John 1:17
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμος
the law
G3551
νόμος
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
3 of 15
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
4 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Μωσέως
Moses
G3475
Μωσέως
Moses
Strong's:
G3475
Word #:
5 of 15
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
ἐδόθη
was given
G1325
ἐδόθη
was given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
6 of 15
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάρις
but grace
G5485
χάρις
but grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
8 of 15
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
12 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
13 of 15
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Cross References
Romans 6:14For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.Hebrews 9:22And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.John 1:14And 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.John 8:32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.John 7:19Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?Genesis 22:18And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.Acts 28:23And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.Galatians 3:17And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.Deuteronomy 5:1And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them.
Historical Context
Moses was revered in Judaism as the supreme prophet and lawgiver. To compare anyone favorably to Moses was extraordinary; to declare someone superior was radical. Yet John presents this comparison as obvious—Christ surpasses Moses as reality surpasses shadow. The early church debated the law's continuing role; this verse establishes that while Moses' law revealed sin, Christ's grace provides salvation.
Questions for Reflection
- How do grace and truth work together in Christ rather than opposing each other?
- What is the proper relationship between law and grace in the Christian life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The contrast between Moses and Christ is explicit: 'the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.' The law was 'given' (edothe, passive voice)—Moses was merely an instrument. Grace and truth 'came' (egeneto)—came into being, arrived personally in Christ. The law was good, holy, and revealed God's will, but it couldn't save. Christ brings what the law pointed toward: redemptive grace and ultimate truth. This is not antithesis but fulfillment—the shadow gives way to substance.