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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJohn Bengel Commentary - John 1:4 - 1:4
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Joh 1:4. Ἐν, in) First, John says, In Him was life: (comp. ch. Joh 5:26, “For as the Father hath life in Himself, so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself”). Then he calls Him the Life. So in 1Jn 1:1-2, first he calls Him the Word of Life, then the Life; and in the same chapter, Joh 1:5; Joh 1:7, God is said to be Light, and to be in the light. John especially imitates the expressions of the Lord Jesus.[12]-ΖΩΉ, life) After the consideration of being [esse], the next consideration is as to living [vivere]. Then [the result of life entering the world] there is no death, there is then no nature devoid of grace.-καὶ ἡ ζωή, and the Life) The Subject: the Life, bestowing life on all things, which were alive.-ἦν τὸ φῶς, was the Light) Light and Life together: ch. Joh 8:12, “He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life: 1Ti 6:16, “Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light, which no man can approach unto:” Php 2:15-16, “Ye shine as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life.” As on the opposite side, צלמות, Darkness and death. Quickening is, however, prior to illumination.-ΤῶΝ ἈΝΘΡΏΠΩΝ, of men) Of all men in the state of innocency, from which there ought not to be separated the consideration as to the Logos.[13] Men: nowhere is this expression used for Adam and his wife; so it denotes mankind. The evangelist here is come from the whole to the part-from those things which were made, or which were alive, to rational beings. In relation to the several particulars, ὁ λογος, the Speech [Sermo], has the signification suited to each.
[12] Joh 8:12. That which thus harmonizes with the intimate relation between the beloved disciple and Jesus, is made a ground of cavil by Rationalists; viz. that elsewhere John puts into Jesus’ mouth a phraseology which is not Jesus’ but his own.-E.
[13] Or, of man in his ideal.-E.