Greek: Logos). This section establishes His eternal existence, divine nature, and pivotal role in salvation and creation. Verse 3 follows the powerful opening statements about the Word being with God and being God (John 1:1), and that all things were made by Him. It strongly connects the identity of Jesus, the Word, to the very act of creation described in the Old Testament, particularly in Genesis 1:1.

Key Themes

  • The Deity of Christ: This verse is a powerful declaration of Jesus' divine nature by attributing the work of creation, which is solely God's prerogative, to Him.
  • Christ's Role in Creation: It explicitly states that "all things" without exception were brought into existence through the Word. This highlights His active and essential involvement in forming the universe.
  • The Universality of Creation: The phrase "all things" emphasizes that everything that exists owes its being to Him, leaving no room for any created entity or force independent of His agency.

Linguistic Insights

The key phrase "were made by him" translates the Greek panta di' autou egeneto, which more literally means "all things through Him came into being." The verb egeneto (a form of ginomai) means "came into being" or "happened," often used in the context of creation or events unfolding. This emphasizes not just the initial creation but perhaps the ongoing sustenance or ordering of creation through the Word. The phrase "without him was not any thing made that was made" uses a strong double negative in Greek, emphatically denying that anything existing was created apart from Him.

Reflection and Application

Understanding that Jesus, the one who became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14), is the Creator of the universe, profoundly impacts our view of Him. It underscores His absolute power, authority, and worthiness of worship. If "all things were made by him," then every aspect of creation reflects His wisdom, power, and design. This truth provides a foundation for trusting in His ability to sustain and redeem what He has made, including our lives. It also challenges us to see the world and our place in it through the lens of His creative purpose and authority. The Apostle Paul echoes this truth in Colossians 1:16, further solidifying Christ's central role in the cosmos.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Colossians 1:16 (91 votes)

    For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

  • Colossians 1:17 (91 votes)

    And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

  • 1 Corinthians 8:6 (54 votes)

    But to us [there is but] one God, the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom [are] all things, and we by him.

  • Revelation 4:11 (43 votes)

    Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

  • Psalms 33:6 (37 votes)

    By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

  • Genesis 1:26 (36 votes)

    ¶ And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

  • John 1:10 (34 votes)

    He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.