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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>1 John 1:1 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/1-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/62_1Jn_01_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 John 1:1 - The Word of Life" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><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/1_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/1_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="/1_john/">1 John</a> > <a href="/1_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="/2_peter/3-18.htm" title="2 Peter 3:18">◄</a> 1 John 1:1 <a href="/1_john/1-2.htm" title="1 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/1_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/1_john/1.htm">New International Version</a> That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. <a href="/nlt/1_john/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. <a href="/esv/1_john/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— <a href="/bsb/1_john/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</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="/blb/1_john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we have gazed upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life-- <a href="/kjv/1_john/1.htm">King James Bible</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="/nkjv/1_john/1.htm">New King James Version</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, concerning the Word of life— <a href="/nasb_/1_john/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— <a href="/nasb/1_john/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— <a href="/nasb77/1_john/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we beheld and our hands handled, concerning the Word of Life— <a href="/lsb/1_john/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we beheld and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— <a href="/amp/1_john/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> [I am writing about] what existed from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life [the One who existed even before the beginning of the world, Christ]— <a href="/csb/1_john/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— <a href="/hcsb/1_john/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the Word of life— <a href="/asv/1_john/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we beheld, and our hands handled, concerning the Word of life <a href="/cev/1_john/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The Word that gives life was from the beginning, and this is the one our message is about. Our ears have heard, our eyes have seen, and our hands have touched this Word. <a href="/erv/1_john/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we beheld, and our hands handled, concerning the Word of life <a href="/gwt/1_john/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The Word of life existed from the beginning. We have heard it. We have seen it. We observed and touched it. <a href="/gnt/1_john/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> We write to you about the Word of life, which has existed from the very beginning. We have heard it, and we have seen it with our eyes; yes, we have seen it, and our hands have touched it. <a href="/isv/1_john/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> What existed from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we observed and touched with our own hands—this is the Word of life! <a href="/msb/1_john/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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="/net/1_john/1.htm">NET Bible</a> This is what we proclaim to you: what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and our hands have touched (concerning the word of life-- <a href="/nheb/1_john/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we saw, and our hands touched, concerning the Word of life <a href="/wbt/1_john/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</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="/wey/1_john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> That which was from the beginning, which we have listened to, which we have seen with our own eyes, and our own hands have handled concerning the Word of Life-- <a href="/web/1_john/1.htm">World English Bible</a> That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we saw, and our hands touched, concerning the Word of life <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_john/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we beheld, and our hands handled, concerning the Word of Life— <a href="/blb/1_john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we have gazed upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life-- <a href="/ylt/1_john/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we did behold, and our hands did handle, concerning the Word of the Life -- <a href="/slt/1_john/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> What was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we beheld, and our own hands felt, concerning the word of life;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_john/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</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="/cpdv/1_john/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> He who was from the beginning, whom we have heard, whom we have seen with our eyes, upon whom we have gazed, and whom our hands have certainly touched: He is the Word of Life. <a href="/nabre/1_john/1.htm">New American Bible</a> What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of life— <a href="/nrsvce/1_john/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_john/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> HE who was from the beginning, the one whom we have heard and seen with our eyes, looked upon and handled with our hands, we declare to you that he is the word of life. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_john/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> We evangelize to you that which was from the beginning, that which we have heard and we have seen, that which we have perceived with our eyes and we have touched with our hands- him who is The Word of Life.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_john/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</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 concerning the Word of life; <a href="/godbey/1_john/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have beheld, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of the life; <a href="/haweis/1_john/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> THAT which was from the beginning, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have gazed upon, and our hands have handled of the word of life; <a href="/mace/1_john/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Concerning the Logos, the author of Life, we declare what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have consider'd, and what has been the object of our touch. <a href="/wey/1_john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> That which was from the beginning, which we have listened to, which we have seen with our own eyes, and our own hands have handled concerning the Word of Life-- <a href="/worrell/1_john/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we gazed upon, and our hands handled, concerning the Word of Life <a href="/worsley/1_john/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <bld>That</bld> which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have contemplated, and our very hands have felt concerning the Word of life, <a href="/parallel/1_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/rlZ5ywDtQGE?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/1_john/1.htm">The Word of Life</a> 1<a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: Ho (RelPro-NNS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">That which</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/575.htm" title="575: ap’ (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">from</a> <a href="/greek/746.htm" title="746: archēs (N-GFS) -- From archomai; a commencement, or chief.">the beginning,</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ho (RelPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">which</a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akēkoamen (V-RIA-1P) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">we have heard,</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ho (RelPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">which</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: heōrakamen (V-RIA-1P) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">we have seen</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">with</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmōn (PPro-G1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">our own</a> <a href="/greek/3788.htm" title="3788: ophthalmois (N-DMP) -- The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy.">eyes,</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ho (RelPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">which</a> <a href="/greek/2300.htm" title="2300: etheasametha (V-AIM-1P) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to look closely at, i.e. perceive; by extension to visit.">we have gazed upon</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/5584.htm" title="5584: epsēlaphēsan (V-AIA-3P) -- From the base of psallo; to manipulate, i.e. Verify by contact; figuratively, to search for.">touched with</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmōn (PPro-G1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">our</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hai (Art-NFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">own</a> <a href="/greek/5495.htm" title="5495: cheires (N-NFP) -- A hand. ">hands—</a> <a href="/greek/4012.htm" title="4012: peri (Prep) -- From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.">this is</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- 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: Logou (N-GMS) -- 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/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2222.htm" title="2222: zōēs (N-GFS) -- Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life.">of life.</a> 2And this is the life that was revealed; we have seen it and testified to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us.…<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="/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1-3</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. / He was with God in the beginning. / Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made. <a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a> The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. <a href="/hebrews/1-1.htm">Hebrews 1:1-2</a> On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. / 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. <a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15-17</a> The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. / 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="/philippians/2-6.htm">Philippians 2:6-7</a> Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, / but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. <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_corinthians/15-45.htm">1 Corinthians 15:45</a> So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam a life-giving spirit. <a href="/luke/24-39.htm">Luke 24:39</a> Look at My hands and My feet. It is I Myself. Touch Me and see—for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” <a href="/acts/4-20.htm">Acts 4:20</a> For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” <a href="/2_peter/1-16.htm">2 Peter 1:16</a> For we did not follow cleverly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. <a href="/genesis/1-1.htm">Genesis 1:1-3</a> In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. / Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. / And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. <a href="/proverbs/8-22.htm">Proverbs 8:22-31</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="/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="/isaiah/53-1.htm">Isaiah 53:1-3</a> Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? / He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no stately form or majesty to attract us, no beauty that we should desire Him. / He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. <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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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;That which.<a href="/1_john/2-13.htm">1 John 2:13</a> I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.<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="/isaiah/41-4.htm">Isaiah 41:4</a> Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.which we have heard.<a href="/1_john/4-14.htm">1 John 4:14</a> And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.<a href="/luke/1-2.htm">Luke 1:2</a> Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of 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.and our.<a href="/luke/24-39.htm">Luke 24:39</a> Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.<a href="/john/20-27.htm">John 20:27</a> Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.the Word.<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.<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="/john/5-26.htm">John 5:26</a> For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_peter/3-4.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-2.htm">Beheld</a> <a href="/romans/4-19.htm">Contemplated</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-18.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-14.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-3.htm">First</a> <a href="/colossians/2-21.htm">Handle</a> <a href="/acts/19-12.htm">Handled</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-19.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-8.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-3.htm">Life</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">Proclaim</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-20.htm">Touched</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-13.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_john/2-7.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/1_john/4-14.htm">Beheld</a> <a href="/john/1-14.htm">Contemplated</a> <a href="/1_john/1-3.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/1_john/2-11.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/1_john/2-7.htm">First</a> <a href="/genesis/4-21.htm">Handle</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-8.htm">Handled</a> <a href="/revelation/7-9.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/1_john/1-3.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/1_john/1-2.htm">Life</a> <a href="/1_john/1-2.htm">Proclaim</a> <a href="/1_john/5-18.htm">Touched</a> <a href="/1_john/1-3.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">1 John 1</div>1. <a href="/1_john/1-1.htm">He describes the person of Christ, in whom we have eternal life, by a communion with God;</a> 5. <a href="/1_john/1-5.htm">to which we must adjoin by walking in the light.</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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_john/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_john/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>That which was from the beginning This phrase emphasizes the eternal nature of Jesus Christ, aligning with the opening of the Gospel of John, "In the beginning was the Word." It underscores the pre-existence of Christ before creation, affirming His divine nature. This echoes <a href="/genesis/1.htm">Genesis 1:1</a>, establishing a connection between the creation narrative and the revelation of Christ. The "beginning" here is not merely a point in time but signifies the eternal existence and divine origin of Jesus.which we have heard The apostle John emphasizes the firsthand experience of the apostles with Jesus. This personal testimony is crucial for establishing the credibility of the message. Hearing Jesus' teachings directly, the apostles were witnesses to His authority and truth. This phrase also highlights the oral tradition of passing down teachings before the New Testament was written, emphasizing the importance of apostolic witness in the early church.which we have seen with our own eyes John stresses the visual confirmation of Jesus' life and ministry. This eyewitness account counters any claims that Jesus was merely a spiritual or mythical figure. The apostles' direct observation of Jesus' miracles, death, and resurrection provides a foundation for their testimony. This aligns with <a href="/2_peter/1-16.htm">2 Peter 1:16</a>, where Peter asserts they were "eyewitnesses of His majesty."which we have gazed upon The term "gazed upon" suggests a deeper, more contemplative observation than merely seeing. It implies a careful and intentional examination of Jesus' life and works. This reflects the intimate relationship the apostles had with Jesus, allowing them to understand His divine nature and mission more fully. This contemplative witnessing is akin to the beholding of God's glory, as seen in <a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>.and touched with our own hands This phrase emphasizes the physical reality of Jesus, countering early Gnostic beliefs that denied His humanity. By touching Jesus, the apostles confirmed His incarnation, affirming that He was fully God and fully man. This tangible interaction is reminiscent of Thomas touching Jesus' wounds post-resurrection (<a href="/john/20-27.htm">John 20:27</a>), reinforcing the truth of the resurrection and the physicality of Jesus' body.this is the Word of life The "Word of life" refers to Jesus as the living revelation of God, the source of eternal life. This title connects to <a href="/john/1.htm">John 1:1</a>, where Jesus is described as the "Word." It signifies that through Jesus, the divine life is made accessible to humanity. The phrase encapsulates the essence of the Gospel message: that in Christ, life—eternal and abundant—is found. This aligns with Jesus' declaration in <a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_apostle.htm">John the Apostle</a> Traditionally believed to be the author of 1 John, he was one of Jesus' closest disciples and an eyewitness to His ministry. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> Referred to as the "Word of life," Jesus is central to this passage as the incarnate Word who was from the beginning. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a> The recipients of this letter, likely a community of believers facing challenges to their faith, including false teachings.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_eternal_nature_of_christ.htm">The Eternal Nature of Christ</a> Jesus is not a created being but has existed from the beginning, affirming His divinity and eternal nature. <a href="/topical/t/the_incarnation.htm">The Incarnation</a> The tangible experiences of hearing, seeing, and touching emphasize the reality of the Incarnation. Jesus was fully God and fully man. <a href="/topical/e/eyewitness_testimony.htm">Eyewitness Testimony</a> The apostle's firsthand experiences provide a reliable foundation for faith, countering false teachings and affirming the truth of the Gospel. <a href="/topical/t/the_word_of_life.htm">The Word of Life</a> Jesus as the "Word of life" signifies that He is the source of both physical and eternal life, offering hope and salvation to all who believe. <a href="/topical/f/faith_and_fellowship.htm">Faith and Fellowship</a> Understanding the reality of who Jesus is strengthens our faith and deepens our fellowship with God and other believers.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_john_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 John 1</a> <a href="/q/proof_of_1_john_1_1_encounter.htm">1 John 1:1 mentions seeing and handling the “Word of life.” Where is the historical or archaeological proof for this physical encounter? </a> <a href="/q/who_was_quadratus_of_athens.htm">Who was Quadratus of Athens?</a> <a href="/q/what_were_the_roman-jewish_wars_about.htm">Was the Word present at the beginning?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_diotrephes'_portrayal_bias.htm">How do we reconcile the portrayal of Diotrephes in 3 John 1:9–10 with potential bias, since we only hear one side? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_john/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>[1.The Exordium (<a href="/context/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 1:1-4</a>).(1)OBJECT AND PURPOSE OF THE APOSTOLIC PREACHING: The setting forth of the historical Christ for the spread of human fellowship with the Father and the Son (<a href="/context/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 1:1-3</a>).(2)DESIGN OF THE EPISTLE: Fulness of joy for those who should read it (<a href="/1_john/1-4.htm" title="And these things write we to you, that your joy may be full.">1John 1:4</a>).](1) That which was from the beginning.--The profound emotion, the hearty sympathy, the tender anxiety which St. John feels as he begins his counsels to his friends, mark off this introduction very distinctly from the parallel passage in the Gospel. There it was calm contemplation of the height and depth of Christ's existence; here he vehemently insists on the personal relation between the Word and those to whom He had been revealed.As in the Gospel, he starts with the grandeur of an indefiniteness beyond which no eye can pierce: At the beginning of all that concerns us, be it world or universe or all creation, there was----that which we are announcing. "That which," not "Him who," because it is not merely the Person of Christ which he is going to declare, but also His Being, all that relates to Him, His gospel, the treasures of wisdom that lay in Him, His truth, all that could be known about Him by human ken.The vibrating eloquence of the passage makes the construction at first sight obscure. But take "that declare we unto you" (<a href="/1_john/1-3.htm" title="That which we have seen and heard declare we to you, that you also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.">1John 1:3</a>) as the principal verb, set aside <a href="/1_john/1-2.htm" title="(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show to you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested to us;)">1John 1:2</a> as a parenthesis, notice the rising climax of <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> (heard, seen, looked upon, handled), pause at the end of <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> to sum up the results of this climax in the words "of (or, that which concerns) the Word of life," and at the beginning of <a href="/1_john/1-3.htm" title="That which we have seen and heard declare we to you, that you also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.">1John 1:3</a> resume the thoughts interrupted by the parenthesis, and all is at once clear. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_john/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - The first clause states what or how the object is in itself; the next three state St. John's relation to it; "which," in the first clause nominative, in the others is accusative. The neuter (ὅ) expresses a collective and comprehensive whole (<a href="/john/4-22.htm">John 4:22</a>; <a href="/john/6-37.htm">John 6:37</a>; <a href="/john/17-2.htm">John 17:2</a>; <a href="/acts/17-23.htm">Acts 17:23</a>, etc.); the attributes of the Λόγος rather than the Λόγος himself are indicated. Or, as Jelf expresses it, "the neuter gender denotes immaterial personality, the masculine or feminine material personality." In the beginning is not quite the same as in <a href="/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1</a>; there St. John tells us that the Word was in existence before the world was created; here that he was in existence before he was manifested. Thus far all is indefinite; the philosopher, about to expound a law of nature, might begin, "That which was from the beginning declare we unto you." What follows is in a climax, making the meaning clearer at each step: seeing is more than hearing, and handling than seeing. The climax is in two pairs, of perfects and of aorists; the aorists giving the past acts, the perfects the permanent results. Together they sum up the apostolic experience of that boundless activity of Christ, of which the world could not contain the full account (<a href="/john/21-25.htm">John 21:25</a>). Beheld ἐθεασάμεθα is more than have seen ἑωράκαμεν. Seeing might be momentary; beholding implies that steady contemplation, for which the beloved disciple had large and abundantly used opportunities. In our hands handled we may see a reference to <a href="/luke/24-39.htm">Luke 24:39</a>, where the same verb is used ψηλαφήσατε; and still more to <a href="/john/20-27.htm">John 20:27</a>, where the demanded test of handling is offered to St. Thomas, provoking the confession of faith to which the whole Gospel leads up, "My Lord and my God!" Had St. John merely said "heard," we might have thought that he meant a doctrine. Had he merely said "heard and seen," we might have understood it of the effects of Christ's doctrine. But "our hands handled" shows clearly that the attributes of the Word become flesh are what St. John insists on, and probably as a contradiction of Docetism. "Those who read his letter could have no doubt that he was referring to the time when he saw the face of Jesus Christ, when he heard his discourses, when he grasped his hand, when he leaned upon his breast" (Maurice). Between the first clause and what follows lies the tremendous fact of the Incarnation; and St. John piles verb on verb, and clause on clause, to show that he speaks with the authority of full knowledge, and that there is no possible room for Ebionite or Cerinthian error. The first clause assures us that Jesus was no mere man; the others assure us that he was really man. Precisely that Being who was in existence from the beginning is that of whom St. John and others have had, and still possess, knowledge by all the means through which knowledge can have access to the mind of man. (For "seeing with the eyes," cf. <a href="/luke/2-30.htm">Luke 2:30</a>; for θεᾶσθαι of contemplating with delight [Stark 16:11, 14], <a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14, 34</a>; <a href="/acts/1-11.htm">Acts 1:11</a>.) Concerning the Word of life. "Concerning" περί may depend on "have heard," and, by a kind of zengma, on the other three verbs also; or on the main verb," we declare." "The Word of life" means "the Word who is the Life," like "the city of Rome,... the Book of Genesis;" the genitive case is "the characterizing or identifying genitive." The περί is strongly against the interpretation, "the word of life," i.e., the life-giving gospel. Had St. John meant this, he would probably have written ὅν ἀκηκόαμεν... τὸν λόγον τῆς ζωῆς ἀπαγγέλλομεν (<a href="/john/5-24.htm">John 5:24, 37</a>; <a href="/john/8-43.htm">John 8:43</a>; <a href="/john/14-24.htm">John 14:24</a>); περί is very frequent of persons (<a href="/john/1-7.htm">John 1:7, 8, 15, 22, 30, 48</a>, etc.). Moreover, the evident connexion between the introductions to his Gospel and Epistle compels us to understand ὁ Λόγος in the same sense in both (see on John 1:1 in this Commentary, and in the 'Cambridge Greek Testament' or 'Bible for Schools'). What St. John has to announce is his own experience of the Eternal Word incarnate, the Eternal Life made manifest (<a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>); his hearing of his words, his seeing with his own eyes his Messianic works, his contemplation of the Divinity which shone through both; his handling of the body of the risen Redeemer. <a href="/commentaries/1_john/1-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>That which Ὃ (Ho) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. 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. from ἀπ’ (ap’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. [the] beginning, ἀρχῆς (archēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_746.htm">Strong's 746: </a> From archomai; a commencement, or chief. which ὃ (ho) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. we have heard, ἀκηκόαμεν (akēkoamen) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. which ὃ (ho) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. we have seen ἑωράκαμεν (heōrakamen) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. with τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <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. our own ἡμῶν (hēmōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. eyes, ὀφθαλμοῖς (ophthalmois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3788.htm">Strong's 3788: </a> The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy. which ὃ (ho) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. we have gazed upon ἐθεασάμεθα (etheasametha) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2300.htm">Strong's 2300: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb; to look closely at, i.e. perceive; by extension to visit. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. touched [with] ἐψηλάφησαν (epsēlaphēsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5584.htm">Strong's 5584: </a> From the base of psallo; to manipulate, i.e. Verify by contact; figuratively, to search for. our ἡμῶν (hēmōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. [own] αἱ (hai) Article - Nominative Feminine Plural <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. hands— χεῖρες (cheires) Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5495.htm">Strong's 5495: </a> A hand. [this is ] περὶ (peri) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4012.htm">Strong's 4012: </a> From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive 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 Λόγου (Logou) Noun - Genitive 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. of life. ζωῆς (zōēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2222.htm">Strong's 2222: </a> Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_john/1-1.htm">1 John 1:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_john/1-1.htm">1 John 1:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_john/1-1.htm">1 John 1:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_john/1-1.htm">1 John 1:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_john/1-1.htm">1 John 1:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_john/1-1.htm">1 John 1:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_john/1-1.htm">1 John 1:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_john/1-1.htm">1 John 1:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_john/1-1.htm">1 John 1:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_john/1-1.htm">1 John 1:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_john/1-1.htm">NT Letters: 1 John 1:1 That which was from the beginning that (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_peter/3-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Peter 3:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Peter 3:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_john/1-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 John 1:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 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>