John 1:14 kjv

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.

John 1:14 nkjv

And the Word became 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.

John 1:14 niv

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14 esv

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14 nlt

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son.

John 1 verses

John 1 14 Meaning

John 1:14 declares the profound mystery of the Incarnation: the pre-existent, divine Word of God, who was with God and was God, took on human flesh. This signifies that the eternal, uncreated God became a real, tangible human being without ceasing to be God. He "tabernacled" among humanity, symbolizing God's presence among His people, echoing the Old Testament Tabernacle. Eyewitnesses beheld His divine glory, not as a derived or lesser glory, but as the unique and full glory belonging only to the "one and only Son" (often translated as "only begotten Son") from the Father. This Son is perfectly and completely characterized by grace and truth, fully revealing God's character to humanity.

John 1 14 Context

John 1:14 serves as the climactic statement in the Prologue (John 1:1-18) of John's Gospel. The preceding verses introduce the "Logos" (the Word) as eternal, divine, active in creation, and the source of life and light. This Logos illuminates humanity, yet many did not receive Him. John 1:12-13 highlight that those who receive Him gain the right to become children of God. Verse 14 then reveals how this Logos, who has been described as existing from eternity with God, became accessible and visible to humanity. It bridges the gap between the eternal, transcendent God and His tangible, immanent presence among humankind, fulfilling prophecies of God dwelling with His people.

Historically, this verse engages with prevalent philosophical and religious ideas of John's time. The concept of "Logos" was familiar in both Greek philosophy (Stoicism) and Jewish wisdom literature (e.g., Proverbs 8). John subverts these understandings by identifying the divine Logos not merely as an abstract principle or attribute, but as a distinct, eternal, divine Person who became flesh. This also stands as a direct polemic against Gnostic ideas, which often denigrated the material world and would reject a truly divine being taking on physical flesh. It asserts the complete humanity of Christ, refuting nascent Docetism (the belief that Christ only "seemed" to be human). It also counters any understanding that would see the Son as a created being, by emphasizing His unique relationship as "the only begotten from the Father."

John 1 14 Word analysis

• And (kai - καὶ): Connects the eternal pre-existence and divine activity of the Word, as described in verses 1-13, with His specific historical manifestation in human form. It signals the critical transition from the abstract to the incarnate.
• the Word (ho Logos - ὁ Λόγος): Refers to the divine Son of God, who is God Himself (John 1:1) and the agent of creation (John 1:3). John’s use redefines common philosophical (impersonal reason) and Jewish wisdom (personified attribute) concepts of Logos, identifying it as a unique, personal being.
• became (egeneto - ἐγένετο): Signifies a real, historical event. The Word did not cease to be divine, but entered into a new mode of existence. It denotes a change in state or nature—specifically, an assumption of humanity, rather than a mere transformation or illusion. This emphasizes the actual taking on of human flesh, not a divine spirit merely appearing in human form.
• flesh (sarx - σάρξ): Denotes human nature in its entirety, including its physicality, mortality, and vulnerability (but not its sinfulness). It counters any notion that Jesus only seemed human (Docetism) and affirms His genuine embodiment, sharing in human limitations like hunger, fatigue, and pain. It implies a true physical presence, a tangible humanity.
• and dwelt (kai eskēnōsen - καὶ ἐσκήνωσεν): Literally "tabernacled" or "pitched His tent." This verb is highly significant, echoing the Old Testament Tabernacle (Skēnē), where God’s glorious presence (Shekinah) abode among Israel (Exod 25:8-9; 40:34-35). It powerfully conveys that Jesus, in His incarnate state, became the new, living dwelling place of God among His people. It highlights His temporary physical dwelling while revealing a continuous divine presence.
• among us (en hēmin - ἐν ἡμῖν): Emphasizes the personal and direct interaction Christ had with humanity. He was not remote or abstract, but truly present and accessible, a tangible part of human experience, indicating firsthand witnesses.
• and we have seen (kai etheasametha - καὶ ἐθεασάμεθα): Refers to the apostles and disciples as eyewitnesses. Theasamai suggests more than a casual glance; it implies careful observation, contemplation, and understanding. This personal testimony underscores the historical reality and undeniable manifestation of Christ's glory.
• His glory (tēn dox an autou - τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ): The visible manifestation of God’s nature, power, and presence. It refers not merely to a spectacular display, but to the inner essence of Christ as divine being, revealed through His character, teachings, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection. This is the Shekinah glory, previously seen in the Tabernacle and Temple, now perfectly revealed in a person.
• glory as of (doxan hōs - δόξαν ὡς): This is a qualitative comparison. It means the glory that appropriately belongs to or is characteristic of the unique Son, indicating that His glory is authentically divine and consistent with His identity. It is not "like" but "as befitted" or "which was indeed."
• the only begotten (monogenēs - μονογενής): A critical term, meaning "unique," "one of a kind," or "singularly beloved." While often translated "only begotten," it doesn't imply that the Son was "created" or "generated" in time. Instead, it speaks to His unparalleled and singular relationship with the Father—a uniqueness in kind and relationship. He is the unique Son of the unique Father.
• from the Father (para Patros - παρὰ Πατρός): Indicates the source and origin of the Son's being. It emphasizes the Son's distinct yet inseparable relationship with the Father, underscoring His eternal procession or "eternal generation," where His essence is derived from the Father without beginning or end, confirming His divine nature.
• full (plērēs - πλήρης): Describes the comprehensive and abundant nature of what Jesus embodied and brought. It means "filled to the brim," "complete," "abundant," denoting perfect fullness.
• of grace (charitos - χάριτος): Unmerited divine favor, benevolent love, and underserved kindness extended to humanity. It speaks to God’s nature of self-giving, merciful, and redeeming love. Jesus fully embodies God's gracious character.
• and truth (kai alētheias - καὶ ἀληθείας): Signifies reality, trustworthiness, divine fidelity, and the unveiling of ultimate divine reality. Jesus perfectly embodies God’s faithfulness, the fulfillment of His promises, and the revelation of His authentic nature. He is the very essence of truth, as opposed to falsehood or shadow.

John 1 14 Bonus section

• John 1:14 stands in stark contrast to Gnostic and Hellenistic dualism that posited matter as evil. By stating the Word "became flesh," John firmly asserts the goodness of creation and the tangibility of Christ's humanity, foundational for salvation, as God truly entered human existence to redeem it.
• The phrase "only begotten" (monogenes) in John's Gospel (1:14, 18; 3:16, 18; 1 Jn 4:9) uniquely identifies Jesus' relationship with the Father. It sets Him apart from all other beings, emphasizing His distinct divine sonship not based on adoption or creation but an eternal, singular relationship of unique generation, implying full shared divinity while preserving distinct persons.
• The Incarnation, as described here, is not merely God manifesting as a human, but God becoming human. It underscores the unparalleled accessibility and immanence of God in Christ, allowing humanity to truly know Him and His character of grace and truth.
• The glory seen was not simply that of a prophet or a king, but specifically "the glory as of the only begotten from the Father." This directly points to the divine glory of Jesus, akin to Moses asking to see God's glory in Exod 33, but now manifested perfectly in human form.

John 1 14 Commentary

John 1:14 is the cornerstone of Christian theology regarding the person of Christ, declaring the hypostatic union—that Jesus is simultaneously fully God and fully human. It bridges the eternal Word's divine nature with His historical manifestation in human form. The Incarnation means God, in the person of Jesus, literally came to live among us, pitching His "tent" just as His presence dwelled in the Tabernacle of old, but now more intimately and powerfully. The "glory" witnessed by John and the apostles was not outward earthly splendor but the inherent divine radiance shining through a human body—a glory revealed in His character, wisdom, miraculous deeds, suffering, and resurrection, which confirmed Him as the unique Son of the Father. This Son is perfectly and comprehensively characterized by "grace" (God's unmerited favor for humanity) and "truth" (God's perfect reality, reliability, and ultimate revelation), demonstrating that He fully and perfectly represents God's heart and nature. This verse not only establishes Jesus' dual nature but also sets the stage for His saving work, revealing a God who bridges the infinite gap to meet humanity's deepest needs through intimate presence, perfect grace, and absolute truth.