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 Colossians 2:9 and Hebrews 1:3, which speak of the fullness of deity dwelling in Christ.

“In the beginning” (John 1:1) reaches back before Genesis 1:1, declaring that the Word already existed.

• Eternal reality: Before anything was created, the Word was present (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 90:2).

• Outside time: Creation has a starting point; the Word does not (Colossians 1:17; Revelation 22:13).

• Foundation of revelation: Just as creation begins with God, redemption begins with the Word who predates everything (Hebrews 1:10).

The phrase secures our confidence that Jesus did not become divine—He always was.

“was the Word” identifies a specific Person.

• Personal, not abstract: The Word is later said to become flesh (John 1:14), showing He is Jesus Christ (Revelation 19:13).

• Communicating God: Through the Word, God speaks and makes Himself known (Hebrews 1:1-2; 1 John 1:1-2).

• Creative Agent: All things were made through Him (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16).

Because He is the Word, every promise and command of God is embodied in Christ.

“was with God” portrays intimate fellowship.

• Distinction within Deity: The Word is not the Father, yet shares His presence (John 17:5).

• Face-to-face relationship: Perfect communion exists eternally (Proverbs 8:30; 1 John 1:2).

• Basis for the Trinity: One God, yet more than one Person (John 16:28).

This clarifies that Jesus is neither a created being nor an impersonal force; He is a distinct divine Person abiding eternally with the Father.

Here the sentence reaches its apex: the Word shares the very nature of God.

• Full deity affirmed: Jesus is “our great God and Savior” (Titus 2:13; Hebrews 1:8).

• Worship warranted: Thomas’s confession “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28) is appropriate and true.

• Salvation secured: Only God can redeem; because the Word is God, His atoning work is sufficient (Romans 9:5).

Every attribute of God—holiness, power, love, eternity—is fully possessed by the Word.

John 1:1 presents a single, seamless truth: before time began, the eternal Word existed; He is Jesus Christ. He is personally distinct, eternally in fellowship with the Father, and fully God Himself. These four brief phrases ground our understanding of creation, revelation, redemption, and worship, calling us to trust and adore the Lord Jesus, the eternal Word who is God.

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 John 1:18, and "Let us make man" of Genesis 1:26.) "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 Matthew 13:56; Matthew 26:11; Mark 6:3; Mark 9:19; 1Corinthians 16:6-7; Galatians 1:18; Galatians 4:18.) . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...