King James Version

What Does John 1:16 Mean?

John 1:16 in the King James Version says “And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” — study this verse from John chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.”

John 1:16 · KJV

Grace

Context

14

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

15

John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

16

And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

17

For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

18

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Believers testify: 'of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace' (charin anti charitos). The word 'pleroma' (fullness) indicates Christ possesses complete divine attributes and blessings. From this inexhaustible reservoir, believers continuously receive. The phrase 'charin anti charitos' is debated: 'grace upon grace' (accumulating grace), 'grace replacing grace' (new covenant replacing old), or 'grace corresponding to grace' (Christ's grace matched to our need). Whatever the precise meaning, the emphasis is on abundant, continuous, overflowing grace from Christ's inexhaustible fullness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul would later develop 'fullness' theology extensively (Colossians 1:19, 2:9). Early believers experienced ongoing grace—not merely initial forgiveness but daily provision. The phrase may also contrast the giving of the law through Moses (verse 17) with the greater grace through Christ—one gracious dispensation replaced by another, fuller one.

Reflection Questions

  1. How have you experienced grace 'upon grace' in your walk with Christ?
  2. What does it mean to receive from Christ's 'fullness,' and how does this shape daily dependence on Him?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
καὶ1 of 12

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐκ2 of 12

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ3 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πληρώματος4 of 12

“fulness”

G4138

repletion or completion, i.e., (subjectively) what fills (as contents, supplement, copiousness, multitude), or (objectively) what is filled (as contai

αὐτοῦ5 of 12

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἡμεῖς6 of 12

“we”

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

πάντες7 of 12

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἐλάβομεν8 of 12

“have”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

καὶ9 of 12

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

χάριτος·10 of 12

“grace”

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

ἀντὶ11 of 12

“for”

G473

opposite, i.e., instead or because of (rarely in addition to)

χάριτος·12 of 12

“grace”

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 1:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 1:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 1:19Romans 5:2Ephesians 2:5-10Ephesians 4:7-13Colossians 2:9-10Ephesians 3:19

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