John 1:4 kjv

In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

John 1:4 nkjv

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.

John 1:4 niv

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.

John 1:4 esv

In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

John 1:4 nlt

The Word gave life to everything that was created,
and his life brought light to everyone.

John 1 verses

John 1 4 Meaning

In the Word, who is God and was with God, life had its inherent dwelling and essence. This divine life, flowing from the Word, served as the ultimate spiritual illumination, revealing truth and knowledge for all mankind. It signifies that true life, both physical and spiritual, originates from Him, and this very life is the means by which humanity receives light, understanding, and deliverance from spiritual darkness.

John 1 4 Context

John 1:4 follows immediately from the majestic prologue, establishing the Word's (Logos') eternal pre-existence (1:1), His role in creation (1:3), and His divine nature. This verse further articulates two fundamental qualities of the Word: He is the source of life and the source of light. This sets the stage for understanding Jesus' mission and identity. Historically, it introduces the divine essence of Jesus against the backdrop of various philosophical concepts of 'logos' and dualistic thought, emphasizing that true spiritual life and understanding originate from this one divine source, universally applicable to all mankind. It implicitly challenges notions that separate a transcendent God from His creation or those who might seek light and life from sources other than the divine Logos.

John 1 4 Word analysis

• In him (ἐν αὐτῷ - en autō): "In" signifies the intimate dwelling, intrinsic nature, and absolute source. It points to the Logos (the Word from verse 1) as the sphere and essence within which life eternally resided. It indicates that life is not an external attribute but an inherent quality of the Word.
• was (ἦν - ēn): Imperfect tense of eimi ("to be"). This denotes a continuous, enduring state of being. It emphasizes the pre-existence of life in the Word, implying it was eternally present and not acquired at a specific point in time. This connects directly to "In the beginning was the Word" (Jn 1:1), asserting a timeless existence.
• life (ζωή - zōē): This term specifically refers to spiritual, eternal, and divine life, the very essence of God's own vitality. It is distinct from bios (βίος - biological or physical life) and psychē (ψυχή - soul or animal life/breath). Here, it encompasses not just existence, but the highest quality of life, the creative power, and the ultimate purpose of life found in God. The Word is the dynamic source of all vitality.
• and (καί - kai): A simple conjunction connecting the two declarations. It suggests a seamless relationship where one aspect flows naturally into the other.
• the life (ἡ ζωή - hē zōē): The definite article "the" points back to the specific divine zōē just mentioned, making it clear that it is this unique quality of life, inherent in the Word, that performs the next function.
• was (ἦν - ēn): Again, the imperfect tense, reinforcing the constant, continuous nature of "the life" serving as "the light."
• the light (τὸ φῶς - to phōs): Refers to spiritual illumination, truth, moral clarity, and revelation. It symbolizes purity, understanding, and the removal of darkness (ignorance, sin, error). This light reveals God's truth and brings spiritual discernment, contrasting sharply with the spiritual darkness of the world.
• of men (τῶν ἀνθρώπων - tōn anthrōpōn): Indicates the universal scope of this light. It is for all humanity, not just a select group. This light is intrinsically connected to zōē, meaning that the true life offered by the Word illuminates human understanding, guiding them out of moral and spiritual darkness.

John 1 4 Bonus section

The close coupling of "life" and "light" in this verse suggests a profound theological connection. The spiritual life that is "in Him" is not merely biological existence, but an active, creative force that naturally expresses itself as illuminating truth. One implies and manifests the other. The true understanding and moral guidance ("light") that humanity desperately needs can only be received through experiencing this divine "life." This emphasis also subtly sets the stage for the struggle between light and darkness introduced in John 1:5, establishing the Logos as the ultimate victorious force.

John 1 4 Commentary

John 1:4 succinctly captures the essential nature and function of the incarnate Word, Jesus Christ. It presents two fundamental aspects: Christ is the intrinsic fountain of all true life (zōē), which is not mere existence but a dynamic, divine, and eternal vitality. From this source, all creation springs (reiterating Jn 1:3), and it provides the power for spiritual renewal. Moreover, this very life acts as the light of humanity. This illumination goes beyond intellectual knowledge; it's a spiritual radiance that dispels moral ignorance, reveals truth, and guides humanity out of spiritual darkness. Thus, the life offered by Christ inherently provides understanding and a pathway to God. Without this divine life, humanity remains in darkness. Practically, this means spiritual awakening and true moral clarity are always found rooted in Christ, the Giver of life and the Source of all truth.