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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/1-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/43_Jhn_01_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 1:1 - The Beginning" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/john/1-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/john/1-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/john/">John</a> > <a href="/john/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/24-53.htm" title="Luke 24:53">◄</a> John 1:1 <a href="/john/1-2.htm" title="John 1:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/john/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/john/1.htm">New International Version</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/nlt/john/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/esv/john/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/bsb/john/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/blb/john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/kjv/john/1.htm">King James Bible</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/nkjv/john/1.htm">New King James Version</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/nasb_/john/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/nasb/john/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/nasb77/john/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/lsb/john/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/amp/john/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. <a href="/csb/john/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/hcsb/john/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/asv/john/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/cev/john/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> In the beginning was the one who is called the Word. The Word was with God and was truly God. <a href="/erv/john/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/gwt/john/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/gnt/john/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> In the beginning the Word already existed; the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/isv/john/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> In the beginning, the Word existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/msb/john/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/net/john/1.htm">NET Bible</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God. <a href="/nheb/john/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/wbt/john/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/wey/john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/web/john/1.htm">World English Bible</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God; <a href="/blb/john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/ylt/john/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God; <a href="/slt/john/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and God was the Word.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> IN the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/cpdv/john/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and God was the Word. <a href="/nabre/john/1.htm">New American Bible</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/nrsvce/john/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> THE Word was in the beginning, and that very Word was with God, and God was that Word. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> In the origin The Word had been existing and That Word had been existing with God and That Word was himself God.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> IN the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD, was with God, and the WORD was God. <a href="/godbey/john/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/haweis/john/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> IN the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/mace/john/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> In the beginning was the Logos, and the Logos was with God, and the Logos was God. <a href="/wey/john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/worrell/john/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/worsley/john/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <bld>In</bld> the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <a href="/parallel/john/1-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/1.htm">The Beginning</a> 1<a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: En (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">In</a> <a href="/greek/746.htm" title="746: archē (N-DFS) -- From archomai; a commencement, or chief.">the beginning</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēn (V-IIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">was</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: Logos (N-NMS) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">Word,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: Logos (N-NMS) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">Word</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēn (V-IIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">was</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">with</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theon (N-AMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: Logos (N-NMS) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">Word</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēn (V-IIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">was</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God.</a> 2He was with God in the beginning.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/1-1.htm">Genesis 1:1</a> In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. <a href="/colossians/1-16.htm">Colossians 1:16-17</a> For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. / He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. <a href="/hebrews/1-2.htm">Hebrews 1:2-3</a> But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. / The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. <a href="/revelation/19-13.htm">Revelation 19:13</a> He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God. <a href="/1_john/1-1.htm">1 John 1:1</a> That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our own eyes, which we have gazed upon and touched with our own hands—this is the Word of life. <a href="/philippians/2-6.htm">Philippians 2:6</a> Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, <a href="/john/17-5.htm">John 17:5</a> And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world existed. <a href="/1_corinthians/8-6.htm">1 Corinthians 8:6</a> yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist. <a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6</a> For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. <a href="/proverbs/8-22.htm">Proverbs 8:22-30</a> The LORD created me as His first course, before His works of old. / From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, before the earth began. / When there were no watery depths, I was brought forth, when no springs were overflowing with water. ... <a href="/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2</a> But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity. <a href="/hebrews/11-3.htm">Hebrews 11:3</a> By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. <a href="/psalms/33-6.htm">Psalm 33:6</a> By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the stars by the breath of His mouth. <a href="/john/8-58.htm">John 8:58</a> “Truly, truly, I tell you,” Jesus declared, “before Abraham was born, I am!” <a href="/john/17-24.htm">John 17:24</a> Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.the beginning.<a href="/genesis/1-1.htm">Genesis 1:1</a> In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.<a href="/proverbs/8-22.htm">Proverbs 8:22-31</a> The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old… <a href="/ephesians/3-9.htm">Ephesians 3:9</a> And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:the Word.<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a> 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.<a href="/1_john/1-1.htm">1 John 1:1,2</a> That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; … <a href="/1_john/5-7.htm">1 John 5:7</a> For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.with.<a href="/john/1-18.htm">John 1:18</a> No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.<a href="/john/16-28.htm">John 16:28</a> I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.<a href="/john/17-5.htm">John 17:5</a> And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.the Word was.<a href="/john/10-30.htm">John 10:30-33</a> I and my Father are one… <a href="/john/20-28.htm">John 20:28</a> And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.<a href="/psalms/45-6.htm">Psalm 45:6</a> Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/24-47.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/luke/24-47.htm">First</a> <a href="/luke/16-8.htm">Relation</a> <a href="/luke/24-19.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/1-2.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/john/1-2.htm">First</a> <a href="/john/1-2.htm">Relation</a> <a href="/john/1-2.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">John 1</div>1. <a href="/john/1-1.htm">The divinity, humanity, office, and incarnation of Jesus Christ.</a> 15. <a href="/john/1-15.htm">The testimony of John.</a> 39. <a href="/john/1-39.htm">The calling of Simon and Andrew, Philip and Nathanael</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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It signifies the pre-existence of the Word, indicating that the Word was present before the creation of the world. This emphasizes the eternal nature of the Word, suggesting that the Word is not a created being but has always existed. The phrase sets the stage for understanding the divine nature of the Word, aligning with the Jewish understanding of God as eternal.was the Word The term "Word" (Logos in Greek) is rich in meaning. In Jewish thought, the Word of God is associated with creation, revelation, and salvation. In Greek philosophy, Logos refers to reason or the principle of order in the universe. By using this term, the text bridges Jewish and Greek understandings, presenting the Word as the divine agent of creation and revelation. The Word is not merely a spoken word but a person, as later verses reveal, who is active in the world.and the Word was with God This phrase indicates a distinct yet intimate relationship between the Word and God. The preposition "with" suggests a face-to-face relationship, implying both distinction and unity. This relationship is foundational for the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, where the Word (later identified as Jesus Christ) is distinct from the Father yet fully divine. The phrase underscores the personal nature of the Word, who is in communion with God.and the Word was God This declaration affirms the full divinity of the Word. It is a clear statement of the Word's divine nature, asserting that the Word is not a lesser deity or a created being but fully God. This is crucial for understanding the identity of Jesus Christ, who is later revealed as the Word made flesh. The phrase supports the Christian belief in the deity of Christ, aligning with other New Testament passages such as <a href="/colossians/2-9.htm">Colossians 2:9</a> and <a href="/hebrews/1-3.htm">Hebrews 1:3</a>, which speak of the fullness of deity dwelling in Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_word.htm">The Word (Logos)</a> Refers to Jesus Christ, the pre-existent divine expression of God. The term "Logos" in Greek philosophy and Jewish thought signifies reason, order, and the divine principle of creation. 2. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The eternal, omnipotent, and omniscient Creator. In this verse, God is both distinct from and unified with the Word, emphasizing the mystery of the Trinity. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_beginning.htm">The Beginning</a> This phrase echoes <a href="/genesis/1.htm">Genesis 1:1</a>, indicating the eternal nature of the Word and the foundational role of Christ in creation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_pre-existence_of_christ.htm">The Pre-existence of Christ</a> Jesus is not a created being; He existed before time began. This truth affirms His divinity and eternal nature. <a href="/topical/t/the_trinity.htm">The Trinity</a> The verse introduces the complex relationship within the Godhead, where the Word is both with God and is God, laying the groundwork for understanding the Trinity. <a href="/topical/t/the_authority_of_scripture.htm">The Authority of Scripture</a> As the Word, Jesus embodies the ultimate revelation of God. Believers are called to trust in the authority and truth of Scripture, which reveals Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_centrality_of_christ_in_creation.htm">The Centrality of Christ in Creation</a> Recognizing Christ's role in creation encourages believers to see Him as central to all aspects of life and the universe. <a href="/topical/t/the_personal_nature_of_god.htm">The Personal Nature of God</a> The Word becoming flesh (<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>) shows God's desire for a personal relationship with humanity, inviting believers to respond in faith and obedience.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 1</a> <a href="/q/amplified_bible__history_and_purpose.htm">What is the history and purpose of the Amplified Bible?</a> <a href="/q/capitalize_pronouns_for_god.htm">Is capitalizing pronouns for God necessary?</a> <a href="/q/core_beliefs_of_unitarianism.htm">What are the core beliefs of Unitarianism?</a> <a href="/q/did_god_sacrifice_himself_for_humanity.htm">Did God sacrifice Himself for humanity?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) In the beginning.--The reference to the opening words of the Old Testament is obvious, and is the more striking when we remember that a Jew would constantly speak of and quote from the book of Genesis as Ber?shith ("in the beginning"). It is quite in harmony with the Hebrew tone of this Gospel to do so, and it can hardly be that St. John wrote his Ber?shith without having that of Moses present to his mind, and without being guided by its meaning. We have then, in the earlier words, a law of interpretation for the later, and this law excludes every such sense as "the Everlasting Father" or "the divine wisdom," which is before all things, though both these have been supported by here and there a name of weight; much more does this law, strengthened as it is by the whole context, exclude any such sense as "the commencement of Christ's work on earth," which owes its existence to the foregone conclusion of a theory, and is marked by the absence of any support of weight. Our law seems equally to exclude from these words the idea of "anteriority to time," which is expressed, not in them, but in the substantive verb which immediately follows. The Mosaic conception of "beginning" is marked by the first creative act. St. John places himself at the same starting point of time, but before he speaks of any creation he asserts the pre-existence of the Creator. In this "beginning" there already "was" the Word. (See expressions of this thought in <a href="/john/17-5.htm" title="And now, O Father, glorify you me with your own self with the glory which I had with you before the world was.">John 17:5</a>; <a href="/proverbs/8-23.htm" title="I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.">Proverbs 8:23</a>; <a href="/1_john/1-1.htm" title="That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked on, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;">1John 1:1</a>; <a href="/revelation/3-14.htm" title="And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things said the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;">Revelation 3:14</a>.)Was the Word.--See Excursus A: Doctrine of the Word.With God.--These words express the co-existence, but at the same time the distinction of person. They imply relation with, intercourse with. (Comp. the "in the bosom of the Father" of <a href="/john/1-18.htm" title="No man has seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him.">John 1:18</a>, and "Let us make man" of <a href="/genesis/1-26.htm" title="And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.">Genesis 1:26</a>.) "Throned face to face with God," "the gaze ever directed towards God," have been given as paraphrases, and the full sense cannot be expressed in fewer words. The "with" represents "motion towards." The Being whose existence is asserted in the "was" is regarded as distinct, but not alone, as ever going forth in communion with God. (Comp. the use of the same word "with" in <a href="/matthew/13-56.htm" title="And his sisters, are they not all with us? From where then has this man all these things?">Matthew 13:56</a>; <a href="/matthew/26-11.htm" title="For you have the poor always with you; but me you have not always.">Matthew 26:11</a>; <a href="/mark/6-3.htm" title="Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.">Mark 6:3</a>; <a href="/mark/9-19.htm" title="He answers him, and said, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him to me.">Mark 9:19</a>; <a href="/context/1_corinthians/16-6.htm" title="And it may be that I will abide, yes, and winter with you, that you may bring me on my journey wherever I go.">1Corinthians 16:6-7</a>; <a href="/galatians/1-18.htm" title="Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and stayed with him fifteen days.">Galatians 1:18</a>; <a href="/galatians/4-18.htm" title="But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.">Galatians 4:18</a>.) . . . <a href="/commentaries/john/1-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>In Ἐν (En) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the] beginning ἀρχῇ (archē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_746.htm">Strong's 746: </a> From archomai; a commencement, or chief. was ἦν (ēn) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Word, Λόγος (Logos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Word Λόγος (Logos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression. was ἦν (ēn) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. with πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. God, Θεόν (Theon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Word Λόγος (Logos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression. was ἦν (ēn) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. God. Θεὸς (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/1-1.htm">NT Gospels: John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/24-53.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 24:53"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 24:53" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/1-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 1:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 1:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>