UnderstandingLogos.com

The Proper Interpretation of the Prologue of John
UnderstandingLogos.com

UnderstandingLogos.com

The Proper Interpretation of the Prologue of John

Understanding Logos

Starting Point: Meaning of “Word” (Logos)

John 1:1 introduces the concept of the “Word” that was at the beginning with God. The Greek word for “Word” is Logos. A look at leading Greek dictionaries (lexicons) gives us the meaning of the word Logos. Our starting point for understanding the prologue of John should be the meaning of the word used in the Greek, “Logos.” Below are entries from a few popular Greek dictionaries (lexicons). 

Dictionary / Lexicon Meaning of Logos (λόγος) translated “Word”

Strong’s Dictionary g3056

λόγος logos; from 3004; something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ): — account, cause, communication, x concerning, doctrine, fame, x have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say(-ing), shew, x speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work.

Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary

(MED) [3364] λόγος logos 330x a word, a thing uttered, Mt. 12:32, 37; 1 Cor. 14:19; speech, language, talk, Mt. 22:15; Lk. 20:20; 2 Cor. 10:10; Jas. 3:2; converse, Lk. 24:17; mere talk, wordy show, 1 Cor. 4:19, 20; Col. 2:23; 1 Jn. 3:18; language, mode of discourse, style of speaking, Mt. 5:37; 1 Cor. 1:17; 1 Thess. 2:5; a saying, a speech, Mk. 7:29; Eph. 4:29; an expression, form of words, formula, Mt. 26:44; Rom. 13:9; Gal. 5:14; a saying, a thing propounded in discourse, Mt. 7:24; 19,11; Jn. 4:37; 6,60; 1 Tim. 1:15; a message, announcement, 2 Cor. 5:19; a prophetic announcement, Jn. 12:38; an account, statement, 1 Pet. 3:15; a story, report, Mt. 28:15; Jn. 4:39; 21,23; 2 Thess. 2:2; a written narrative, a treatise, Acts 1:1; a set discourse, Acts 20:7; doctrine, Jn. 8:31, 37; 2 Tim. 2:17; subject-matter, Acts 15:6; reckoning, account, Mt. 12:36; 18,23; 25,19; Lk. 16:2; Acts 19:40; 20,24; Rom. 9:28; Phil. 4:15, 17; Heb. 4:13; a plea, Mt. 5:32; Acts 19:38; a motive, Acts 10:29; reason, Acts 18:14; ὁ λόγος, the word of God, especially in the Gospel, Mt. 13:21, 22; Mk. 16:20; Lk. 1:2; Acts 6:4; ὁ λόγος, the divine WORD, or Logos, Jn. 1:1 [3056] See message; report; word.

Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament

λόγος, ου, ὁ. related to λέγω (arrange in order); (1) as a general term for speaking, but always with rational content word, speech (MT 22.46); often opposite ἔργον (deed) (1J 3.18); (2) with the specific translation depending on a wide variety of contexts; (a) question (MT 21.24); (b) prophecy (JN 2.22); (c) command (2P 3.5); (d) report (AC 11.22); (e) message, teaching (LU 4.32); (f) declaration, statement, assertion (MT 12.32), opposite μῦθος (legend); (g) plural, of words forming a unity of expression discourse, speech, teaching, conversation (MT 7.24); (h) of what is being discussed subject, thing, matter (MK 9.10); (3) of divine revelation; (a) word, message (of God) (JN 10.35); (b) commandment(s) (MT 15.6); (c) of God’s full self-revelation through Jesus Christ the Word (JN 1.1); (d) of the content of the gospel word, message (LU 5.1); (4) in a somewhat legal or technical sense; (a) accusation, matter, charge; (b) account, reckoning (RO 14.12); (c) reason, motive (AC 10.29)

John 1:1-3, The meaning as attested by early English translations

Logos (translated Word) means something said (including the thought) and could also be understood as spoken wisdom, reasoning, intention, or plan of God. It always pertains to rational content. This is why just about every English translation from the Greek that was before the KJV translation, interpreted the Logos (Word) in John 1:3, as an “it” rather than a “him”. In most modern English translations, John 1:1-3 is typically translated in such a way as to bias the reader to interpret the Word as being a pre-incarnate Christ. However, it should be understood that Logos is an abstract noun that pertains to the aspect of God’s wisdom including his logic, reasoning, intentions, plan, or purpose for humanity. It is through this Logos (Word) that all things became. However, this is not to imply that the Word was a pre-existent person who existed before Jesus was conceived.

Tyndale’s 1526 and 1534 Translations

The first English version of the Scriptures made by direct translation from the original Hebrew and Greek, and the first to be printed, was the work of William Tyndale. Meeting bitter opposition, he was accused of perverting the meaning of the Scriptures. In October 1536, he was publicly executed and burned at the stake. Yet, Tyndale’s work became the foundation of subsequent English versions. William Tyndale translated the prologue of John’s Gospel much differently than popular modern translations. The image to the right is the first page of the Gospel of John of a surviving copy of Tyndale’s 1526 New Testament. 

Modern spelling of John 1:1-5,14 of Tyndale’s 1534 translation:

“In the beginning was the word, and the word was with god: and the word was god. The same was in the beginning with god. All things were made by it, and without it, was made nothing, that was made. In it was life, and the life was the light of men, and the light shineth in the darkness, but the darkness comprehended it not… And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw the glory of it, as the glory of the only begotten son of the father, which word was full of grace and verity.”

 

God made all things by His wisdom / understanding / knowledge

Verses that harmonize with this understanding of Word (Logos) are shown below. 

Proverbs 3:19-20 (ESV)

“The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew.”

Jeremiah 10:12 (ESV)

It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens.

Jeremiah 51:15 (ESV)

It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens.

Psalm 33:6 (LSV)

By the word of YHWH – The heavens have been made – And all their host by the breath of His mouth. 

Psalms 104:24 (ESV)

O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.

Psalms 136:5 (ESV)

to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever;

God possessed wisdom at the beginning of His work

Wisdom is personified in Proverbs 8 as “she/her” but is not literally a preexistent person. This is synonymous with the preexistent logos of the prologue of John. 

Proverbs 8 (ASV) ​

1 Doth not wisdom cry, And understanding put forth her voice?
2 On the top of high places by the way, Where the paths meet, she standeth;
3 Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, At the coming in at the doors, she crieth aloud:
4 Unto you, O men, I call; And my voice is to the sons of men.
5 O ye simple, understand prudence; And, ye fools, be of an understanding heart.
6 Hear, for I will speak excellent things; And the opening of my lips shall be right things.
7 For my mouth shall utter truth; And wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.
9 They are all plain to him that understandeth, And right to them that find knowledge.
10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; And knowledge rather than choice gold.
11 For wisdom is better than rubies; And all the things that may be desired are not to be compared unto it.
12 I wisdom have made prudence my dwelling, And find out knowledge and discretion.
13 The fear of Jehovah is to hate evil: Pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, And the perverse mouth, do I hate.
14 Counsel is mine, and sound knowledge: I am understanding; I have might.
15 By me kings reign, And princes decree justice.
16 By me princes rule, And nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
17 I love them that love me; And those that seek me diligently shall find me.
18 Riches and honor are with me; Yea, durable wealth and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; And my revenue than choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice;
21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance, And that I may fill their treasuries.
22 Jehovah possessed me in the beginning of his way, Before his works of old.
23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Before the earth was.
24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth, When there were no fountains abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills was I brought forth;
26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, Nor the beginning of the dust of the world.
27 When he established the heavens, I was there: When he set a circle upon the face of the deep,
28 When he made firm the skies above, When the fountains of the deep became strong,
29 When he gave to the sea its bound, That the waters should not transgress his commandment, When he marked out the foundations of the earth;
30 Then I was by him, as a master workman; And I was daily his delight, Rejoicing always before him,
31 Rejoicing in his habitable earth; And my delight was with the sons of men.
32 Now therefore, my sons, hearken unto me; For blessed are they that keep my ways.
33 Hear instruction, and be wise, And refuse it not.
34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors.
35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, And shall obtain favor of Jehovah.
36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: All they that hate me love death.

Contextual use of “logos” in John and 1 John

The word logos is used 326 times in the New Testament. A survey of the normal use of logos is consistent with the meaning of the message, reasoning, or plan. Logos is used in John more than thirty times outside the prologue of John. This use gives an indication of what we should understand logos to be.

John 2:22 (ESV), They believed the Scripture and the logos that Jesus had spoken

22 When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word (logos) that Jesus had spoken.

John 10:34-36 (ESV), If he called them gods to whom the logos of God came

34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’? 35 If he called them gods to whom the word (logos) of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken— 36 do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?

John 12:38 (ESV), The word (logos) spoken by the prophet Isaiah

38 so that the word (logos) spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Lord, who has believed what he heard from us, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

John 14:23-24 (ESV), The word (logos) that you hear is not mine but the Father’s

23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word (logos), and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words (logos). And the word (logos) that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.

John 17:14-19 (ESV), I have given them your logos, and the  world has hated them

14 I have given them your word (logos), and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word (logos) is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

1 John 1:1-2 (ESV), The Word (logos) of Life – the eternal life, which was with the Father.

1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word (logos) of life2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us

Contextual use of “logos” in Luke-Acts

Luke 1:1-4 (ESV), That you may have certainty concerning the logos you have been taught

1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word (logos) have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things (logos) you have been taught

Luke 5:1 (ESV), The crowd was pressing in on him to hear the logos of God

1 On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word (logos) of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret

Luke 24:44-47 (ESV), Everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets must be fulfilled

44 Then he said to them, “These are my words (logos) that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

Acts 4:29-31 (ESV), Grant to your servants to continue to speak your logos with all boldness

29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word (logos) with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word (logos) of God with boldness.

Acts 10:34-44 (ESV), The word – preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ

34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 As for the word (logos) that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word (logos).

Acts 13:26-33 (ESV), To us has been sent the message (logos) of this salvation

26 “Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message (logos) of this salvation. 27 For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. 28 And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29 And when they had carried out all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. 32 And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, 33 this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, “‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you.’  

Acts 18:5 (ESV), Paul was occupied with the word (logos), testifying that Christ was Jesus

5 When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word (logos), testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus.

According to Paul, God’s logos (divine plan) centers on the gospel of Jesus, the Anointed

Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s logos (spoken wisdom) and is the center of God’s plan and purpose for humanity—to reconcile all things to himself through Christ. The manifold wisdom of God is God’s eternal purpose realized in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:18-25 (ESV), The logos of the cross – Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God

18 For the word (logos) of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” 20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Galatians 4:4-5 (ESV), God sent  forth his Son, to redeem – so that we might receive adoption as sons

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.”

Ephesians 1:3-5 (ESV), He predestined us for adoption according to the purpose of his will

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.”

Ephesians 1:7-13 (ESV), The word (logos) of truth the gospel of your salvation

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word (logos) of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit

Ephesians 3:9-11 (ESV), The plan – the manifold  wisdom of God – the eternal purpose he has realized in Christ Jesus

“to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Colossians 3:16 (ESV), Let the word (logos) of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom

16 Let the word (logos) of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 (ESV),  God has destined to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus  Christ

“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.”

2 Timothy 1:8-10 (ESV), His own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began

“God who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus.”

Titus 1:2-3 (ESV), The hope of eternal life—promised before the ages began – at the proper time manifested in his word

 2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began 3 and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior;

Logos in Revelation

Revelation 1:1-3 (ESV), Witness to the word (logos) of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ

1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word (logos) of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words (logos) of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

Revelation 1:9 (ESV), On account of the word (logos) of God and the testimony of Jesus

9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word (logos) of God and the testimony of Jesus.

Revelation 17:17 (ESV), To carry out his purpose – until the words (logos) of God are fulfilled

17 for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words (logos) of God are fulfilled.

Revelation 19:9-16 (ESV), The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy – the name by which he is called is the Word of God

9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words (logos) of God.” 10 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. 11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is the Word (logos) of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

  • In this context, which is a prophecy, Jesus is called the Word (logos) of God on account of the fact that “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Rev 19:10)

The Meaning of pros in John 1:1 – “and the Word was with (pros) God”

The Greek word often translated “with” in John 1:1b is pros (πρὸς). Pros most literally means “toward”. Thus, a more literal translation of John 1:1b is“ the Word was toward the God”. 

The diagram shows Greek prepositions, including Pros “toward.” As you can see from the diagram it can also be understood to mean “facing” (something that is toward something else is facing it). To say that the logos (spoken-wisdom) was facing God is to say that it was in view of God. That is, it can be understood that the thoughts of God were in the forefront of God’s awareness (in that sense they were with God). 

“Toward” the God can also imply “according to God” or “pertaining to God” as describing an aspect of God relating to God’s wisdom, intentions, plan, purpose, reasoning, logic, ect.

Translating pros as “with” gives a bias to make the reader think of it as a person with another person. Pros most literally means toward but can mean “with” in various senses such as someone with someone else or something with someone such as a person’s thoughts being with them. Another Greek word meta (μετὰ) more consistently means “with” in the sense of a person being with another person, For example, 1 John 1:3, “…indeed our fellowship is with (meta) the Father and with (meta) his Son Jesus Christ.” If the author of John understood the logos to be a person with God, it is more likely that he would have used the word meta given his use of the word meta in 1 John 1:3.

John 1:1-4, 14—What does the Greek Say?

English translations are typically translated in a biased way in support of Trinitarian theology. To get a clearer idea of what the Greek actually says, the Greek text for John 1:1-4, 14 is provided below, followed by Literal and Interpretative translations from Greek. 

John 1:1-4, 14 (NA28)

1 Ἐν ἀρχῇ ἦν ὁ λόγος, καὶ ὁ λόγος ἦν πρὸς τὸν θεόν, καὶ θεὸς ἦν ὁ λόγος.

2 οὗτος ἦν ἐν ἀρχῇ πρὸς τὸν θεόν.

3 πάντα διʼ αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο, καὶ χωρὶς αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο οὐδὲ ἕν. ὃ γέγονεν

4 ἐν αὐτῷ ζωὴ ἦν, καὶ ἡ ζωὴ ἦν τὸ φῶς τῶν ἀνθρώπων·

14 Καὶ ὁ λόγος σὰρξ ἐγένετο καὶ ἐσκήνωσεν ἐν ἡμῖν, καὶ ἐθεασάμεθα τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ, δόξαν ὡς μονογενοῦς παρὰ πατρός, πλήρης χάριτος καὶ ἀληθείας.

Literal and Interpretative Translations

Both literal and interpretative translations are provided below for John 1:1-3, 14.  The Literal translation is based on a complete interlinear table available here: John 1:1-4, 14 Interlinear 

John 1:1-4, 14, Literal Translation

1 In beginning was the Word

and the Word was toward the God,

and God was the Word.

2 This was in beginning toward the God.

3 All through this it was caused-to-be

and apart of this it was caused-to-be not one.

What is caused-to-be 4 in it life was,

and the life was the light of men

14 And the Word – flesh – it was caused-to-be

and was dwelling in us,

and we saw the glory

of even glory as of unique from the father,

full of grace and of truth.

John 1:1-4, 14 Interpretative Translation

1 At first was the plan,

and the plan was pertaining to the God,

and a divine thing was the plan.

2 The plan was at first pertaining to the God.

3  All things through the plan was made,

and apart from the plan nothing was made.

What is made 4 in the plan was life,

and the life was the light of men …

14 And the plan was made flesh,

and dwelt among us,

and we beheld the glory,

glory as of the unique from the father,

full of grace and truth.

Key notes and observations in the Prologue to John

“Word”

The definition of logos was provided from various lexicons at the top of this page. Logos means something said including the reasoning. “Spoken wisdom” is a shorthand way of describing the broad meaning of “word”. That is, the Logos pertains to what God thinks as well as what God says. This includes the wisdom, reasoning, intentions, logic, plan, and purpose of God that has always been in the awareness of God. “Plan” fits best in the context to the Prologue of John.

“the Word was toward the God”

The Greek word pros is a preposition that most literally means toward. This communicates the notion that the logos was in view of God (in God’s awareness) and was facing God (front and center in God’s thoughts). Toward also connotates “pertaining to” or “according to.” That is, the logos is an aspect of God that pertains to God’s intentions/wisdom.  If the author intended to describe a person with God, he would have used the word meta rather than pros. Pros is used in 1John 1:3 in terms of “fellowship with us,” our fellowship with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 

1 John 1:3 (ESV)

3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you so that you too may have fellowship with (meta) us; and indeed our fellowship is with (meta) the Father and with (meta) his Son Jesus Christ.

“God was the Word

The thoughts of God are God’s thoughts. Aspects of God are God. The Word is a divine thing (not a Person). In a similar sense, the Spirit (breath) of God is God (being His controlling influence). 

“All through this it was caused-to-be and apart of this it was-caused-be not one.”

All things come into existence through God’s logos (plan). This includes the animals and the first man, Adam. Apart from God’s intentions, nothing comes into existence. Everything was made through God’s reasoning and purposes.

“What is caused-to-be in it life was and the life was the light of men” 

Most English translations have an erroneous sentence structure to include words in verse 3 that should actually be part of verse 4.  Rather verse 3 should end with “was made not one” and verse 4 should include “What is made”. Popular English translations follow the later Byzantine punctuation and not the earlier Alexandrian punctuation that is exhibited in the Critical Greek Text (NA-28). An example of an English translation that does use the Alexandrian punctuation of the earliest Greek manuscripts is the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) and the Comprehensive New Testament (COM).

John 1:3-4 (NRSV)

3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.

John 1:3-4 (NA-28 Critical Greek Text)

3 πάντα διʼ αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο, καὶ χωρὶς αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο ⸂οὐδὲ :ἕν⸃. ὃ γέγονεν 4 ἐν αὐτῷ ζωὴ ⸀ἦν, καὶ ἡ ζωὴ ἦν τὸ φῶς ⸋τῶν ἀνθρώπων⸌·

The last two words in verse 3 (ὃ γέγονεν) are actually part of verse 4. Biased translators use the later Byzantine punctuation to obscure the fact that the life that “the light of men” is a product of the logos and is not the logos itself. Verse 4 properly reads “What is caused-to-be (made) in it (logos) was life and this life was the light of men.” In the similar sense that all things came into existence through the logos (plan), “the life who was the light of men” (Jesus) also came into existence through the logos of God. That is, Jesus was also a product of the Logos rather than being the Logos in a univocal sense. The Flesh (Jesus) is what the word became. The Word (Logos) is properly understood to be God’s reasoning, including his plan realized in the life and mission of Christ Jesus. 

“And the Word – flesh – it was caused-to-be”

We know from John 1:3 that all things are made flesh through the logos and apart from the logos (plan) of God, nothing comes into existence (was caused-to-be). The Greek ginomai (γίνομαι) meaning “caused-to-be” is the same Greek word for caused-to-be in John 1:3-4, “All through this it was made, and apart from this, it was made not.” Jesus is a product of the logos (plan) as is everything else that came into existence. All things, including Christ, were caused-to-be (made) through the Logos of God. 

The logos being made flesh is God speaking Jesus into existence according to his Word. Because Jesus is at the forefront of God’s plan to bring Salvation to the world, Jesus is closely associated with God’s wisdom and can called the Logos of God (Rev 19:13). This is in the sense that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Rev 19:10).  God’s master plan to save humanity centers around his Messiah (anointed one). We understand that the intentions and purposes of God are realized in Christ Jesus. Although Jesus didn’t exist as a personal being from the beginning, God’s plan to save the world through him did exist from the beginning. The manifold wisdom of God, the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, is the eternal purpose realized in Christ Jesus (Eph 3:9-11)

Clarifying John 1:1-3 with 1 John 1:1-3

The prologue to 1 John, written by the same author, provides some interesting clues to clarify the Prologue of John. Here we examine the Greek and provide a literal and interpretative translation of 1 John 1:1-3 followed by key observations.

1 John 1:1-3 (NA28)

 1 Ὃ ἦν ἀπʼ ἀρχῆς, ὃ ἀκηκόαμεν, ὃ ἑωράκαμεν τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς ἡμῶν, ὃ ἐθεασάμεθα καὶ αἱ χεῖρες ἡμῶν ἐψηλάφησαν περὶ τοῦ λόγου τῆς ζωῆς

 2 καὶ ἡ ζωὴ ἐφανερώθη, καὶ ἑωράκαμεν καὶ μαρτυροῦμεν καὶ ἀπαγγέλλομεν ὑμῖν τὴν ζωὴν τὴν αἰώνιον ἥτις ἦν πρὸς τὸν πατέρα καὶ ἐφανερώθη ἡμῖν

 3 ὃ ἑωράκαμεν καὶ ἀκηκόαμεν, ἀπαγγέλλομεν oκαὶ ὑμῖν, ἵνα καὶ ὑμεῖς κοινωνίαν ἔχητε μεθʼ ἡμῶν. καὶ ἡ κοινωνία δὲ ἡ ἡμετέρα μετὰ τοῦ πατρὸς καὶ μετὰ τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ.

Literal Rendering and Interpretative Translations

Both literal and interpretative translations are provided below for 1 John 1:1-3.  The Literal translation is based on a complete interlinear table available here:1 John 1:1-3 Interlinear

1 John 1:1-3, Literal Translation

1 What was from of first,

what we heard,

what we have seen,

that in view of us,

what we observed,

those hands of us we touched,

regarding the word of life

2 And the life was manifested,

and we have seen,

and we have testified,

and we declare to you,

the eternal life,

which was toward the Father,

and was manifested to us.

3 What we have seen,

and what we declare,

and to you in order that you also,

participation you could have with us,

and the participation with the Father,

and with the Son of him,

of Jesus anointed.

1 John 1:1-3 Interpretative Translation

1 That which was from the beginning,

what we heard,

what we have seen,

that which was before our eyes,

what we observed,

those authorities that we encountered,

regarding the plan of life

2 And the life was manifested,

and we have seen,

and we have testified,

and we declare to you,

the eternal life,

which was in view of the Father,

and was manifested to us.

3 What we have seen,

and what we declare,

to you also in order that you,

 could have participation with us,

and the participation with the Father,

and with his Son,

Jesus Messiah.

Observations from 1 John 1:1-3

These are the key observations regarding the prologue of 1 John to help clarify the implications of the prologue of John.

“the word of life”

In verse 1, the Greek word is logos (“the logos of life”). The logos (spoken wisdom, reasoning, plan, purpose, intentions, thoughts, etc.) of God are associated with life (God had intended for us to partake of salvation from the beginning). 

“Life was manifested”

This at the start of verse 2 is a parallel with John 1:4 “What is become it life was and the life was the light of men.” That is, the life (who is Jesus) is a product of the logos, the logos itself being God’s spoken wisdom, reason, intentions, and thoughts which pertain to God. 

“the eternal life, which was toward the Father, and was manifested to us”

The logos is also pros the Father in John 1:1. Since eternal life is not a person but rather a concept, we can see in a similar sense logos is a concept that pertains to the thoughts of God that were directly in the awareness God (facing God but hidden from us). Eternal life is synonymous with the Logos (spoken-reason) because it is part of God’s plan from the beginning, having been pros (in view of) the Father from the beginning. 

“with the father and with the Son of him”

The three occurrences of “with” in verse 3 is from the Greek word meta (not pros). When a person is described to be with another it is more appropriate to use meta rather than pros. This is why meta is not used in John 1:1 because the logos (spoken wisdom) is not a pre-existent person. 

Logos in Reference to God and Creation

The logos is an aspect of God pertaining to God’s intentions (Wisdom). All things come into existence through God’s logos (spoken wisdom). This is how the original creation (the first Adam) was made, and this is how Jesus Christ (the last Adam) was made. 

Conclusion

Modern English translations are translated with a Trinitarian bias to presume that the logos is the pre-incarnate Christ rather than an aspect of God pertaining to his wisdom and intentions. They mislead the reader while also obscuring what Logos actually means regarding God’s eternal wisdom. Jesus is actually a product of the Logos (Spoken-Wisdom) of God, as is everything else that has been brought into existence through God’s intentions. The logos being made flesh is God speaking Jesus into existence according to his spoken wisdom. Jesus is at the forefront of God’s plan to bring Salvation to the world. God’s master plan to save humanity centers around his Messiah (anointed one). We understand that the intentions and purposes of God are realized in Christ Jesus. The manifold wisdom of God, the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, is the eternal purpose realized in Christ Jesus (Eph 3:9-11)

TD Jakes description of the logos (he gets it)