John · Chapter 1
John 1:1 — Bible Verse Meaning & Context
Read this verse slowly. Let it settle before you move on.
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Both translations, side by side
WEB · World English Bible
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
KJV · King James Version
"In1722 the beginning746 was2258 the Word3056, and2532 the Word3056 was2258 with4314 God2316, and2532 the Word3056 was2258 God2316."
In context
John 1:1 in John 1
A Bible verse rarely stands alone. Here is John 1:1 read with the verses immediately before and after — the surrounding flow of John 1. Read the full chapter →
- v.1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
- v.2 The same was in the beginning with God.
- v.3 All things were made through him. Without him was not anything made that has been made.
Book background
About the Book of John
- Testament
- New Testament
- Genre
- Gospel
- Author
- John the apostle, son of Zebedee
- Date written
- c. 85–95 AD
- Audience
- A mixed audience facing both Jewish and proto-gnostic challenges
- Chapters
- 21
John's Gospel is structured around seven "signs" (miracles) and seven "I am" statements, framing Jesus as God incarnate — "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (1:14). It contains the most famous verse in the Bible (3:16), the High Priestly Prayer (17), and the most explicit declarations of Jesus' deity.
Setting: The latest Gospel; written so that readers "may believe" (20:31).
Key themes: life · light · belief · love · glory
Memorisation aid
How to memorise John 1:1
John 1:1 contains 17 words in 3 clauses. Learn one clause at a time, then chain them. The first-letter mnemonic (FLM) under each clause is a memory hook — once you can speak the FLM from memory, the full clause follows.
- 1
In the beginning was the Word
ITBWTW
- 2
and the Word was with God
ATWWWG
- 3
and the Word was God.
ATWWG
Frequently asked
FAQ about John 1:1
What does John 1:1 say?
John 1:1 reads: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." — from the New Testament, John (Gospel). The full verse is shown above with both the World English Bible (WEB) and King James Version (KJV) translations side by side.
What book of the Bible is John 1:1 in?
John 1:1 is in the book of John, traditionally attributed to John the apostle, son of Zebedee and written around c. 85–95 AD. John is gospel in the New Testament, originally addressed to A mixed audience facing both Jewish and proto-gnostic challenges. Best known for John 3:16 and the "I am" statements.
What is the difference between John 1:1 in WEB and KJV?
John 1:1 in the World English Bible (WEB) reads: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.". The King James Version (KJV) reads: "In1722 the beginning746 was2258 the Word3056, and2532 the Word3056 was2258 with4314 God2316, and2532 the Word3056 was2258 God2316.". The WEB is a modern public-domain translation that updates the KJV's 1611 English while keeping a similar formal-equivalence style. Both render the same underlying Greek or Hebrew text.
How long is John 1:1?
John 1:1 is 17 words in the WEB translation (79 characters), broken into 3 clauses. It is short and well-suited to memorisation. Estimated reading time is about 5 seconds.
How can I memorise John 1:1?
To memorise John 1:1, split it into its 3 natural clauses and learn one at a time. Repeat the full verse out loud five times, then write it from memory. Saving the verse as a photo wallpaper using our verse image studio helps daily review — the visual association with a memorable background dramatically improves recall.
Why does John 1:1 matter in John?
John's Gospel is structured around seven "signs" (miracles) and seven "I am" statements, framing Jesus as God incarnate — "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (1:14). It contains the most famous verse in the Bible (3:16), the High Priestly Prayer (17), and the most explicit declarations of Jesus' deity. John 1:1 sits within this larger story — John as a whole emphasises life, light, belief.
How can I apply John 1:1 today?
Many readers use John 1:1 as a daily reminder verse — saving it as a phone wallpaper, sharing it on Pinterest, or memorising it for prayer. The verse studio on this page lets you download John 1:1 on 52 different backgrounds for free. Pair the verse with the surrounding chapter context shown above to understand its full meaning before applying it.
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10 verses to read next
A fresh set of verses every visit — each on its own photo background. Tap any card to open the full study page.
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John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
Read context →
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Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”
Read context →
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Psalm 23:1
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
Read context →
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Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a latter end.”
Read context →
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Romans 8:28
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Read context →
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1 John 4:8
“He who doesn't love doesn't know God, for God is love.”
Read context →
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1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud, doesn't behave itself inappropriately, doesn't seek its own way, is not pr…”
Read context →
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Isaiah 40:31
“But those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and no…”
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Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Read context →
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Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.”
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More featured verses in John 1
Read full chapter → John 1:12
“But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name:”
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John 1:14
“The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Read context →
More featured verses in John
Browse John → John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
Read context →
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don't let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.”
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John 13:34
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another.”
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John 14:6
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.”
Read context →