John Chapter 1 — The Word Became Flesh
John 1 introduces Jesus as the Word of God who brings light and life to the world, followed by the witness of John the Baptist and the calling of the first disciples.
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2The same was in the beginning with God.
3All things were made through him. Without him, nothing was made that has been made.
4In him was life, and the life was the light of men.
5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn’t overcome*The word translated “overcome” (κατέλαβεν) can also be translated “comprehended.” It refers to getting a grip on an enemy to defeat him. it.
6There came a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him.
8He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light.
9The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world.
10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world didn’t recognize him.
11He came to his own, and those who were his own didn’t receive him.
12But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name:
13who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14The Word became flesh and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the only born†The phrase “only born” is from the Greek word “μονογενους”, which is sometimes translated “only begotten” or “one and only”. Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
15John testified about him. He cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me, for he was before me.’ ”
16From his fullness we all received grace upon grace.
17For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.‡“Christ” means “Anointed One”.
18No one has seen God at any time. The only born§The phrase “only born” is from the Greek word “μονογενη”, which is sometimes translated “only begotten” or “one and only”. Son,*NU reads “God” who is in the bosom of the Father, has declared him.
19This is John’s testimony, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”
20He declared, and didn’t deny, but he declared, “I am not the Christ.”
21They asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?”
22They said therefore to him, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”
23He said, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’✡Isaiah 40:3 as Isaiah the prophet said.”
24The ones who had been sent were from the Pharisees.
25They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?”
26John answered them, “I baptize in water, but among you stands one whom you don’t know.
27He is the one who comes after me, who is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I’m not worthy to loosen.”
28These things were done in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
29The next day, he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, “Behold,†“Behold”, from “ἰδοὺ”, means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection. the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
30This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who is preferred before me, for he was before me.’
31I didn’t know him, but for this reason I came baptizing in water, that he would be revealed to Israel.”
32John testified, saying, “I have seen the Spirit descending like a dove out of heaven, and it remained on him.
33I didn’t recognize him, but he who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘On whomever you will see the Spirit descending and remaining on him is he who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’
34I have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”
35Again, the next day, John was standing with two of his disciples,
36and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”
37The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
38Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, “What are you looking for?”
39He said to them, “Come and see.”
40One of the two who heard John and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.
41He first found his own brother, Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah!” (which is, being interpreted, Christ§“Messiah” (Hebrew) and “Christ” (Greek) both mean “Anointed One”.).
42He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is by interpretation, Peter).*“Cephas” (Aramaic) and “Peter” (Greek) both mean “Rock”.
43On the next day, he was determined to go out into Galilee, and he found Philip. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.”
44Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
45Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets, wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
46Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?”
47Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said about him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”
48Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?”
49Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are King of Israel!”
50Jesus answered him, “Because I told you, ‘I saw you underneath the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these!”
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
John 1:1
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
This verse establishes the eternal nature and divinity of Jesus Christ.
John 1:14
“The Word became flesh and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the only born Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
It describes the Incarnation, where the divine Word took on human form.
John 1:29
“The next day, he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!””
This title identifies Jesus' role as a sacrificial redeemer.
Chapter Summary
John Chapter 1 begins with a profound prologue identifying Jesus as 'the Word' (Logos), who was present at creation and is himself God. The text explains that this Word became flesh and lived among humanity to reveal the Father's glory. The narrative then shifts to John the Baptist, who clarifies that he is not the Messiah but a voice preparing the way for the Lord. John identifies Jesus as the 'Lamb of God' who takes away the sin of the world. Upon this testimony, several individuals begin to follow Jesus, including Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip, and Nathanael. The chapter concludes with Jesus promising Nathanael that he will see greater things, including the heavens opening and angels ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Word, or 'Logos' in Greek, refers to Jesus Christ. The chapter explains that the Word was with God in the beginning, was involved in creation, and eventually became flesh to live among people.
John the Baptist uses this title to identify Jesus as the one who takes away the sin of the world. It alludes to sacrificial traditions and highlights Jesus' mission of redemption.
The first disciples, including Andrew and another follower of John the Baptist, began following Jesus after hearing John's testimony. Andrew then brought his brother Simon Peter, while Jesus personally called Philip, who then found Nathanael.
Study Note
The Greek term 'Logos' used in verse 1 carries deep significance in both Jewish and Greek philosophy, representing the divine reason or the creative word of God.
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