What does John 1:1 mean?
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” identifies Jesus (the “Word”) as eternal, distinct from the Father, yet fully God. It is one of the clearest statements of Christ’s deity.
John deliberately echoes Genesis 1:1. The “Word” (Greek logos) was already there “in the beginning,” showing that Jesus is not a created being but eternal.
The verse holds two truths together: the Word was “with God” (a distinct person) and “was God” (fully divine). A few verses later John adds that this Word “became flesh” — God himself entered the world in Jesus.
Who is the “Word” in John 1:1?
Jesus Christ. John 1:14 says “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” identifying the eternal Word with Jesus.
Original BibleDawn explanation · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.