Online Bible

Gospel of John, Chapter 1

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John 1 NWT - New World TranslationJohn 1 NWT - New World Translation

Chapter 1 of John—New World Translation (NWT)

  1. ¶ In [the] beginning1 the Word[a]2 was, and the Word was with God,[b]3 and the Word was a god.[c]4
  2. This one was in [the] beginning5 with God.6
  3. All things came into existence through him,7 and apart from him not even one thing came into existence.
    ¶ What has come into existence
  4. by means of him was life,8 and the life was the light9 of men.[d]
  5. And the light is shining in the darkness,10 but the darkness has not overpowered it.
  6. ¶ There arose a man that was sent forth as a representative of God:11 his name was John.[e]12
  7. This [man] came for a witness,13 in order to bear witness about the light,14 that people of all sorts might believe through him.15
  8. He was not that light,16 but he was meant to bear witness17 about that light.
  9. ¶ The true light18 that gives light19 to every sort of man20 was about to come into the world.[f]
  10. He was in the world,21 and the world came into existence through him,22 but the world did not know him.
  11. He came to his own home, but his own people did not take him in.23
  12. However, as many as did receive him,24 to them he gave authority to become God’s children,25 because they were exercising faith in his name;26
  13. and they were born, not from blood[g] or from a fleshly will or from man’s will, but from God.27
  14. ¶ So the Word became flesh28 and resided[h] among us, and we had a view of his glory, a glory such as belongs to an only-begotten son29 from a father; and he was full of undeserved kindness and truth.30
  15. (John bore witness about him, yes, he actually cried out—this was the one who said [it]—saying: “The one coming behind me has advanced in front of me, because he existed before me.”)31
  16. For we all received from out of his fullness,32 even undeserved kindness upon undeserved kindness.33
  17. Because the Law was given through Moses,34 the undeserved kindness35 and the truth36 came to be through Jesus Christ.
  18. No man has seen God at any time;37 the only-begotten god[i]38 who is in the bosom [position]39 with the Father is the one that has explained him.40
  19. ¶ Now this is the witness[j] of John when the Jews sent forth priests and Levites from Jerusalem to him to ask him: “Who are you?”41
  20. And he confessed and did not deny, but confessed: “I am not the Christ.”42
  21. And they asked him: “What, then? Are you E·liʹjah?”[k]43 And he said: “I am not.” “Are you The Prophet?”44 And he answered: “No!”
  22. Therefore they said to him: “Who are you? that we may give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”45
  23. He said: “I am a voice of someone crying out in the wilderness, ‘MAKE the way of Jehovah[l] straight,’ just as Isaiah the prophet said.”46
  24. Now those sent forth were from the Pharisees.
  25. So they questioned him and said to him: “Why, then, do you baptize47 if you yourself are not the Christ or E·liʹjah or The Prophet?”
  26. John answered them, saying: “I baptize[m] in water. In the midst48 of YOU one is standing whom YOU do not know,49
  27. the one coming behind me, but the lace of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.”50
  28. These things took place in Bethʹa·ny[n] across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.51
  29. ¶ The next day he beheld Jesus coming toward him, and he said: “See, the Lamb52 of God that takes away the sin53 of the world![o]54
  30. This is the one about whom I said, Behind me there comes a man who has advanced in front of me, because he existed before me.55
  31. Even I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing in water was that he might be made manifest to Israel.”56
  32. John also bore witness, saying: “I viewed the spirit coming down as a dove out of heaven, and it remained upon him.57
  33. Even I did not know him, but the very One who sent me58 to baptize in water said to me, ‘Whoever it is upon whom you see the spirit coming down and remaining, this is the one that baptizes in holy spirit.’59
  34. And I have seen [it], and I have borne witness that this one is the Son of God.”60
  35. ¶ Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples,
  36. and as he looked at Jesus walking he said: “See, the Lamb61 of God!”
  37. And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
  38. Then Jesus turned and, getting a view of them following, he said to them: “What are YOU looking for?” They said to him: “Rabbi, (which means, when translated, Teacher,) where are you staying?”
  39. He said to them: “Come, and YOU will see.”62 Accordingly they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day; it was about the tenth hour.[p]
  40. Andrew63 the brother of Simon Peter was one of the two that heard what John said and followed [Jesus].[q]
  41. First[r] this one found his own brother, Simon, and said to him: “We have found the Mes·siʹah”[s]64 (which means, when translated, Christ).65
  42. He led him to Jesus. When Jesus looked66 upon him he said: “You are Simon67 the son of John;[t]68 you will be called Ceʹphas”[u] (which is translated Peter).[v]69
  43. ¶ The next day he desired to depart for Galʹi·lee. So Jesus found Philip70 and said to him: “Be my follower.”71
  44. Now Philip was from Beth·saʹi·da,72 from the city of Andrew and Peter.
  45. Philip found Na·thanʹa·el73 and said to him: “We have found the one of whom Moses, in the Law,74 and the Prophets75 wrote, Jesus, the son of Joseph,76 from Nazʹa·reth.”
  46. But Na·thanʹa·el said to him: “Can anything good come out of Nazʹa·reth?”77 Philip said to him: “Come and see.”
  47. Jesus saw Na·thanʹa·el coming toward him and said about him: “See, an Israelite for a certainty, in whom there is no deceit.”78
  48. Na·thanʹa·el said to him: “How does it come that you know me?” Jesus in answer said to him: “Before Philip called you, while you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”
  49. Na·thanʹa·el answered him: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God,79 you are King80 of Israel.”
  50. Jesus in answer said to him: “Because I told you I saw you underneath the fig tree do you believe? You will see things greater than these.”
  51. He further said to him: “Most truly[w] I say to YOU men, YOU will see heaven opened up and the angels[x]81 of God ascending and descending to[y] the Son of man.”82

FOOTNOTES

  1. ^ Or, “the Logos.” Gr., ho loʹgos; Lat., Verʹbum; J17,18,22(Heb.), had·Da·varʹ.
  2. ^ Lit., “was toward the God.” Gr., en pros ton The·onʹ; J17,18(Heb.), ha·yahʹ ʼeth ha·ʼElo·himʹ.
  3. ^ “A god.” Gr., the·osʹ, in contrast with ton The·onʹ, “the God,” in the same sentence; J17,18(Heb.), weʼ·lo·himʹ, “and god.” For a discussion of “a god,” see App 6A.
  4. ^ The punctuation of vss 3 and 4 is according to WH, Vgww and The Greek New Testament by the United Bible Societies.
  5. ^ See Mt 3:1 ftn, “John.”
  6. ^ See 3:16 ftn.
  7. ^ Lit., “bloods.”
  8. ^ Lit., “tented.” See Re 21:3 ftns.
  9. ^ “The only-begotten god,” P75אc; P66א*BC*, “only-begotten god”; ACcItVgSyc,h, “the only-begotten Son.”
  10. ^ “Witness.” Gr., mar·ty·riʹa; Lat., te·sti·moʹni·um.
  11. ^ “Elijah” (meaning “My God Is Jehovah”), J17,18,22; Gr., E·leiʹas.
  12. ^ See App 1D.
  13. ^ Or, “I immerse; I dip.” Gr., ba·ptiʹzo.
  14. ^ Not the Bethany near Jerusalem.
  15. ^ Compare 3:16 ftn.
  16. ^ That is, about 4 p.m., counting from sunrise.
  17. ^ Lit., “him.”
  18. ^ “Early next morning,” ItmssSys.
  19. ^ Or, “the Anointed One.” Gr., ton Mes·siʹan; Lat., Mes·siʹam; J17,18,22(Heb.), ham·Ma·shiʹach.
  20. ^ “John,” P66,75אB*It; ABcVgcSyp,s, “Jona.”
  21. ^ “Cephas.” Gr., Ke·phasʹ. An Aram. name (Keh·phaʼ), here in the masc. gender, as in Mt 16:18 in Syr. mss. See Mt 16:18 ftn, “Rock-mass.”
  22. ^ Meaning “A Piece of Rock.” Gr., Peʹtros.
  23. ^ Lit., “Truly, truly.” Gr., A·menʹ, a·menʹ.
  24. ^ Or, “messengers.” Gr., ag·geʹlous; Lat., anʹge·los. Compare Job 33:23; Ps 91:11.
  25. ^ Or, “in the service of.”

REFERENCES

  1. ^ Pr 8:22; Col 1:15; Re 3:14
  2. ^ Jn 12:50; Re 19:13
  3. ^ Pr 8:30; Jn 17:5
  4. ^ Is 9:6; Jn 1:18; 10:35; Pp 2:6
  5. ^ Ge 1:1; Mc 5:2
  6. ^ Ge 1:26; 3:22
  7. ^ Jn 1:10; 1Co 8:6; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2
  8. ^ Jn 5:26; Ac 3:15; 1Jo 1:2; 5:11
  9. ^ Jn 8:12
  10. ^ Jn 3:19; 12:35
  11. ^ Lu 3:2
  12. ^ Mt 3:1; Lu 1:13
  13. ^ Is 40:3; Jn 5:33
  14. ^ Mt 3:11
  15. ^ Ac 19:4
  16. ^ Jn 1:20; Ac 13:25
  17. ^ Jn 5:36
  18. ^ Mt 4:16; Jn 3:19; 1Jo 2:8
  19. ^ Jn 9:39; 12:46
  20. ^ Ac 13:47
  21. ^ Jn 1:14
  22. ^ Jn 1:3
  23. ^ Lu 19:14
  24. ^ Ro 9:27
  25. ^ Ro 8:16; 2Co 6:18; Eph 1:5; 1Jo 3:1
  26. ^ Ga 3:26
  27. ^ Jn 3:3; Jm 1:18; 1Pe 1:23; 1Jo 3:9
  28. ^ Pp 2:7; 1Ti 3:16; Heb 2:14; 1Jo 4:2; 2Jo 7
  29. ^ Jn 3:16; 1Jo 4:9
  30. ^ Eph 4:21
  31. ^ Lu 3:16; Jn 8:58; Col 1:17
  32. ^ Col 1:19; 2:3, 9
  33. ^ Eph 1:6
  34. ^ Ex 31:18; De 4:44; Jn 7:19
  35. ^ Ro 3:24; 6:14
  36. ^ Jn 8:32; 14:6; 18:37; 2Co 1:20
  37. ^ Ex 33:20; Jn 6:46; 1Jo 4:12
  38. ^ Jn 1:1
  39. ^ Pr 8:30; Jn 13:23
  40. ^ Mt 11:27; Lu 10:22; 1Jo 3:2
  41. ^ Lu 3:15
  42. ^ Jn 3:28; Ac 13:25
  43. ^ Ml 4:5; Mt 11:14; 17:10; Mr 9:13
  44. ^ De 18:15; Jn 6:14; 7:40; Ac 3:22
  45. ^ Lu 3:16
  46. ^ Is 40:3; Mt 3:3; Lu 1:17, 76; 7:27; Jn 3:28
  47. ^ Mt 21:25
  48. ^ Lu 17:21
  49. ^ Is 53:2
  50. ^ Mt 3:11; Ac 13:25
  51. ^ Mt 3:6
  52. ^ Ex 12:3; Is 53:7; 1Co 5:7; 1Pe 1:19; Re 5:6
  53. ^ Is 53:11; 1Co 15:3; Heb 9:14; 1Pe 2:24; 1Jo 3:5
  54. ^ Jn 6:51; 1Jo 2:2; 4:14
  55. ^ Jn 1:15; 8:58; Col 1:17
  56. ^ Is 40:3; Ml 3:1; Lu 1:76; Ac 19:4
  57. ^ Mt 3:16; Mr 1:10; Lu 3:22
  58. ^ Lu 3:2
  59. ^ Mt 3:11; Ac 1:5; 2:4
  60. ^ Mt 3:17; Jn 5:33
  61. ^ Ac 8:32; Re 5:12
  62. ^ Mt 8:20; 2Co 8:9
  63. ^ Mt 4:18
  64. ^ Da 9:25; Jn 11:27
  65. ^ Jn 4:25
  66. ^ Jn 2:25
  67. ^ Mt 10:2; Ac 15:14
  68. ^ Mt 16:17; Jn 21:15
  69. ^ Mt 16:18; Mr 3:16; Lu 6:14
  70. ^ Mt 10:3
  71. ^ Mt 9:9; Re 14:4
  72. ^ Mr 8:22; Jn 12:21
  73. ^ Mt 10:3; Lu 6:14
  74. ^ Ge 3:15; 22:18; 49:10; De 18:18; Jn 5:46
  75. ^ Is 9:6; Je 33:15; Eze 34:23; Mc 5:2; Zc 6:12; Ml 3:1
  76. ^ Mt 1:16; 13:55; Lu 2:4
  77. ^ Jn 7:41
  78. ^ Jn 2:25
  79. ^ Lu 1:32
  80. ^ Zc 9:9; Mt 27:11; Jn 12:13
  81. ^ Ps 104:4; Mt 4:11; Lu 22:43
  82. ^ Ge 28:12; Da 7:13

Read John Chapter 1 in other Bible versions:

Comments

  1. Kiamia DoelKiamia Doel
    Jan 9, 2025 23:00 GMT

    The NWT adds words to the text that are not in the greek Manuscripts to fit it's own doctrinal position for example

    Compare the wording of the NWT and the NKJV at Colossians 1:15-17

    NKJV says

    15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

    NWT says

    15 He is the image of the invisible God,the firstborn OF all creation;16 because by means of him all OTHER things were created in the heavens and on the earth, the things visible and the things invisible,whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All OTHER things have been created through him and for him. 17 Also, he is before all OTHER things,and by means of him all OTHER things were made to exist,

    The word “other” is not in the Greek but they add it Why? So they can decieve their followers into thinking that Christ was created by the Father and that he then created other things, that is not what the Greek says.

    1. SmeSme
      Feb 27, 2025 11:17 GMT

      Truth is from God and those that follow him. As for lies? John8:44

      Kiamia, I noticed you used a modern version of kjv to make your point about the nwt.

      Why didn’t you use the original kjv of col1:15?

      Is it because it disproves your point? It proves the opposite of what you wrote?

      Here is kjv col1:15 ¶” Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn OF every creature:“

      Now I appeal to your Christian nature to correct your mistake as God is watching each of us, and let us bless the God of Jesus his father.

      Kjv 1Pe 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ….

  2. YanekYanek
    Dec 24, 2024 22:18 GMT

    Joshua, Jehovah’s Witnesses have never denied the deity of the Messiah in his prehuman existence. While on Earth he was fully 100% human. I do not mean he was a mere human, he was not affected by Adam’s unfaithful behavior, he was sinless.

  3. David yakubuDavid yakubu
    Oct 29, 2022 08:05 GMT

    When i do read some comments and seeing that its the same people that are supposed to be called believers but are talking ill of other denominations, it hurts. Let us all remember that We should judge not

    1. jonas smithjonas smith
      Apr 23, 2023 02:57 GMT

      The bible tells us to test the spirits. Satan disguises himself as angel of light. So yes some denomination are not teaching the truth. You are responsible for judging which ones are not. You have to judge the truth at all times. this is what the bible teaches

  4. THTH
    Apr 7, 2021 00:20 GMT

    The NWT is a very good translation. Dr. Jason David BeDuhn PhD attests to that in his book Truth in Translation. drive.google.com/...5p16melHzg8/view

    1. James LernerJames Lerner
      Jul 20, 2024 09:48 GMT

      The NWT is Satanic filth to its very core.

      The JW Cult is Satanic to its very core.

      Praise Yahweh I will never be a victim of JW brainwashing. If I burn in Hell for eternity or I am ultimately annihilated so be it

      May Yahweh's curse rest on the Watchtower Society and its Satanic leadership

    2. jim mcleodjim mcleod
      Aug 22, 2021 06:16 GMT

      NWT is a false translation that takes away from the deity of Jesus !

  5. SlightlyChaoticSlightlyChaotic
    Jan 30, 2021 16:33 GMT

    Thank you for taking the time to provide this service. I like seeing the NASB on your web page in the same format as I read on paper. On other sites, the text area is smaller, and so I have to keep scrolling down to read and sometimes I lose the context. So I really appreciate the format.

    As far as the NWT, you are certainly free to do whatever you think best with your own web pages. I'd suggest that you make a note anytime you have a translation that is associated with only one denomination or church, for example:
    New World Translation (Jehovah's Witness version).

    In Jesus' parable of the wheat and the tares. the main idea seems to be that you can't easily distinguish between God's people and not-God's people on this earth, so our Lord's response is to wait until they are shown to be the kind of people they are inside. But the NWT seems like false teaching to me. So I think the warning passages from Jesus' apostles are more applicable, as in 2 Peter 3:15-16, when he talks about Paul's writings:
    "There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures."
    And we also have the positive exhortations, as in 2 Timothy 2:15:
    "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."

    1. BroderickBroderick
      Jan 31, 2021 00:57 GMT

      Your suggestion regarding the denominational flagging is duly noted. But I can’t help but wonder, wouldn’t a Catholic also want “Protestant versions” marked as well?

      As for the parable, I’m pretty sure the slaves were convinced in their own minds that they could tell the tares from the wheat. After all, aren’t they the ones who identified the problem in the first place? But the master obviously thought otherwise.

      Furthermore, even at the time when Jesus himself was walking the earth, not everybody who claimed fellowship actually followed him causing John to inquire at Mark 9:39, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him . . . for he who is not against us is for us.”

  6. Joshua HarderJoshua Harder
    Dec 11, 2020 17:48 GMT

    Hello, question.. why have you included the NWT with other legitimate bible translations? Or why have you not atleast included a warning to readers? Don't you fear that someone could be influenced by the Watchtower's intentional heresies? Thank you.

    1. KevinKevin
      Jul 11, 2021 17:45 GMT

      en.m.wikipedia.org/..._Holy_Scriptures

      See the section critical review

    2. ChrisChris
      Jan 8, 2021 07:15 GMT

      Please site these intentional heresies. I am well versed in the watch tower outline and agree they are in many ways incorrect but i also bet i can point many out from EVERY established or main denomination. There is much to learn from them all as one who drinks milk?

      Judge not lest ye be judged, that is not to pass judgement on you either brother.

      I debate with scripture. I don't hold it to be true that Michael is Y'Shua HaMeshiach but I also firmly hold it to be true that our G-d and Heavenly Father are not the word encarnate and only begotten son.

      I love not seeing "lord" which i relate to baal. I feel the catholic church is a satanic establishment and I am aware a freemason started the hovies but there are evil in high places and our fight is also with principalities.

      What i'm saying is that in my darkest hours, those two were some of if not the only ones who would bring a Bible and eucharist and pray with me.

      We all fall short of the glory of G-d.

      Don't forget the NWT was recognized as the most accurate translation on Jeopardy.

      Lastly, this is different I noted than the NWT i have read and am very familiar with. Pull up the watchtower page and compare. I truly look forward to getting this one!

  7. julietjuliet
    Aug 17, 2022 09:36 GMT

    the sky is blue

  8. mercymercy
    Aug 12, 2022 21:23 GMT

    i am Mercy, the sky is blue what else do you need

    1. mercymercy
      Aug 12, 2022 21:25 GMT

      i am so sorry, it was a big mistake

  9. God is able to do all thingsGod is able to do all things
    May 17, 2021 17:59 GMT

    Jesus how much love calling yo name

  10. EmpiralEmpiral
    Jul 4, 2025 19:06 GMT

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