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John 1

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

The same was in the beginning with God.

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

In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

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

He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

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.

John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?

And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.

And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?

He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.

And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.

And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?

John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;

He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;

And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?

He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.

One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.

Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.

And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

What does John 1:16 mean?

Explanation

John 1:16 talks about the spiritual abundance that Jesus Christ bestows upon believers.

The verse comes from the opening chapter of the Gospel according to John, which introduces the theological concept of the Word (Logos) becoming flesh in the person of Jesus Christ.

The term "fulness" refers to the completeness or whole of divine grace and truth that resides in Christ. When the verse states that "all we received," it implies that all believers partake in this bounty.

The phrase "grace for grace" suggests the idea of receiving new blessings upon the ones previously given, a continuous and overflowing measure of grace.

Theologically, it is seen as grace replacing the old dispensation of the Law (given through Moses) with the new dispensation of grace and truth which came through Jesus Christ. It highlights the concept of unmerited favor and love given by God through His Son.

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Historical Context

This verse is placed at the beginning of John's Gospel, likely written in the late 1st century A.D. by the Apostle John.

This Gospel was written against the backdrop of both Jewish and Hellenistic cultures, influencing the language and concepts found within the text.

At this time, early Christians were defining their beliefs in relation to Judaism from which they emerged and against various philosophical and religious ideas present in the Greco-Roman world.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, John 1:16 is rich with implications. In the realm of Christian soteriology (the study of salvation), it signifies that it is through Christ alone that one can receive grace.

The verse implies a continuous bestowal of grace, suggesting the infinite nature of God's mercy. In the context of dispensational theology, it underscores a transition from the Law of Moses to the grace offered through faith in Jesus Christ.

Practical Applications

The practical application of John 1:16 is one of hope and encouragement.

Believers are assured that they can continually tap into the grace that is offered through Jesus.

It encourages Christians to rely on the spiritual richness of Christ for strength and sustenance in their daily lives.

It also serves as a reminder to show grace to others, as they have received grace from Christ.

Cross-References

Ephesians 1:7 - "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;"
2 Corinthians 12:9 - "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Romans 5:17 - "For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)"

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek language of this verse are:

"Fulness" (πλήρωμα - plērōma): Refers to the fullness, completeness or entirety.
"Received" (ἐλάβομεν - elabomen): Past tense of "to receive" that implies an action that has taken place.
"Grace" (χάρις - charis): Signifies graciousness of manner or act, implying divine grace.

These words together suggest a reception by believers of the complete and perfect grace that is found in Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other ancient religions and myths, one might find parallels in the concept of a divine being conferring blessings upon humans.

However, the Christian understanding as presented in this verse emphasizes a continual, unearned bestowal of grace rather than a one-time gift or reward for mortal action.

Scientific Perspectives

John 1:16 discusses spiritual and theological concepts rather than natural phenomena.

Therefore, it doesn't directly intersect with scientific understandings but may relate indirectly to psychological aspects of how belief in divine grace impacts human behavior and mental health.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentaries interpret this verse within the context of Christ’s preeminence and the dispensation of grace:

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the inexhaustible nature of Christ's grace and that believers continually receive from His fullness.
John Gill mentions that "grace for grace" means that there is a variety of graces, a redundancy of them, as they are needed.
The MacArthur Bible Commentary suggests that believers continually receive God’s gracious gifts in salvation and will forever receive them in eternity.

These commentaries underscore the abundance and continuity of grace given to believers through Jesus Christ.

John 1

John 1

What does John 1:16 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 1:16 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?