Bible Verse

John 1:1

John opens his Gospel not with Jesus' birth but with a profound theological statement about His eternal nature and deity.

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

— John 1:1 (NIV)

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Other Translations

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

— ESV

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

— KJV

"In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God."

— NLT

Understanding the Context

Book Context

John 1:1-18 is the prologue to John's Gospel, establishing Jesus' identity as the eternal Word of God who became flesh. This sets the stage for the entire Gospel's focus on Jesus as divine.

Historical Background

Written around 90 AD, John's Gospel counters early heresies denying Christ's deity. The opening verse deliberately echoes Genesis 1:1, establishing Jesus as co-creator and eternal God.

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown

"In the beginning was the Word"

'In the beginning' echoes Genesis 1:1. 'Was' (Greek: en) is imperfect tense, meaning continuous existence—the Word already existed when time began. 'The Word' (Logos) refers to Jesus as God's ultimate self-expression and revelation.

"and the Word was with God"

'With' (Greek: pros) means 'face to face,' intimate relationship. This shows distinction—the Word and God are not identical but in eternal relationship. This hints at the Trinity—distinct persons in intimate communion.

"and the Word was God"

The Word is fully divine, not a lesser being or created entity. Greek construction emphasizes nature—the Word possesses all the attributes and essence of deity. This is Christianity's cornerstone: Jesus is God.

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This verse presents the paradox of the Trinity: the Word is distinct from God (with God) yet is fully God (was God). Jesus is eternally divine, not becoming God at incarnation or adoption.

Key Themes

Deity of ChristEternal existence of JesusThe TrinityJesus as God's revelationPre-existence of Christ

Applying This Verse to Your Life

  1. 1

    Worship Jesus as fully God, not merely a good teacher or prophet.

  2. 2

    Ground your faith in the eternal, unchanging nature of Christ, not shifting cultural ideas.

  3. 3

    Recognize Scripture as God's revelation through the living Word, Jesus Christ.

  4. 4

    Share the gospel with confidence in Christ's divine authority and power to save.

  5. 5

    Let the truth of Christ's deity transform how you pray, obey, and worship.

Questions for Reflection

  • Do you truly believe and live as though Jesus is fully God?
  • How does Christ's eternal existence affect your view of His words and commands?
  • What difference does it make that Jesus is the Word—God's ultimate revelation?
  • Are you worshiping Jesus with the reverence due to God Himself?

Related Scripture

Genesis 1:1

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

Colossians 1:16-17

"For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth... He is before all things."

Hebrews 1:3

"The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being."

Revelation 19:13

"He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God."

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