In the beginning was [ε ν α ρ χ η η ν]. With evident allusion to the first word of Genesis. But John elevates the phrase from its reference to a point of time, the beginning of creation, to the time of absolute pre - existence before any creation, which is not mentioned until ver. 3. This beginning... [ Continue Reading ]
The same [ο υ τ ο ς]. Literally, this one; the one first named; the Word. Was in the beginning with God. In ver. 1 the elements of this statement have been given separately : the Word, the eternal being of the Word, and his active communion with God. Here they are combined, and with new force. This... [ Continue Reading ]
All things [π α ν τ α]. Regarded severally. The reference is to the infinite detail of creation, rather than to creation as a whole, which is expressed by ta panta, the all (Colossians 1:16). For this reason John avoids the word kosmov, the world, which denotes the world as a great system. Hence Ben... [ Continue Reading ]
In Him was life [ε ν α υ τ ω ζ ω η η ν]. He was the fountain of life - physical, moral, and eternal - its principle and source. Two words for life are employed in the New Testament : biov and zwh. The primary distinction is that zwh means existence as contrasted with death, and biov, the period, mea... [ Continue Reading ]