Ask Bible Answers
Why does John call Jesus the Word?
John 1:1–18: the eternal Word with God and as God, agent of creation, become flesh; read with Genesis echoes and classic commentary.
Scripture context and classic commentary notes below. For a live, retrieval-grounded conversation, Ask Bible.
John 1:1–3 in canonical context
John opens: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made” (John 1:1–3). The phrase “in the beginning” deliberately echoes Genesis 1:1. The Word (Greek Logos) is eternal, personally distinct (“with God”), and fully divine (“was God”), and is the agent of creation.
Matthew Henry’s Commentary · Matthew Henry
Henry insists on both the deity and distinct personhood of the Word, warning against readings that reduce the Logos to a mere attribute or created intermediary.
The Word became flesh
The prologue’s climax is incarnation: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Jesus is not only a messenger; he is God’s self-revelation in person (cf. 1:18). Old Testament themes of God’s word creating, revealing, and accomplishing his purpose (Psalm 33:6; Isaiah 55:10–11) find their personal fulfillment in Christ.
John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible · John Gill
Gill on John 1:14 stresses the real assumption of human nature (“flesh”) by the eternal Word, and the tabernacle language of “dwelling among us” as God present with his people.