In John 1 What Does It Mean For The Word To Be Both With God And To Be God?
Exploring John 1: The Word With God and The Word as God
The opening verses of the Gospel of John are among the most profound and theologically rich passages in all of Scripture. They introduce us to "the Word" (Greek: Logos), declaring both His relationship to God and His divine identity. Let us explore what it means for the Word to be both "with God" and to "be God," grounding our study firmly in the biblical text.
1. The Text: John 1:1–3
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 through him; and without him was not anything made that hath been made. - John 1:1–3 ASV
These verses establish several foundational truths:
- The Word is eternal: "In the beginning was the Word" shows the Word's existence before creation.
- The Word is distinct from God: "the Word was with God" indicates a personal relationship, implying distinction.
- The Word is fully divine: "the Word was God" affirms the deity of the Word.
2. The Word "With God": Distinction and Relationship
The phrase "the Word was with God" communicates more than just presence; it expresses intimate fellowship and relationship. The preposition translated "with" (pros in Greek) suggests a face-to-face relationship, indicating that the Word is not identical to God the Father yet is closely associated with Him.
This distinction is echoed elsewhere in John:
And now, Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. - John 17:5 ASV
Here, Jesus (the Word made flesh—see John 1:14) speaks of sharing glory with the Father before creation, highlighting both distinction and unity.
3. The Word "Was God": Unity and Deity
While the Word is distinct in person from the Father, John boldly declares, "the Word was God." This clause affirms that the Word shares the same divine essence as God. The Word is not a lesser being or a created entity, but fully and truly God.
This is consistent with the Old Testament's affirmation of one God:
Hear, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah: - Deuteronomy 6:4 ASV
Yet, within the unity of the Godhead, John reveals a plurality of persons—Father, Son (the Word), and later, the Holy Spirit (see John 14:16–17). This forms the biblical foundation for the doctrine of the Trinity: one God in three persons.
4. The Word in Creation
John 1:3 asserts that all creation came into being through the Word, echoing Genesis 1, where God creates by His spoken word:
And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. - Genesis 1:3 ASV
This reinforces the divine power and authority of the Word, distinguishing Him from all created things.
5. The Word Made Flesh: The Incarnation
John later identifies the Word as Jesus Christ:
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth. - John 1:14 ASV
The eternal, divine Word entered human history, taking on flesh to reveal God to humanity and accomplish salvation through His death and resurrection.
6. Theological Reflection
The mainstream understanding is that John 1:1 teaches both the distinction of the Son (the Word) from the Father and the full deity of the Son. Alternative views, such as those denying the deity of Christ, do not align with the plain reading of the text or the wider testimony of Scripture (see Colossians 2:9 ASV; Hebrews 1:8 ASV).
To summarize: The Word's being "with God" affirms distinction of person, while being "God" affirms unity of essence. In Christ, God is made known to us, and through Him, we receive life and salvation.
Key Takeaways
- The Word is eternal, personal, and divine.
- The distinction and unity revealed in John 1 form the basis for the doctrine of the Trinity.
- Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, is both fully God and fully man, revealing God's glory and offering salvation.