John 1:1-14

1In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.

2He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God.

3All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being.

4In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men.

5The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it].

6There came a man commissioned and sent from God, whose name was John.

7This man came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe [in Christ, the Light] through him.

8John was not the Light, but came to testify about the Light.

9There it was—the true Light [the genuine, perfect, steadfast Light] which, coming into the world, enlightens everyone.

10He (Christ) was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him.

11He came to that which was His own [that which belonged to Him—His world, His creation, His possession], and those who were His own [people—the Jewish nation] did not receive and welcome Him.

12But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name—

13who were born, not of blood [natural conception], nor of the will of the flesh [physical impulse], nor of the will of man [that of a natural father], but of God [that is, a divine and supernatural birth—they are born of God—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified].

14And the Word (Christ) became flesh, and lived among us; and we [actually] saw His glory, glory as belongs to the [One and] only begotten Son of the Father, [the Son who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, who is] full of grace and truth (absolutely free of deception).