John 1:17

Translations

Modern

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Traditional

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

Literal

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Latin

…quia lex per Moysen data est, gratia et veritas per Jesum Christum facta est.

Original

Greek

English

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Notes

John 1:17

the law: This refers to the Torah, the body of instruction given to Moses at Mount Sinai. The Torah taught Israel how to live in faithful relationship with God and with one another.
God's grace and truth are present in the Torah, but Jesus fully reveals these qualities in his person and power (3:16; 13:1).

John 1:1–18

The start of this introduction might be a poem or hymn sung by early Christians (1:1–5).

The themes of this introduction of the Gospel of John prepare readers for the story that follows:

The arrival of the light in the world.
The rejection of the light.
The gift of new life given by the light to those who believed in him.

Theme notes and profiles

John the Baptist Moses God’s Unified Plan of Salvation The Grace of God The Limitations of Law The Unknown God The Word

Events

John's Witnessc. AD 27

Related verses

Romans 6:14
For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Romans 5:20–21
The law came in so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more,
Romans 3:19–26
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Hebrews 9:22
According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
John 8:32
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 7:19
Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps it. Why are you trying to kill Me?”
2 Corinthians 3:7–10
Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory,
Hebrews 3:5–6
Now Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be spoken later.
Galatians 3:10–13
All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”
Hebrews 10:4–10
…because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

Parallels

Psalm 84:1–12

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Bible, Quotations of the Old Testament in the New Testament Biblical Concept of Law Grace Incarnation John, Gospel of Messiah Moses Poetry, Biblical Presence of God Prophecy Revelation Stoicism, Stoics Truth Witness

Topics

Confession of Christ Gospel: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Grace: Came by Christ Jesus, the Christ: John's Testimony Concerning Him Jesus, the Christ: Names, Appellations, and Titles of: Jesus Christ Law: Temporary The Law of Moses was not the Manifestation of the Grace of God The Law of Moses: Given: Through Moses As Mediator Truth: The Gospel as Came by Christ Truth: The Gospel As, Came by Christ Urim and Thummim: Illustrative of the Light and Perfection of Christ, the True Wisdom: Spiritual, from God

John 1:17

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