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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 1:4 mean?

Explanation

The verse John 1:4 stands as a profound statement regarding the nature of Jesus and his relation to life and enlightenment.

On the literal level, the verse identifies 'him' as the Word (Logos) from the previous verses, which is a title for Jesus Christ.

The statement "In him was life" suggests that Jesus embodies life itself or is the source of life.

The continuation "and the life was the light of men" implies that this life brings enlightenment, understanding, or guidance to humanity.

Deeper meanings entail that Jesus is the source of spiritual and eternal life and that through him, people gain spiritual insight and truth.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

John 1:4 is part of the prologue of the Gospel of John, which has a poetic and philosophical tone, differing from the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke).

It was written in the 1st century AD, a time when early Christians were defining their beliefs against the backdrop of Jewish traditions and Hellenistic philosophy.

In particular, the concept of the Word (Logos) resonated with Greek philosophical ideas of a rational principle that governed the universe.

The author of John merges these two backgrounds to present Jesus not just as a historical figure but as a pre-existent divine being, the source of life and enlightenment.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse supports the doctrine of Jesus’ divinity and pre-existence, common in Christian belief.

In traditional Christian theology, life is not just biological existence but involves a relationship with God that ultimately leads to eternal life.

The light represents Jesus’ role as a revealer of truth, illuminating the path to reconciliation with God.

Different Christian denominations may have their nuances in understanding this text but generally agree on its affirmation of Jesus's unique role in salvation history.

Practical Applications

In daily life, believers may interpret this verse as a reminder of the importance of a spiritual life that transcends mere physical existence.

It suggests a calling to seek wisdom and guidance through a relationship with Jesus.

The verse may also encourage believers to act as lights in the world, to live in such a way that reflects the teachings and character of Jesus, promoting life and understanding in their communities.

Cross-References

John 8:12: "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
John 14:6: "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
Genesis 1:3: "And God said, Let there be light: and there was light."

Language Study

In the original Greek, key words in John 1:4 provide deeper insight:

"Life" (ζωή, zōē): In this context, it refers to both physical and eternal life, a depth of living that is more than mere existence.
"Light" (φῶς, phōs): Symbolizes truth, revelation, and understanding.

In John's writings, phōs is commonly used to describe the spiritual and moral illumination that Jesus provides.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient religious and philosophical systems, such as those found in Egyptian mythology or Greek philosophy, concepts of life and light are recurring themes.

For example, in Egyptian religion, the sun god Ra was seen as a source of life and illumination.

In Platonism, the Form of the Good is the ultimate source of reality and truth, analogous to light.

John, however, presents these themes within a monotheistic and incarnational framework.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific understanding recognizes light as essential for life on Earth, responsible for photosynthesis and various biological processes.

While the verse isn't making a scientific claim, it poetically aligns with the concept that life, in many forms, depends on light. Discussions might include how physical light as a source of life has spiritual parallels in religious narratives.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse offer a range of interpretations.

For instance, some scholars suggest the "light of men" refers to the divine spark within humanity.

Others see a connection to the Genesis account of creation, where light is the first thing God creates.

Commentaries from the Church Fathers often highlight the deity of Christ and His role as creator and sustainer of life.

Modern theologians might discuss how this verse speaks to issues of human meaning and purpose in the light of Christ's revelation.

John 1

John 1

What does John 1:4 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 1:4 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?