John 1:1-18 - The Prologue To John's Gospel

1 The Word [already] existed in the beginning [of time]. [Note: This is a reference to the preexistence of Jesus. See verse 14]. And the Word was with God and the Word was [what] God [was]. 2 This Word existed with God from the beginning [of time]. 3 Everything came into being through this Word, and apart from Him not a single thing came into being. 4 Life existed in Him; and that Life [was what] enlightened mankind [spiritually]. 4 Life existed in Him; and that Life [was what] enlightened mankind [spiritually]. 5 And [His] light continued to shine, [even] in the darkness [of the world], and that darkness did not overcome Him [or, did not fully understand Him].

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John [the Immerser]. 7 He came to be a witness, so that he might testify concerning that Light, so that all people would believe [in Jesus] through him [i.e., through his testimony. See Acts 19:4]. 8 He himself was not that Light, but came [only] to testify concerning that Light. 9 [Now] the true Light, who enlightens all mankind, was [indeed] coming into the world [i.e., to earth].

10 [Actually] He was in the world [already], for the world came into being through Him, but the world did not acknowledge Him. 11 [Then] He came to His own [world, while on earth], but His own [people, the Israelites] did not welcome Him. 12 But He gave all those who did welcome Him the opportunity of becoming children of God by believing in His name [i.e., as the Messiah]. 13 [Such people] were born of God, not of blood ties [i.e., from physical descendants], nor of the will of the flesh [i.e., merely from a sexual desire], nor of the will of man [i.e., from a husband's desire for offspring].

14 [Eventually] this Word became a human being and lived among us [Note: The word "lived" here refers to pitching a temporary tent]. (And we saw His splendor; such splendor as belongs to the Father's only Son), full of God's favor and truth. 15 John gave testimony about Jesus, shouting out, "This person is the one about whom I said, 'He who will come after me ranks above me because He existed before me.'" 16 For we have all received from His full richness one favor after another. 17 For the law was given through Moses; [but] God's favor and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God [i.e., His full splendor], but God, the only conceived [and eventually born Son], who is at the Father's side, has shown us who He is.