King James Version

What Does John 1:3 Mean?

John 1:3 in the King James Version says “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” — study this verse from John chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.”

John 1:3 · KJV

Context

1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2

The same was in the beginning with God.

3

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

4

In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

5

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. comprehended: or, did not admit, or, receive

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse establishes Christ's role as Creator, affirming His deity and pre-existence. The Greek 'egeneto' (came into being) distinguishes created things from the eternal Logos. Paul echoes this in Colossians 1:16, showing Christ's supremacy over all creation. This theological foundation refutes any notion that Christ was a created being, central to orthodox Christology.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written around 90-100 AD, John's Gospel combats early Gnostic heresies that denied Christ's full deity. This verse directly addresses Docetic teachings that separated the divine Christ from the human Jesus.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's role as Creator impact your understanding of His authority over your life?
  2. What implications does this verse have for how we view the material world?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
πάντα1 of 12

“All things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

δι'2 of 12

“by”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

αὐτοῦ3 of 12

“him”

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

γέγονεν4 of 12

“made”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

καὶ5 of 12

“and”

G2532

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

χωρὶς6 of 12

“without”

G5565

at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)

αὐτοῦ7 of 12

“him”

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

γέγονεν8 of 12

“made”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

οὐδὲ9 of 12

“not”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

ἓν10 of 12

“any thing”

G1520

one

ὃ11 of 12
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

γέγονεν12 of 12

“made”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

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 1:3 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 1:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 1:16-171 Corinthians 8:6Revelation 4:11Psalms 33:6Genesis 1:26Hebrews 1:2-3

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