Berean Standard Bible
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
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.
Now the Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We saw his glory--the glory of the one and only, full of grace and truth, who came from the Father.
Καὶ ὁ λόγος σὰρξ ἐγένετο καὶ ἐσκήνωσεν ἐν ἡμῖν καὶ ἐθεασάμεθα τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ, δόξαν ὡς μονογενοῦς παρὰ πατρός, πλήρης χάριτος καὶ ἀληθείας.
Kai ho logos sarx egeneto kai eskēnōsen en hēmin kai etheasametha tēn doxan autou, doxan hōs monogenous para patros, plērēs charitos kai alētheias.
The term "Word" in Greek is "Logos," which carries profound philosophical and theological significance. In the context of John's Gospel, "Logos" refers to Jesus Christ as the divine reason and creative order. The concept of "Logos" was familiar to both Jewish and Greek audiences. For Jews, it resonated with the "Word of God" in the Old Testament, which was active in creation, revelation, and deliverance. For Greeks, "Logos" was the principle of order and knowledge. John uses this term to bridge cultural understandings, presenting Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God, the divine reason incarnate.
The phrase "became flesh" is pivotal, emphasizing the incarnation, a cornerstone of Christian doctrine. The Greek word for "flesh" is "sarx," which denotes human nature in its entirety, including its frailty and mortality. This underscores the profound mystery and humility of the incarnation: the eternal "Logos" took on human nature, fully entering into the human experience. This act of becoming flesh signifies God's intimate involvement with His creation, highlighting His love and commitment to redeem humanity.
The Greek word for "dwelling" is "skenoo," which means to pitch a tent or tabernacle. This evokes the imagery of the Old Testament tabernacle, where God's presence dwelt among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. By using this term, John indicates that Jesus is the new tabernacle, the ultimate manifestation of God's presence among His people. This dwelling is not temporary but signifies a permanent, personal, and accessible relationship with God through Christ.
The word "glory" in Greek is "doxa," which refers to the visible manifestation of God's presence and majesty. In the Old Testament, God's glory was often associated with divine appearances and the tabernacle. Here, John asserts that in Jesus, the divine glory is fully revealed. This glory is not just a physical radiance but the revelation of God's character and purpose. The disciples' witness to this glory affirms the truth of Jesus' divine nature and mission.
The phrase "one and only Son" translates the Greek "monogenes," which means unique or only begotten. This term emphasizes the singular and unparalleled relationship between Jesus and the Father. Jesus is not merely a son of God but the unique Son, sharing the same divine essence. This highlights the exclusivity and supremacy of Christ in His role as the mediator between God and humanity.
The preposition "from" in Greek is "para," indicating origin or source. This underscores the intimate relationship and unity between the Father and the Son. Jesus, as the "Logos," originates from the Father, affirming His divine nature and authority. This relationship is foundational to understanding the Trinity, where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct yet one in essence.
The terms "grace" and "truth" are central to the Gospel message. "Grace" (Greek "charis") refers to God's unmerited favor and love, while "truth" (Greek "aletheia") signifies reliability and faithfulness. In Jesus, grace and truth are perfectly embodied and revealed. This fullness indicates that through Christ, believers receive the complete revelation of God's character and the means of salvation. The combination of grace and truth in Jesus assures believers of God's love and the certainty of His promises.
Incarnation: This verse encapsulates the mystery and miracle of the incarnation. God becoming human is a central tenet of Christian belief, expressing God’s willingness to enter into human experience and sufferings.
John 1:14 is a profound declaration of the incarnation, affirming that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human. He reveals the glory of God and brings the fullness of grace and truth to humanity. This verse invites believers to reflect on the significance of God dwelling among us and the transformative power of Christ's presence in the world.
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