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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 1:9 mean?

Explanation

John 1:9 speaks of "the true Light," which is commonly understood to refer to Jesus Christ within the Christian tradition.

The phrase suggests that Jesus is the genuine and ultimate source of enlightenment and truth for all humanity.

The light here is metaphorical, representing knowledge, goodness, and the divine presence.

When it says the Light "lighteth every man that cometh into the world," it indicates a universal impact, implying that Christ's influence extends to every person born into the world, offering spiritual illumination and understanding to all, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

The Gospel according to John is believed to have been written towards the end of the first century CE, distinguishing itself from the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) in style and theological focus.

The cultural and historical setting includes a Hellenistic Jewish context, combining Jewish belief in a coming Messiah with philosophical concepts prevalent in Greek thought.

The concept of logos, which in a broader Greek context, means "word," "reason," or "principle," is central to the beginning of John's Gospel and sets the stage for introducing Jesus as the divine Logos or the Word made flesh.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, John 1:9 is seen as an affirmation of the divinity of Christ and His role as Savior of humanity.

It also touches on the doctrine of universal revelation, suggesting that Christ is a light for all people, illuminating the human understanding of God and truth.

This verse emphasizes the preexistence of Christ and the universal reach of His grace.

Different Christian denominations and theologians may interpret this verse slightly differently. For instance, some may emphasize its implications on the innate knowledge of God being available to all, while others might focus on the need to follow the teachings of Jesus explicitly for salvation.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in daily life by encouraging individuals to seek enlightenment and truth in Jesus Christ.

It can promote an attitude of inclusivity and universality, reflecting the belief that divine truth is accessible to all.

Believers are often motivated by this verse to share their faith with others and to treat each person they encounter as someone who is, or can be, touched by the light of Christ.

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 12:46: "I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness."
1 John 1:5-7: "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all."

Language Study

The key words in the original Koine Greek of this verse are "ἦν τὸ φῶς τὸ ἀληθινόν" (en to phōs to alēthinon), which translates to "was the true Light." The term "φῶς" (phōs), meaning "light," is often used symbolically in the New Testament to refer to life, truth, and the Divine. "ἀληθινόν" (alēthinon) implies not just truth as a concept, but the ultimate, real, and genuine nature of that truth.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient religions and philosophies, light is a powerful symbol of knowledge, purity, and the divine.

In Egyptian religion, the sun god Ra was associated with creation and life.

In Plato's philosophy, the sun is used as a metaphor for truth and knowledge in the Allegory of the Cave.

The metaphor of light to represent truth and divine enlightenment can also be found in Zoroastrianism, where light is associated with the divine wisdom of Ahura Mazda, the supreme deity.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific point of view, although light is understood in the physical sense - as electromagnetic radiation visible to the human eye - the concept of light as a metaphor for knowledge and understanding resonates with the pursuit of enlightenment through scientific discovery.

The quest to illuminate the unknown, to reveal and understand the universe, parallels religious and philosophical quests for truth.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on this verse, emphasizing its significance in Christology and soteriology.

Renowned biblical commentator Matthew Henry interprets it as a testament to the universal offer of the gospel.

John Calvin sees it as evidence of Christ lighting the spark of understanding about God in every human heart.

Contemporary scholars often highlight the Johannine theme of light vs. darkness and how the introduction of the Light (Jesus) brings hope and revelation to the world amidst spiritual obscurity.

John 1

John 1

What does John 1:9 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 1:9 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?