John 1:14

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

(and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λόγος

G3056

the Word

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

σὰρξ

G4561

flesh

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

ἐγένετο

G1096

was made

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

καὶ

G2532

(and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐσκήνωσεν

G4637

dwelt

to tent or encamp, i.e., (figuratively) to occupy (as a mansion) or (specially), to reside (as god did in the tabernacle of old, a symbol of protectio

ἐν

G1722

among

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἡμῖν

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

#10

καὶ

G2532

(and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#11

ἐθεασάμεθα

G2300

we beheld

to look closely at, i.e., (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by extension to visit

#12

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

δόξαν

G1391

glory

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

#14

αὐτοῦ

G846

his

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#15

δόξαν

G1391

glory

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

#16

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

#17

μονογενοῦς

G3439

of the only begotten

only-born, i.e., sole

#18

παρὰ

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

#19

πατρός

G3962

the Father

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

#20

πλήρης

G4134

full

replete, or covered over; by analogy, complete

#21

χάριτος

G5485

of grace

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

#22

καὶ

G2532

(and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#23

ἀληθείας

G225

truth

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ 1 Timothy 3:16 1 Timothy 3:16
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
— God was manifest in the flesh
² Philippians 2:7 Philippians 2:7
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
— Made in likeness of men

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to John. The concept of grace reflects the essential nature of God revealed through Christ. The emotional and relational language employed here is characteristic of theological biography emphasizing Jesus' divine identity, emphasizing the personal nature of divine-human relationship. The original language emphasizes charis in Greek or hen in Hebrew, emphasizing unmerited divine favor, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the late first century during increasing tension between synagogue and church provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The late first-century Jewish-Christian tensions and Hellenistic thought would have shaped how the original audience understood grace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of grace differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding divine love as presented in this verse, particularly in light of responding to cultural confusion about the nature of love and relationships?
How does the divine love theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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John 1:14

Cross References

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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People

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