Why Greek Bible Study Matters
A Glimpse from John 1:1 and Colossians 1:14–20 In Gospel of John 1:1, even the smallest details of the Greek text reveal theological insight that is difficult to capture fully in translation: Greek: Ἐν ἀρχῇ ἦν ὁ λόγος, καὶ ὁ λόγος ἦν πρὸς τὸν θεόν, καὶ θεὸς ἦν ὁ λόγος. Literal English: In beginning was the Word, and the Word was toward the God, and God was the Word. The repeated ἦν (“was”) is not stylistic repetition but theological progression. It first expresses existence (“was in the beginning”), then relationship (“was toward God”), and finally nature (“was God”). The phrase πρὸς τὸν θεόν (“toward God”) suggests more than “with”—it indicates an active, face-to-face orientation, implying both distinction and intimate communion. In the third sentence, there is no definite article (ὁ ), thus, indicating the nature of God, instead letting of God = Jesus. ...