John 1:2
What does John 1:2 mean?
A plain-English look at John 1:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 1:2 means
This verse reiterates and reinforces the truth presented in verse 1—that the Word's relationship with God existed from the very beginning. It emphasizes the eternal fellowship and close association between the Word and God before creation. The repetition is not redundant but serves to stress the Word's distinct personhood within the Godhead while affirming His co-eternality and shared divine essence. This deep, unbroken communion is vital for understanding the Word’s subsequent role in creation and redemption.
John 1:2 in context
John 1 — The Word Made Flesh
John lifts the curtain higher than any other Gospel. Before there was a Bethlehem, there was the Word — with God, who was God, by whom all things were made. The same Word who was the agent of creation became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. John the Baptist points him out as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world; the first disciples follow him; Nathanael confesses him as the Son of God and King of Israel. The eternal becomes near enough to touch.
- Pre-existence of Christ
- Incarnation
- Light and life
- First disciples
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The same was in the beginning with God.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The same was in the beginning with God.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The same was in the beginning with God.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949This Word was from the first in relation with God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862this one was in the beginning with God;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The same was in the beginning with God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He was in the beginning withGod.
Context
Following the profound declaration of the Word's eternal nature and deity in verse 1, this verse acts as an immediate confirmation and emphasis. It solidifies the idea that the Word's presence with God was not a temporary state but an eternal reality, prior to all created things. This repetition helps to ensure that the reader fully grasps the foundational truth of Jesus' pre-existence and divine relationship, building a firm theological cornerstone for the rest of the chapter.
Sermon ideas from John 1:2
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What John 1:2 teaches us about pre-existence of christ
What John 1:2 teaches us about incarnation
What John 1:2 teaches us about light and life
What John 1:2 teaches us about first disciples
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