A Greek Lesson on John 1:2-18
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
- All Dividing Line Highlights' video productions and credit belong to Alpha and Omega Ministries®. If this video interested you, please visit aomin.org/ or www.sermonaudio... for more of A&O ministry's content
For James White's political content, click here:
www.bitchute.c...
One of the rarest theologians in the evangelical circle that always I trust and enjoy his teachings is Dr White. May the Lord bless & keep you for his glory.
Agreed. Sadly, so many others have a shallow or surface level understanding of scripture.
Have this playing in the background. James White discussing John 1 in Greek really sets the ambiance in the morning.
Wow. My favourite explanation of this passage yet! Dr. White is officially one of my favourite Bible teachers. Can't wait to start learning koine Greek in university a few months from now.
How about creating a playlist of the Greek lessons?
Enjoying the videos! @5:48 isn't comprehend/overcome 2nd aorist, making it past tense, not present?
Awesome exegesis!
I’m not certain if you look at comments here, Dr. White, but what other insight can you offer to those who say that Jesus was only a “conduit” through whom God created the heavens and the earth, because every time Jesus is involved in Creation, a passive tense is used in the Greek?
I think it’s preposterous, but I am not a Greek expert, so it’s difficult to answer.
@TheCountryBumpkin7 Yeah, the people I’ve come across who say “conduit,” reject the Trinity. I never bothered to ask what faith they belonged to, but it sounds very close to the Jehova’s Witnesses.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.”-John 1:1, New World Translation.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”-John 1:1, New International Version. a
Meaning of John 1:1
This scripture reveals
This scripture reveals details about Jesus Christ’s life before he came to earth as a human. (John 1:14-17) In verse 14, “the Word” (or “the Logos,” Greek, ho loʹgos) is used as a title. The title “the Word” apparently describes Jesus’ role in communicating God’s commands and instructions to others. Jesus continued to make known God’s word during his ministry on earth and after he returned to heaven.-John 7:16; Revelation 1:1.
“The beginning” refers to the time when God began his creative work and produced the Word. Thereafter, the Word was used by God in the creation of all other things. (John 1:2, 3) The Bible states that Jesus is “the firstborn of all creation” and that “by means of him all other things were created.”-Colossians 1:15, 16.
The phrase “the Word was a god” describes the divine or godlike nature that Jesus possessed before he came to earth. He can be described in this way because of his role as God’s Spokesman and his unique position as the firstborn Son of God through whom God created all other things.
Context of John 1:1
The Bible book of John is an account of Jesus’ earthly life and ministry. The opening verses of the first chapter reveal Jesus’ prehuman existence, his unique relationship with God, and his central role in God’s dealings with humans. (John 1:1-18) Those details help us to understand what Jesus said and did during his ministry on earth.-John 3:16; 6:38; 12:49, 50; 14:28; 17:5.
Misconceptions About John 1:1
Misconception: The last phrase in John 1:1 should be translated “the Word was God.”
Fact: While many Bible translators render the verse this way, others see the need to render it differently. In the original-language text, the two occurrences of “God” (Greek, the·osʹ) at John 1:1 are grammatically different. In the first occurrence, the word “God” is preceded by the Greek definite article, while the article does not appear before the second occurrence. Many scholars note that the absence of the definite article before the second the·osʹ is significant. For example, The Translator’s New Testament says regarding this absence of the article: “In effect it gives an adjectival quality to the second use of Theos (God) so that the phrase means ‘The Word was divine.’” b Other scholars c and Bible translations point to this same distinction.-See “ John 1:1 From Additional Translations.”
Misconception: The verse teaches that the Word is the same as Almighty God.
Fact: The statement “the Word was with God” indicates that two separate persons are discussed in the verse. It is not possible for the Word to be “with God” and at the same time be God Almighty. The context also confirms that the Word is not Almighty God. John 1:18 states that “no man has seen God at any time.” However, people did see the Word, Jesus, for John 1:14 states that “the Word became flesh and resided among us, and we had a view of his glory.”
Misconception: The Word has always existed.
Fact: The “beginning” referred to in this verse cannot mean “the beginning” of God, because God had no beginning. Jehovah d God is “from everlasting to everlasting.” (Psalm 90:1, 2) However, the Word, Jesus Christ, did have a beginning. He is “the beginning of the creation by God.”-Revelation 3:14.
Misconception: To call the Word “a god” teaches polytheism, the worship of many gods.
Fact: The Greek word for “God” or “god” (the·osʹ) often corresponds to the Hebrew words ʼel and ʼelo·himʹ, used in what is commonly called the Old Testament. These Hebrew words are thought to convey the basic meaning “Mighty One; Strong One” and are used with reference to the almighty God, other gods, and even humans. (Psalm 82:6; John 10:34) The Word is the one through whom God created all other things, so he certainly could be described as a mighty one. (John 1:3) Describing the Word as “a god” is in line with the prophecy at Isaiah 9:6, which foretold that God’s chosen one, the Messiah or Christ, would be called “Mighty God” (Hebrew, ʼEl Gib·bohrʹ), but not “God Almighty” (ʼEl Shad·daiʹ, as in Genesis 17:1; 35:11; Exodus 6:3; Ezekiel 10:5).
The Bible does not teach polytheism. Jesus Christ said: “It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.” (Matthew 4:10) The Bible states: “For even though there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, just as there are many ‘gods’ and many ‘lords,’ there is actually to us one God, the Father, from whom all things are and we for him; and there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things are and we through him.”-1 Corinthians 8:5, 6.
John 1:1 From Additional Translations
“In the beginning the Word existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was divine.”-The Bible-An American Translation, 1935, by J.M.P. Smith and E. J. Goodspeed.
“The Logos existed in the very beginning, the Logos was with God, the Logos was divine.”-The Bible-Containing the Old and New Testaments, 1950, by James Moffatt.
“The Word was in the beginning, and the word was with God, and the word was a god.”-The New Testament in an Improved Version, 1808, edited by Thomas Belsham, based on a New Testament translation by William Newcome.
“In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with God. So the Word was divine.”-The Authentic New Testament, 1958, by Hugh J. Schonfield.
a Wording is the same in the King James Version.
b The Translator’s New Testament, page 451.
c Scholar Jason David BeDuhn states that the absence of the definite article makes the two occurrences of “God” “as different as ‘a god’ is from ‘God’ in English.” He adds: “In John 1:1, the Word is not the one-and-only God, but is a god, or divine being.”-Truth in Translation: Accuracy and Bias in English Translations of the New Testament, pages 115, 122, and 123.
d Jehovah is God’s personal name.-Psalm 83:18.
@@williamcruz2466 That’s quite a ramble Totally wrong, because the Bible makes clear that Jesus is not a created being - but exists from eternity like the Father. Jesus is the only other person in all of Scripture besides the Lord Yahweh in the Septuagint translation of Deuteronomy and Isaiah, who refers to himself as ego eimi without the expected predicate - and he does this multiple times in all 4 gospels - clearly claiming to be the same Lord Yahweh as the one in Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
You have this all wrong, because you are blinded by a commitment to an anti-biblical, anti-Christian doctrine.
BTW - the New World “Translation” was proven not to be an actual translation (because nobody actually translated anything), but a grossly inaccurate sectarian paraphrase - in a court of law in Scotland in the 1950s
@williamcruz2466 That's OK Dr James White is more qualified in New Testament Greek than all the Jehovah Witness including the GB.
And Dr James White has already explained John 1:1 for us.
And those Translators you quoted to back you up. If we researched them what will we find?
They are your Unitarian brothers?
@@williamcruz2466that is an awful lot of false information.
I am teaching myself (though had one semester) Attic and Koine Greek. Your lessons are very helpful and logically presented. However, I am put of by the Erasmian pronunciation, which I find sounds very artificial. There are reconstructed and modern (historical) Greek of which I am trying to use the latter.
Does James have any videos on teaching Greek??
Wow!
Jinan, a Yezidi who tells her story in a book i read, mentions there are still people who are disciples of John the Baptist in Irak today.
What's her last name ?
@@gunsandblanks706 Cant remember. Hrr Book is called "slave of Isis"
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.”-John 1:1, New World Translation.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”-John 1:1, New International Version. a
Meaning of John 1:1
This scripture reveals
This scripture reveals details about Jesus Christ’s life before he came to earth as a human. (John 1:14-17) In verse 14, “the Word” (or “the Logos,” Greek, ho loʹgos) is used as a title. The title “the Word” apparently describes Jesus’ role in communicating God’s commands and instructions to others. Jesus continued to make known God’s word during his ministry on earth and after he returned to heaven.-John 7:16; Revelation 1:1.
“The beginning” refers to the time when God began his creative work and produced the Word. Thereafter, the Word was used by God in the creation of all other things. (John 1:2, 3) The Bible states that Jesus is “the firstborn of all creation” and that “by means of him all other things were created.”-Colossians 1:15, 16.
The phrase “the Word was a god” describes the divine or godlike nature that Jesus possessed before he came to earth. He can be described in this way because of his role as God’s Spokesman and his unique position as the firstborn Son of God through whom God created all other things.
Context of John 1:1
The Bible book of John is an account of Jesus’ earthly life and ministry. The opening verses of the first chapter reveal Jesus’ prehuman existence, his unique relationship with God, and his central role in God’s dealings with humans. (John 1:1-18) Those details help us to understand what Jesus said and did during his ministry on earth.-John 3:16; 6:38; 12:49, 50; 14:28; 17:5.
Misconceptions About John 1:1
Misconception: The last phrase in John 1:1 should be translated “the Word was God.”
Fact: While many Bible translators render the verse this way, others see the need to render it differently. In the original-language text, the two occurrences of “God” (Greek, the·osʹ) at John 1:1 are grammatically different. In the first occurrence, the word “God” is preceded by the Greek definite article, while the article does not appear before the second occurrence. Many scholars note that the absence of the definite article before the second the·osʹ is significant. For example, The Translator’s New Testament says regarding this absence of the article: “In effect it gives an adjectival quality to the second use of Theos (God) so that the phrase means ‘The Word was divine.’” b Other scholars c and Bible translations point to this same distinction.-See “ John 1:1 From Additional Translations.”
Misconception: The verse teaches that the Word is the same as Almighty God.
Fact: The statement “the Word was with God” indicates that two separate persons are discussed in the verse. It is not possible for the Word to be “with God” and at the same time be God Almighty. The context also confirms that the Word is not Almighty God. John 1:18 states that “no man has seen God at any time.” However, people did see the Word, Jesus, for John 1:14 states that “the Word became flesh and resided among us, and we had a view of his glory.”
Misconception: The Word has always existed.
Fact: The “beginning” referred to in this verse cannot mean “the beginning” of God, because God had no beginning. Jehovah d God is “from everlasting to everlasting.” (Psalm 90:1, 2) However, the Word, Jesus Christ, did have a beginning. He is “the beginning of the creation by God.”-Revelation 3:14.
Misconception: To call the Word “a god” teaches polytheism, the worship of many gods.
Fact: The Greek word for “God” or “god” (the·osʹ) often corresponds to the Hebrew words ʼel and ʼelo·himʹ, used in what is commonly called the Old Testament. These Hebrew words are thought to convey the basic meaning “Mighty One; Strong One” and are used with reference to the almighty God, other gods, and even humans. (Psalm 82:6; John 10:34) The Word is the one through whom God created all other things, so he certainly could be described as a mighty one. (John 1:3) Describing the Word as “a god” is in line with the prophecy at Isaiah 9:6, which foretold that God’s chosen one, the Messiah or Christ, would be called “Mighty God” (Hebrew, ʼEl Gib·bohrʹ), but not “God Almighty” (ʼEl Shad·daiʹ, as in Genesis 17:1; 35:11; Exodus 6:3; Ezekiel 10:5).
The Bible does not teach polytheism. Jesus Christ said: “It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.” (Matthew 4:10) The Bible states: “For even though there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, just as there are many ‘gods’ and many ‘lords,’ there is actually to us one God, the Father, from whom all things are and we for him; and there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things are and we through him.”-1 Corinthians 8:5, 6.
John 1:1 From Additional Translations
“In the beginning the Word existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was divine.”-The Bible-An American Translation, 1935, by J.M.P. Smith and E. J. Goodspeed.
“The Logos existed in the very beginning, the Logos was with God, the Logos was divine.”-The Bible-Containing the Old and New Testaments, 1950, by James Moffatt.
“The Word was in the beginning, and the word was with God, and the word was a god.”-The New Testament in an Improved Version, 1808, edited by Thomas Belsham, based on a New Testament translation by William Newcome.
“In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with God. So the Word was divine.”-The Authentic New Testament, 1958, by Hugh J. Schonfield.
a Wording is the same in the King James Version.
b The Translator’s New Testament, page 451.
c Scholar Jason David BeDuhn states that the absence of the definite article makes the two occurrences of “God” “as different as ‘a god’ is from ‘God’ in English.” He adds: “In John 1:1, the Word is not the one-and-only God, but is a god, or divine being.”-Truth in Translation: Accuracy and Bias in English Translations of the New Testament, pages 115, 122, and 123.
d Jehovah is God’s personal name.-Psalm 83:18.
@williamcruz2465, The Baha’i Faith’s understanding of Christ (the Word, the Logos, the Primal Will, the First Cause…) is that He is a preexistent Reality which transcends time and space, and therefore, He has been great eternally in the past and will be great eternally into the future--whether He is manifested in a physical body or without a physical body. The proof of His greatness, long before He had manifested Himself through Jesus, the Son of Mary, is in the following well-known verse you have attempted to expound on:
“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.“
(John 1:1 NLT)
Also,
“The Father and I are one.”
(John 10:30 NLT)
Christ is not Jesus’ last name (at that time no one had last names) but is a title associated or correlated with Jesus, but not caused by Jesus (“correlation is not causation”). It refers to an unsurpassed spiritual, eternal Reality--manifested with or without a physical body. Both the Bible and the Baha’i Faith, rationally, scripturally and inductively/ deductively assert that this divine eternal Reality (Logos, Christ) has revealed His will and purpose from age to age, bearing a new name according to the limits and requirements of each age. There are also NO time limitations which we humans can apply to try to box in the creative “Word” (Logos, Christ). That’s what the Bible teaches. Reflect on what the Bible says about God. Does Christ’s eternal reality consist of a mere physical body, or is He a Spirit! You equate Jesus with God--the Bible does not claim such a thing, but even if we assume that to be true, then you are compelled to accept the non-physical true reality of God:
“God [is] a Spirit”…
(John 4:24 KJV)
Of course, as Baha’is we believe God is All-Powerful and His will and purpose do not have to fit into our human wishes and desires. Two thousand years ago, as in every other age throughout all human history, Christ (the Word, the Logos, the Primal Will, the First Cause…) had chosen to reflect His divine “attributes and will” through a physical body (Jesus) for some 30 or 33 years, but most Christians forget that “His greatness” did not begin 2000 years ago or 3000 or 5000 years ago, nor did it begin upon revealing His will through the mere physical body of the man we call, the Jesus of Nazareth. His greatness is eternal, and therefore, timeless and independent of all His earthly existence throughout human history.
The Encyclopedia Britannica states:
“The identification of Jesus with the logos [the Word, the Christ, the Primal Will, the First Cause…], which is implied in various places in the New Testament but stated specifically in The Gospel According to John, was further developed in the early church but more on the basis of Greek philosophical ideas than on Old Testament motifs. This development was dictated by attempts made by early Christian theologians and apologists to express the Christian faith in terms that would be intelligible to the Hellenistic world and to impress their hearers with the view that Christianity was superior to, or heir to, all that was best in pagan philosophy. Thus, in their apologies and polemical works, the early Apostolic (Christian) Fathers stated that Christ, as the preexistent logos, (1) reveals the Father to humankind and is the subject of the Old Testament manifestations of God; (2) is the divine reason in which the whole human race shares, so that Heraclitus and others who lived with reason were Christians before Christ; and (3) is the divine will and word by which the worlds were framed.”
This eternal Reality we call Christ or Logos has manifested himself from age to age with a new name and a new attribute. At one time He had manifested himself through Noah--at another time, He had manifested himself through Abraham-- He then manifested through Krishna, Moses, Buddha and then the Jesus of Nazareth and then Muhammad. He also had promised to return again and speak through a new name:
“…. And I will also write on them my new name.”
(Revelation 3:12)
In this age He has returned again as promised, and has manifested Himself through Bahá’u’lláh (it means “the Glory of God”).
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
(1 Corinthians 10:31)
“Suddenly, the glory of the God of Israel appeared from the east. The sound of his coming was like the roar of rushing waters, and the whole landscape shone with his glory.”
(Ezekiel 43:2)
“When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God.“
(Romans 6:10)
“The heavens proclaim the glory of God.”…
(Psalm 19:1)
Investigate the Baha’i Faith.
Jesus is created why does the Watchtower add the word “other” four times in Col. 1:15-17 (please look at their Kingdom Interlinear Translation) ? Without the word “other” we see that Jesus created all things and cannot therefore be created.
Hi. When we study God’s word it is important not to isolate any text. When we read the word ‘ALL’ at John 1:3 and at Col 1:16 and 1 Cor. 15:24-28, and at 1 Cor. 8:56 Our understanding should be in harmony with the whole Bible. Sometimes that require comparing one text against another. This will help us to avoid contradictions. Let us look at how the word “ALL” is used in the scriptures.
We should note that The Greek word rendered “all things” is panʹta, an inflected form of pas. At Luke 13:2, RS renders this “all other”; JB reads “any other”; NE says “anyone else.” (See also Luke 21:29 in NE and Philippians 2:21)
But how could Jesus be a created creature if “in him all things were created”? At times the Bible uses the word “all” in a way that allows for exceptions, sometimes “all is applied to all within a group. For example, we read at 1 Corinthians 15:27 (CB): “But when it says, ‘All things are put in subjection under him [Jesus Christ],’ it is plain that he [God] is excepted who put all things under him.” As a further illustration the Bible states that “through one man,” Adam, “death spread to all men.” (Rom. 5:12, CB) Though Adam was not part of the “all men” to whom death “spread” (since previous to Adam there was no human who could have spread death to him), he was nonetheless a man. Similarly, though Jesus was not part of the “all things” that came into existence through him, he was, nevertheless, a created person, the very first creature of God. The Greek word panta in certain contexts means “all other,” as in
1 Corinthians 15:24 “Next, the end, when he hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father, when he has brought to nothing ALL government and ALL authority and power.
Obviously, God’s government would not be included.
As “Wisdom” in his prehuman existence, Jesus goes on to say that he was “by his [God’s] side, a master craftsman.” (Proverbs 8:30, JB) In harmony with this role as master craftsman, Colossians 1:16 says of Jesus that “through him God created everything in heaven and on earth.”-Today’s English Version (TEV). So, it was by means of this master worker, his junior partner, as it were, that Almighty God created all other things. The Bible summarizes the matter this way: “For us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things . . . and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things.” 1 Corinthians 8:6, RS, Catholic edition.
There are other examples where the word “all” is referring to all within a group.
GEN. 6:12-13 God said to Noah the end of all flesh.
Noah and his family were not part of all flesh.
JOEL 2:28 I will pour out my spirit on all flesh.
Only all of Israel.
MATT. 10:22 Jesus said.” You will be hated by all men”.
Once again all within a group. All opposers will hate Christians.
Rev. 13:8 It was permitted to wage war with the holy ones and conquer them, and it was given authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation. 8 And all those who dwell on the earth will worship it. From the founding of the world, not one of their names has been written in the scroll of life of the Lamb who was slaughtered.
Obviously “all” would not include the holy ones.
MATT. 21:22 And all the things you ask in prayer, having faith, you will receive. All things according to Gods will.
All according to God’s will. Not all the things you want. If anyone ask for a house, car, or 10 million dollars. Will God give it? NO.
Therefore, when the NWT uses “all others” it is appropriate. It should be noted that only Jesus is call the only begotten son. The Father and the Holy Spirit is never called the “SON”. Furthermore, the Holy Spirt and the Son are never called father. The reason should be clear. The Father Jehovah directly
A lot of reputable Biblical scholars disagree with his explanation. He is speaking to an audience who know nothing about Greek or bible translation, so he appears to sound credible. His explanation cannot stand scrutiny among other reputable scholars who disagree with him. He is definitely no authority in Bible translation
Telling the base exactly what they want to hear...
Yep ...
Just White's typical course in Trinitarian philosophy 101 masquerading as "Greek scholarship." ...
And anyone who doesn't blindly swallow it all, are naturally dismissed as a "cult" or "heretic" by him and his followers of course. ....
You have no idea what he's talking about but you don't like it so it must be wrong 😂
I think it is important to understand, all scripture origin is Hebrew.....not one Hebrew would write Holy Scripture "The Word of God" in a Gentile Language. We know, the Torah, Tanakh, Psalms and Proverbs all in Hebrew, they studied, read the Holy Bible daily, they memorized it and remember, the Lord came but only for the Lost Sheep of Israel. When Paul spoke to Israel, he spoke Hebrew....when the Lord spoke to Paul, he spoke Hebrew. Their names are all Hebrew names!
By the word of Nehemiah, it would be a sin not to speak Hebrew....Hebrew is the Language of their Fathers! So, the Hebrew bible was translated into Greek, Aramaic, Latin and many other languages including English.
Example: Matthew 27:47 Why did he and others hear this? Answer: Because in Hebrew Mark 15:34/Matthew 27:46 sounds similar to Elijah but the Lord called on the God....Ref - Nehemiah Gordon Clips (youtube channel) "Jesus Spoke Hebrew"
Next Acts 21:40 and 22:2 and Acts 26:14
Read Nehemiah 13:23-24 kjv.
Not all scripture is Hebrew, bud.
There’s better arguments that there’s more of the New Testament that could’ve been originally penned in Aramaic than Hebrew.
Nobody spoke Hebrew as a primary language in Judea as it was already dead. It was equivalent to Latin in the 10th century. It’s there for formality. Not for everyday folk.
If you believe NT scripture was originally written in Hebrew, that would have to mean it was not intended to be read by the common folk. Hence where the arguments for Aramaic and Greek come into play.
@@CC-iu7sq 100% Hebrew....translated into many other languages. Hebrew gospel or the Word of God would not be originally pinned in a gentile language.
I think you need to read Acts 21:40, 22:2 and 26:14 kjv also John 19:20 and Matthew 27:46-47....in arimaic, God is clear, you can not confuse the name, but in Hebrew Eli sounds like Elijah. Below
Google Search Results:
Yes, "Eli" is considered a shortened version of "Elijah" in Hebrew, meaning "Eli" is very similar to "Elijah" and can be seen as a nickname for it; both names share the root "El" which means "my God" in Hebrew.
Lastly, He came for the Lost Sheep of Israel and that's it...even his name is Hebrew, his Apostles are all Hebrew names! Israel speaks Hebrew! The Torah - Hebrew, Tanakh - Hebrew Psalms - Hebrew and Yes, the origin of the Gospels of Yehoshua the Hamashiach is Hebrew!
You've been lied to...just as I was until the day I read and studied the scripture for the truth.
Peace!
Logos = Jesus. God = trinity. In the beginning was Jesus, and Jesus was with the trinity, and Jesus was the trinity. Jesus was in the beginning with the trinityl
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.”-John 1:1, New World Translation.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”-John 1:1, New International Version. a
Meaning of John 1:1
This scripture reveals
This scripture reveals details about Jesus Christ’s life before he came to earth as a human. (John 1:14-17) In verse 14, “the Word” (or “the Logos,” Greek, ho loʹgos) is used as a title. The title “the Word” apparently describes Jesus’ role in communicating God’s commands and instructions to others. Jesus continued to make known God’s word during his ministry on earth and after he returned to heaven.-John 7:16; Revelation 1:1.
“The beginning” refers to the time when God began his creative work and produced the Word. Thereafter, the Word was used by God in the creation of all other things. (John 1:2, 3) The Bible states that Jesus is “the firstborn of all creation” and that “by means of him all other things were created.”-Colossians 1:15, 16.
The phrase “the Word was a god” describes the divine or godlike nature that Jesus possessed before he came to earth. He can be described in this way because of his role as God’s Spokesman and his unique position as the firstborn Son of God through whom God created all other things.
Context of John 1:1
The Bible book of John is an account of Jesus’ earthly life and ministry. The opening verses of the first chapter reveal Jesus’ prehuman existence, his unique relationship with God, and his central role in God’s dealings with humans. (John 1:1-18) Those details help us to understand what Jesus said and did during his ministry on earth.-John 3:16; 6:38; 12:49, 50; 14:28; 17:5.
Misconceptions About John 1:1
Misconception: The last phrase in John 1:1 should be translated “the Word was God.”
Fact: While many Bible translators render the verse this way, others see the need to render it differently. In the original-language text, the two occurrences of “God” (Greek, the·osʹ) at John 1:1 are grammatically different. In the first occurrence, the word “God” is preceded by the Greek definite article, while the article does not appear before the second occurrence. Many scholars note that the absence of the definite article before the second the·osʹ is significant. For example, The Translator’s New Testament says regarding this absence of the article: “In effect it gives an adjectival quality to the second use of Theos (God) so that the phrase means ‘The Word was divine.’” b Other scholars c and Bible translations point to this same distinction.-See “ John 1:1 From Additional Translations.”
Misconception: The verse teaches that the Word is the same as Almighty God.
Fact: The statement “the Word was with God” indicates that two separate persons are discussed in the verse. It is not possible for the Word to be “with God” and at the same time be God Almighty. The context also confirms that the Word is not Almighty God. John 1:18 states that “no man has seen God at any time.” However, people did see the Word, Jesus, for John 1:14 states that “the Word became flesh and resided among us, and we had a view of his glory.”
Misconception: The Word has always existed.
Fact: The “beginning” referred to in this verse cannot mean “the beginning” of God, because God had no beginning. Jehovah d God is “from everlasting to everlasting.” (Psalm 90:1, 2) However, the Word, Jesus Christ, did have a beginning. He is “the beginning of the creation by God.”-Revelation 3:14.
Misconception: To call the Word “a god” teaches polytheism, the worship of many gods.
Fact: The Greek word for “God” or “god” (the·osʹ) often corresponds to the Hebrew words ʼel and ʼelo·himʹ, used in what is commonly called the Old Testament. These Hebrew words are thought to convey the basic meaning “Mighty One; Strong One” and are used with reference to the almighty God, other gods, and even humans. (Psalm 82:6; John 10:34) The Word is the one through whom God created all other things, so he certainly could be described as a mighty one. (John 1:3) Describing the Word as “a god” is in line with the prophecy at Isaiah 9:6, which foretold that God’s chosen one, the Messiah or Christ, would be called “Mighty God” (Hebrew, ʼEl Gib·bohrʹ), but not “God Almighty” (ʼEl Shad·daiʹ, as in Genesis 17:1; 35:11; Exodus 6:3; Ezekiel 10:5).
The Bible does not teach polytheism. Jesus Christ said: “It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.” (Matthew 4:10) The Bible states: “For even though there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, just as there are many ‘gods’ and many ‘lords,’ there is actually to us one God, the Father, from whom all things are and we for him; and there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things are and we through him.”-1 Corinthians 8:5, 6.
John 1:1 From Additional Translations
“In the beginning the Word existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was divine.”-The Bible-An American Translation, 1935, by J.M.P. Smith and E. J. Goodspeed.
“The Logos existed in the very beginning, the Logos was with God, the Logos was divine.”-The Bible-Containing the Old and New Testaments, 1950, by James Moffatt.
“The Word was in the beginning, and the word was with God, and the word was a god.”-The New Testament in an Improved Version, 1808, edited by Thomas Belsham, based on a New Testament translation by William Newcome.
“In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with God. So the Word was divine.”-The Authentic New Testament, 1958, by Hugh J. Schonfield.
a Wording is the same in the King James Version.
b The Translator’s New Testament, page 451.
c Scholar Jason David BeDuhn states that the absence of the definite article makes the two occurrences of “God” “as different as ‘a god’ is from ‘God’ in English.” He adds: “In John 1:1, the Word is not the one-and-only God, but is a god, or divine being.”-Truth in Translation: Accuracy and Bias in English Translations of the New Testament, pages 115, 122, and 123.
d Jehovah is God’s personal name.-Psalm 83:18.
Cool copy / paste! Too bad it's way off base.