The meaning of John Chapter 1 is quite fascinating, as it encapsulates the importance of Jesus and establishes the fact that Christ has always been one with God. The bulk of the chapter, which is filled with beautiful proclamations about the core of the gospel, also speaks about John the Baptist.
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To truly understand the meaning of John Chapter 1, we must start at verse one, which speaks about Jesus’ nature. It reads, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
The Meaning of John Chapter 1: Jesus Was With God in the Beginning
As we understand the meaning and significance of John 1:1, we learn that Jesus was always one with God as His Son. John 1:2-5 (NIV) continues, speaking deeper into the meaning of this reality and the idea that “Jesus is the Word.”
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Clearly, Jesus was always united with God, with creation flowing through him. This reality makes Christ’s decision as the Son of God to descend and become man that much more meaningful and significant. But while exploring the meaning of John Chapter 1 some might still wonder why Jesus is the “Word.”
READ ALSO: 8 Lessons from the Life of John the Baptist
According to GotQuestions.org’s John 1 commentary, the use of “Word” as John wrote it in the first chapter of his Gospel has a fascinating purpose:
By starting out his gospel stating, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,” John is introducing Jesus with a word or a term that both his Jewish and Gentile readers would have been familiar with. The Greek word translated “Word” in this passage is Logos, and it was common in both Greek philosophy and Jewish thought of that day. For example, in the Old Testament the “word” of God is often personified as an instrument for the execution of God’s will (Psalm 33:6; 107:20; 119:89; 147:15-18). So, for his Jewish readers, by introducing Jesus as the “Word,” John is in a sense pointing them back to the Old Testament where the Logos or “Word” of God is associated with the personification of God’s revelation. And in Greek philosophy, the term Logos was used to describe the intermediate agency by which God created material things and communicated with them.
READ ALSO: John 3:16 Meaning: Understand This Transformative Bible Verse
The Greek understanding, GotQuestions.org explained, would have sparked the idea that Jesus, when referred to as Logos, was a mediator between God and the world.
Jesus Is the Word: Christ Brings Grace and Truth
This description of Jesus is essential to understanding the core of the gospel, with additional verses in John 1 delving deeper into the reality of Christ’s being.
We’re again reminded of the fact that Jesus is the Word, when verse 10 proclaims that the world was made through Christ, yet the world failed to recognize him.
Moving on just a few verses and John 1:14 again refers to Jesus as the “Word,” with verses 17-18 drawing an interesting distinction between the Old Testament law given through Moses and the grace that came through Christ:
“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.”
When we think back to the words John wrote, “in the beginning was the word,” then explore these latter verses, the interchangeable relationship between God and Christ is made clear.
John 1 Meaning: The Emergence of John the Baptist
While we learn essential truths about Christ, the majority of John Chapter 1 meaning is focused on John the Baptist. In fact, by the time we reach John 1:6, we learn that John the Baptist was sent by God to testify about Jesus.
Emphasizing that John the Baptist wasn’t more important than Christ, John 1:8 notes, “He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.” We see later in John 1:20 that John the Baptist also made it clear to Jewish leaders that he wasn’t the Messiah.
Even John wrote a few verses later that John the Baptist wasn’t fit to untie the straps of Christ’s sandals, making it clear that he is not to be regarded in the same light as Christ.
As the chapter progresses, John the Baptist sees Jesus and proclaims that he is the “Lamb of God” who will take away people’s sins.
The chapter concludes with Jesus beginning to call his followers, including Peter. If you’re looking for more about the meaning of John Chapter 1, read it on Biblica.
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Billy Hallowell Billy Hallowell has been working in journalism and media for more than a decade. His writings have appeared in Deseret News, TheBlaze, Human Events, Mediaite and on FoxNews.com, among other outlets. Hallowell has a B.A. in journalism and broadcasting from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale, New York and an M.S. in social research from Hunter College in Manhattan, New York.
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FAQs
John 1:1–18 is a poetic introduction of Jesus Christ. Jesus is referred to using the Greek word logos, meaning "the Word." This passage clearly describes Jesus as God, and co-creator with God the Father. These verses summarize Jesus' ministry and mission on Earth.
What does Jesus is the Word mean? ›
This is John's meaning when he says that Jesus is the Word. He meant that Jesus is the physical manifestation of God the Father, just as a spoken word is the physical manifestation of our inner thoughts. Until Jesus took action and created the universe, there was no physical reality to God's presence.
How does John describe Jesus in Chapter 1? ›
The seven names of John chapter one are "the Word" (John 1:1–3, 14), "the Light" (John 1:4–13), "the Son of God" (John 1:15–18, 34, 49), "the Lamb of God" (John 1:29–34, 36), "the Messiah" (John 1:17, 19–28), "the King of Israel" (John 1:43–49), and "the Son of Man" (John 1:50–51).
What does the world mean in John 1:10? ›
The Greek term for "world" in this verse is kosmos, often used to refer to the fallen, sinful system of thinking. This is the worldly mindset which rejects God, His knowledge, and His Word. This is why repentance is a core aspect of the gospel. One must be willing to turn away from darkness and into the light.
What does the Word "word" mean in the Bible? ›
“The Word” can mean God's word, either written or spoken. It can also just mean something anyone speaks. Examples: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John ch 1) is a reference to Jesus Christ, who is God's Word personified.
What does John say about the Word? ›
Bible Gateway John 1 :: NIV. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
What does 1 John chapter 1 mean? ›
In this chapter, he focuses on walking with God to avoid being deceived. According to John, confession to God brings forgiveness. And, it brings the work of God to remove that stain from our lives (1 John 1:9). God offers forgiveness to those who seek it.
Who does John say Jesus is? ›
The Gospel of John emphasizes Jesus as God incarnate and the reality to which the entire biblical story points. John emphasizes this with his opening passages that states that Jesus was with God at creation and that Jesus is God.
What is the Word of life in 1 John? ›
John further calls Jesus the "word of life," a phrase used elsewhere only in Philippians 2:16. First John 1:1–4 introduces this letter written by the apostle John. John references Jesus' eternal existence, and His identical nature to God the Father.
What is the main focus of 1 John? ›
Overview: The focus of 1 John is “fellowship,” which stands against false teachings and stands firm in the faith.
The Gospel of John presents Christ as the longed for Messiah and Son of God, who comes to earth as a Jew to restore God's covenant people. Yet the very people who ought to have embraced their Messiah rejected him: “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him” (John 1:11).
What is a prayer for John chapter 1? ›
Almighty God, grant us the grace this day to walk in the light of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom we all have forgiveness and life. Forgive us and cleanse us from sin and the works of darkness and grant that we may live wholly in your light. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.
What is the meaning of the word in John 1? ›
The Meaning of John Chapter 1: Jesus Was With God in the Beginning. As we understand the meaning and significance of John 1:1, we learn that Jesus was always one with God as His Son. John 1:2-5 (NIV) continues, speaking deeper into the meaning of this reality and the idea that “Jesus is the Word.”
What did Jesus mean in the world but not of the world? ›
“And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” (1 Jn. 2:15–17.) It is obvious the “world,” as referred to by the Savior, does not mean the sphere on which we live, but an environment created by individuals who live contrary to his teachings.
What is John 10 telling us? ›
This chapter makes clear, yet often-disputed statements, about doctrinal questions such as salvation through means other than Jesus, if salvation can be lost, and whether the Bible contains errors. First, Jesus points out that sheep only listen to the voice of their own particular shepherd.
What does it mean to speak only the word and pray only the word? ›
Simply put, praying God's Word means speaking His language. It means talking to Him using His words. Don't waste time looking for a “formula” or “right” way to pray God's Word back to Him. This process comes from what is in your heart and on your mind.
What does the word light mean in John 1? ›
Light implies revealing. Jesus not only exposes our sinfulness, but He also illuminates a way to be saved from it. Light implies knowledge and awareness. Darkness is ignorance. For some, darkness is a deliberate choice.
What does the Greek word "logos" mean? ›
Logos - Longer definition: The Greek word logos (traditionally meaning word, thought, principle, or speech) has been used among both philosophers and theologians.
Why did John use the word "logos"? ›
In Greek thought, the Logos was the Reason behind all reason. son of God who governed creation and mediated between creature and creator. John the apostle had an obviously similar idea, but he fleshed it out in accordance with specifically Christian truth.
