John 1:2

Berean Standard Bible

He was with God in the beginning.

King James Bible

The same was in the beginning with God.

-------------------------------

John 1:2, in the New International Version, states, “He was with God in the beginning.” This concise verse, part of the majestic prologue to the Gospel of John (John 1:1-18), reaffirms the identity and divine nature of the Word (*Logos*), introduced in verse 1 as both fully God and distinct from God. Referring to Jesus, the Word, this verse emphasizes His eternal existence and intimate relationship with God, setting the theological foundation for the entire Gospel. Positioned immediately after the profound declaration of John 1:1—“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”—this verse serves to reinforce and clarify the preexistence and divine status of the Word before delving into His role in creation and incarnation. To fully unpack John 1:2, we must explore its linguistic nuances, literary function, theological significance, historical context, and contemporary relevance, considering how it establishes Jesus’ divine identity and invites readers into the mystery of the incarnation.

The verse’s brevity belies its depth, as it reiterates key elements from John 1:1 to ensure clarity and emphasis. The pronoun “He” (Greek: *houtos*, “this one”) refers unambiguously to the Word (*Logos*), the central figure of the prologue, who is later identified as Jesus Christ (John 1:14, 17). By repeating that “He was with God in the beginning,” the verse underscores two critical aspects of the Word’s identity: His eternal existence and His relational distinction from God. The phrase “in the beginning” (Greek: *en archē*) echoes Genesis 1:1, situating the Word’s existence before creation, outside the constraints of time. The Greek verb *ēn* (“was”) is in the imperfect tense, indicating continuous existence, reinforcing that the Word did not come into being but has always been. This eternal preexistence distinguishes the Word from all created things, aligning with Jewish monotheism’s emphasis on God’s unique eternality (Isaiah 43:10).

The phrase “with God” (Greek: *pros ton Theon*) is particularly significant, as it conveys both intimacy and distinction. The preposition *pros* implies a dynamic, face-to-face relationship, suggesting not only proximity but also communion and fellowship. This relational language indicates that the Word is not an impersonal force or abstract principle but a distinct person in eternal relationship with God. In the context of John’s Gospel, this points to the Trinitarian relationship between the Father and the Son, though the term “Trinity” is not explicitly used. The phrase also echoes John 1:1b (“the Word was with God”), reinforcing the balance between the Word’s unity with God (John 1:1c, “the Word was God”) and His distinct identity. This dual affirmation—unity and distinction—lays the groundwork for the Christian understanding of the Godhead, where the Son is fully divine yet relationally distinct from the Father.

Linguistically, John 1:2 mirrors the poetic and rhythmic structure of the prologue, which blends hymn-like qualities with theological precision. The repetition of “with God” and “in the beginning” from verse 1 serves a rhetorical purpose, ensuring that the reader grasps the foundational truth of the Word’s divinity before the narrative progresses to creation (John 1:3) and incarnation (John 1:14). The use of *houtos* (“He”) also introduces a personal dimension, preparing the reader for the revelation that the eternal Word is a person, Jesus Christ. The verse’s simplicity contrasts with the complexity of its theological claims, making it accessible yet profound, a hallmark of John’s style throughout the Gospel.

Historically, John 1:2 must be understood within the context of the late first-century Christian community, likely around 90-100 CE, when the Gospel was written. The prologue addresses a diverse audience, including Jewish Christians familiar with the Old Testament, Hellenistic Jews influenced by Greek philosophy, and Gentile converts. The term *Logos* resonates with multiple cultural frameworks: in Jewish thought, it evokes the “Word” of God as the agent of creation and revelation (Genesis 1; Psalm 33:6), as well as Wisdom personified in texts like Proverbs 8:22-31. In Greek philosophy, particularly Stoicism and Philo’s Hellenistic Judaism, *Logos* referred to the rational principle governing the universe. By using *Logos*, John bridges these worlds, presenting Jesus as the divine Word who fulfills and transcends both Jewish and Hellenistic expectations. The emphasis on the Word’s preexistence and divinity also counters early heresies, such as those denying Jesus’ full divinity (e.g., Ebionism) or His distinct personhood, affirming orthodox Christology.

Theologically, John 1:2 is a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, encapsulating the mystery of the incarnation and the nature of God. By affirming that the Word “was with God in the beginning,” the verse establishes Jesus’ eternal divinity, a truth central to the Gospel’s portrayal of Him as the divine Son (John 10:30; 14:9). This preexistence distinguishes Jesus from all human prophets or messianic figures, positioning Him as the unique revealer of God (John 1:18). The relational language of “with God” also foreshadows the Gospel’s emphasis on the Father-Son relationship, where Jesus acts in perfect unity with the Father’s will (John 5:19; 17:21). The verse’s placement before the discussion of creation (John 1:3) underscores that the Word is not part of creation but its divine agent, through whom all things were made, reinforcing His role as Creator (Colossians 1:16).

The verse also has profound implications for understanding the Trinity. While the doctrine of the Trinity was formally articulated later, John 1:2 provides early scriptural grounding for the concept of distinct persons within the Godhead. The Word’s eternal fellowship with God suggests a relational dynamic within the divine nature, which later Christian theology would describe as the eternal communion of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The verse’s affirmation of both unity (“was God”) and distinction (“with God”) guards against modalism (which denies distinct persons) and Arianism (which denies the Son’s full divinity), offering a balanced Christological foundation. Theologically, John 1:2 invites believers to worship Jesus as fully divine, while marveling at the mystery of His relational intimacy with the Father.

Practically, John 1:2 speaks to contemporary believers and seekers by affirming the eternal significance of Jesus. In a world often marked by fleeting ideologies and transient values, the verse’s declaration of the Word’s eternal existence offers a foundation of unchanging truth. For example, someone grappling with life’s uncertainties might find comfort in knowing that Jesus, as the eternal Word, transcends time and circumstance, offering a stable anchor for faith (Hebrews 13:8). The relational aspect of “with God” also encourages believers to pursue intimacy with God through Christ, who models perfect communion with the Father (John 17:3). The verse challenges Christians to reflect Jesus’ divine nature in their lives, living with purpose and love as those who follow the eternal Son.

The universal appeal of John 1:2 lies in its invitation to contemplate the divine. The concept of an eternal, relational Word resonates with humanity’s longing for meaning and connection, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God’s nature. For communities of faith, the verse calls for worship and proclamation, urging believers to share the truth of Jesus’ divinity with a world in need of hope. Its emphasis on the Word’s preexistence also counters modern skepticism about Jesus’ divine claims, affirming that He is not merely a historical figure but the eternal Son who entered history for humanity’s salvation (John 3:16).

In the broader context of John’s Gospel, 1:2 sets the theological tone for a narrative that presents Jesus as the divine Word incarnate. The verse connects to later themes, such as Jesus’ divine authority (John 5:17-18), His role as the source of life and light (John 8:12), and His intimate relationship with the Father (John 14:10). The prologue’s movement from eternity (John 1:1-2) to creation (1:3) and incarnation (1:14) frames the Gospel’s central message: the eternal Word became flesh to reveal God and redeem humanity. Theologically, John 1:2 aligns with the New Testament’s affirmation of Jesus’ divinity (Philippians 2:6; Colossians 1:15) and His role as the mediator of God’s revelation (Hebrews 1:1-3).

In conclusion, John 1:2 is a brief yet profound verse that reaffirms the eternal divinity and relational identity of the Word, Jesus Christ. Its repetition of the Word’s preexistence and fellowship with God establishes the theological foundation for the Gospel, inviting readers into the mystery of the incarnation. Linguistically precise, historically contextual, and theologically rich, the verse challenges believers to worship Jesus as the eternal Son, trust in His unchanging nature, and share His divine truth with the world. As part of John’s prologue, it sets the stage for a Gospel that proclaims Jesus as the Word made flesh, the eternal light who brings life to all.

---------------------------------

Grace and peace be unto you, beloved in Christ Jesus, from God our Father and from the Lord, the Word made flesh, who reigns forever at His right hand. I write to you, not as one who boasts in his own wisdom, but as a servant of the truth revealed through the Holy Scriptures, that you may be strengthened in faith and built up in the knowledge of Him who is from the beginning.

Consider the testimony of the blessed apostle John, who, moved by the Spirit of God, declares in his gospel, "He was with God in the beginning" (John 1:2). Behold the mystery and the majesty of this word! The "He" of whom John speaks is none other than our Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son, the Word uncreated, through whom all things were made. Before the mountains were formed, before the heavens were spread abroad, before the foundations of the earth were laid—yea, before time itself was breathed into being—He was. Not as a created thing, nor as a mere thought of the Father, but as One who is with God, equal in essence, distinct in person, sharing the glory of the Godhead from everlasting to everlasting.

O saints, marvel at this: the One who walked among us, who broke bread with sinners, who bore the scourge and the cross, is He who was with God in the beginning! The Word did not come into being; He is. The world was not, yet He was. The darkness knew Him not, yet He shone forth as the Light of life. Herein lies our hope, our anchor, our joy—that the eternal Son, being with God, is God, and in His great love He stooped to dwell with us, that we might dwell with Him forever.

Let this truth stir your hearts, brethren. You who labor under the weight of sin, you who wrestle with doubt, you who seek the face of God—know that the One who intercedes for you is not a stranger to the Father, nor a latecomer to His counsels. He was with God in the beginning, and by Him the Father’s will is accomplished. Through Him the heavens declare His glory; through Him the promise of redemption was purposed before the ages began. What then shall separate us from such a love? Shall trial or tempest? Nay, for He who was with God is now with us, Immanuel, our Savior and King.

Therefore, I charge you, beloved: walk worthy of this calling. Let not your hearts be troubled by the fleeting shadows of this age, for your life is hid with Christ, who is eternal. Abide in His word, as He abides with the Father. Proclaim His name to the nations, for the One who was in the beginning has spoken, and His voice shall not return void. And when the end of all things draws near, lift up your heads, for He who was with God shall come again in glory, and every knee shall bow before Him.

Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.

-------------------------------

Almighty and Everlasting God, Creator of all that is seen and unseen, we gather in the radiance of Your eternal presence, our hearts lifted in awe and reverence before the mystery of Your Word, who was with You in the beginning, as proclaimed in the sacred truth of John 1:2. O Lord, You who are the source of all life, the fountain of all wisdom, and the light that pierces every shadow, we stand humbled by the glory of Your Son, the Word made flesh, who dwelt with You before time was woven, co-eternal, co-equal, and one in the divine essence of Your boundless love. In Him, all things were made; through Him, all things hold together; and by Him, we are called into the fellowship of Your grace.

Father most holy, we marvel at the mystery of Your Word, who was not created but was with You, sharing in the divine council, the unbegotten splendor of Your majesty. Before the mountains were raised, before the seas were filled, before the stars sang their first hymn of praise, He was there—Your beloved Son, the eternal Logos, through whom You spoke the cosmos into being. O God, how vast is Your purpose, how unfathomable Your wisdom, that in the unity of Your divine nature, You chose to reveal Yourself through the Word who is ever near Your heart. We bow before this truth, confessing that our minds cannot fully grasp the depths of Your eternity, yet our souls rejoice in the simplicity of Your love, which invites us to know You through Him who is the way, the truth, and the life.

Lord of all creation, we pray for Your people scattered across the earth—every tribe, every nation, every tongue—who seek to walk in the light of Your Word. May the truth of John 1:2 awaken in us a deeper hunger for Your presence, a bolder faith in Your promises, and a steadfast hope in Your redeeming power. Let Your Spirit, who hovered over the waters at the dawn of time, move among us now, stirring our hearts to worship, renewing our minds to understand, and transforming our lives to reflect the glory of Your Son. O God, make us vessels of Your grace, ambassadors of Your kingdom, and bearers of the light that shines in the darkness, which the darkness cannot overcome.

We lift before You, O merciful Father, those who are weary, those who are broken, and those who wander far from Your truth. May the eternal Word, who was with You in the beginning, draw near to them in their pain, their doubt, and their longing. Speak peace to the troubled heart, strength to the faltering spirit, and hope to the soul that despairs. Let the radiance of Your Son, who is the image of Your invisible glory, shine upon those who dwell in the shadow of sorrow, that they may find healing in His wounds, freedom in His truth, and life in His resurrection. O Lord, You who are rich in mercy, pour out Your compassion on the poor, the oppressed, and the forgotten, and raise up Your church to be a beacon of Your justice and love in a world that groans for redemption.

Eternal God, we pray also for those who lead Your people—pastors, teachers, and servants of Your gospel. Grant them wisdom to proclaim the mystery of Your Word with clarity, courage to stand firm in the face of trial, and humility to serve as Christ served. Unite Your church, O Lord, in the bond of Your Spirit, that we may be one as You and Your Word are one, bearing witness to Your love before a watching world. Kindle in us a fire of devotion, that we may live not for ourselves but for Him who was with You in the beginning, who became flesh for our salvation, and who reigns forever at Your right hand.

O Holy One, we confess our failings, our distractions, and our tendency to seek lesser lights when Your Word shines so brightly before us. Forgive us, we pray, and cleanse us by the blood of Your Son, that we may walk worthy of the calling You have placed upon us. Teach us to abide in Your Word, to cherish Your truth, and to proclaim Your gospel with boldness and love. May our lives be a living hymn to the glory of Your name, declaring to all generations that the Word who was with You in the beginning is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Now, O God, receive our praise, our petitions, and our adoration, for You alone are worthy. We offer this prayer through Jesus Christ, Your eternal Word, who with You and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forevermore. Amen.