King James Version
John 1:17 in the King James Version says “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” — study this verse from John chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”
John 1:17 · KJV
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.
And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
KJV Study — Public Domain
“the law”
G3551law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
“was given”
G1325to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
“but grace”
G5485graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“Jesus”
G2424jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
“came”
G1096to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
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.
John 1:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to John 1:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge