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1 John 1

1 John 1:1 KJV (With Strong’s)

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1
That which
hos (Greek #3739)
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
KJV usage: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc. See also 3757.
Pronounce: hos
Origin: ἥ (hay), and neuter ὅ (ho) probably a primary word (or perhaps a form of the article 3588)
was
en (Greek #2258)
I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
KJV usage: + agree, be, X have (+ charge of), hold, use, was(-t), were.
Pronounce: ane
Origin: imperfect of 1510
from
apo (Greek #575)
"off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
KJV usage: (X here-)after, ago, at, because of, before, by (the space of), for(-th), from, in, (out) of, off, (up-)on(-ce), since, with. In composition (as a prefix) it usually denotes separation, departure, cessation, completion, reversal, etc.
Pronounce: apo'
Origin: a primary particle
thea beginning
arche (Greek #746)
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
KJV usage: beginning, corner, (at the, the) first (estate), magistrate, power, principality, principle, rule.
Pronounce: ar-khay'
Origin: from 756
, which
hos (Greek #3739)
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
KJV usage: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc. See also 3757.
Pronounce: hos
Origin: ἥ (hay), and neuter ὅ (ho) probably a primary word (or perhaps a form of the article 3588)
we have heard
akouo (Greek #191)
to hear (in various senses)
KJV usage: give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear(-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand.
Pronounce: ak-oo'-o
Origin: a primary verb
, which
hos (Greek #3739)
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
KJV usage: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc. See also 3757.
Pronounce: hos
Origin: ἥ (hay), and neuter ὅ (ho) probably a primary word (or perhaps a form of the article 3588)
we have seenc with
horao (Greek #3708)
by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear
KJV usage: behold, perceive, see, take heed.
Pronounce: hor-ah'-o
Origin: properly, to stare at (compare 3700), i.e. (by implication) to discern clearly (physically or mentally)
our
hemon (Greek #2257)
of (or from) us
KJV usage: our (company), us, we.
Pronounce: hay-mone'
Origin: genitive case plural of 1473
eyes
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
ophthalmos (Greek #3788)
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
KJV usage: eye, sight.
Pronounce: of-thal-mos'
Origin: from 3700
, which
hos (Greek #3739)
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
KJV usage: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc. See also 3757.
Pronounce: hos
Origin: ἥ (hay), and neuter ὅ (ho) probably a primary word (or perhaps a form of the article 3588)
we have looked upon
theaomai (Greek #2300)
to look closely at, i.e. (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by extension to visit
KJV usage: behold, look (upon), see. Compare 3700.
Pronounce: theh-ah'-om-ahee
Origin: a prolonged form of a primary verb
, and
kai (Greek #2532)
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
KJV usage: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Pronounce: kahee
Origin: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force
our
hemon (Greek #2257)
of (or from) us
KJV usage: our (company), us, we.
Pronounce: hay-mone'
Origin: genitive case plural of 1473
hands
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
cheir (Greek #5495)
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by Hebraism) a means or instrument)
KJV usage: hand.
Pronounce: khire
Origin: perhaps from the base of 5494 in the sense of its congener the base of 5490 (through the idea of hollowness for grasping)
haved handled
pselaphao (Greek #5584)
to manipulate, i.e. verify by contact; figuratively, to search for
KJV usage: feel after, handle, touch.
Pronounce: psay-laf-ah'-o
Origin: from the base of 5567 (compare 5586)
, of
peri (Greek #4012)
properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive case denoting the subject or occasion or superlative point; with the accusative case the locality, circuit, matter, circumstance or general period)
KJV usage: (there-)about, above, against, at, on behalf of, X and his company, which concern, (as) concerning, for, X how it will go with, ((there-, where-)) of, on, over, pertaining (to), for sake, X (e-)state, (as) touching, (where-)by (in), with. In comparative, it retains substantially the same meaning of circuit (around), excess (beyond), or completeness (through).
Pronounce: per-ee'
Origin: from the base of 4008
the Word
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
logos (Greek #3056)
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ)
KJV usage: account, cause, communication, X concerning, doctrine, fame, X have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say(-ing), shew, X speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work.
Pronounce: log'-os
Origin: from 3004
of life
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
zoe (Greek #2222)
life (literally or figuratively)
KJV usage: life(-time). Compare 5590.
Pronounce: dzo-ay'
Origin: from 2198
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a
John 1:1• 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
,etc.
c
2 Peter 1:16• 16For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. (2 Peter 1:16)
d
Luke 24:39• 39Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. (Luke 24:39)

More on:

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Life,
The Word

Cross References

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Ministry on This Verse

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1-4:  He describes the person of Christ, in whom we have eternal life, by a communion with God;
5-10:  to which we must adjoin holiness of life, to testify the truth of that our communion and profession of faith, as also to assure us of the forgiveness of our sins by Christ's death.
That which.
1 John 2:13• 13I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. (1 John 2:13)
;
Prov. 8:22‑31• 22The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
 23I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
 24When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.
 25Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
 26While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
 27When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
 28When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:
 29When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
 30Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;
 31Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men. (Prov. 8:22‑31)
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Isa. 41:4• 4Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the Lord, the first, and with the last; I am he. (Isa. 41:4)
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Mic. 5:2• 2But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. (Mic. 5:2)
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John 1:1,2‑18• 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
 2The same was in the beginning with God.
 3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
 4In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
 5And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
 6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
 7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
 8He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
 9That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
 10He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
 11He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
 12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
 13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
 14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
 15John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
 16And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
 17For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
 18No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. (John 1:1,2‑18)
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John 8:58• 58Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. (John 8:58)
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Rev. 1:8,11,17‑18• 8I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
 11Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
 17And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
 18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. (Rev. 1:8,11,17‑18)
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Rev. 2:8• 8And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; (Rev. 2:8)
which we have heard.
1 John 4:14• 14And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. (1 John 4:14)
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Luke 1:2• 2Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; (Luke 1:2)
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John 1:14• 14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
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Acts 1:3• 3To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: (Acts 1:3)
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Acts 4:20• 20For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. (Acts 4:20)
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2 Peter 1:16‑18• 16For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
 17For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
 18And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. (2 Peter 1:16‑18)
and our.
Luke 24:39• 39Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. (Luke 24:39)
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John 20:27• 27Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. (John 20:27)
the Word.
1 John 5:7• 7For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. (1 John 5:7)
;
John 1:14• 14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
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John 5:26• 26For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; (John 5:26)
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Rev. 19:13• 13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. (Rev. 19:13)
• The First Epistle of John has a peculiar character. It is eternal life manifested in Jesus and imparted to us—the life which was with the Father and which is in the Son. It is in this life that believers enjoy the communion of the Father. (“1 JOHN” by J.N. Darby)
• When I, too, turn my eyes to Jesus, when I contemplate all His obedience, His purity, His grace, His tenderness, His patience, His devotedness, His holiness, His love, His entire freedom from all self-seeking, I can say, That is my life. (“1 JOHN” by J.N. Darby)
• Could there be anything more perfect, more excellent, any development more admirable in the eyes of God, than Christ Himself, than that Life which was with the Father, manifested in all its perfection in the Person of the Son? (“1 John 1” by J.N. Darby)
• He was walking about this world, another kind of life altogether. That is what He calls “from the beginning.” (“Notes on 1 John 1” by J.N. Darby)
• Christ is looked at in this world as the beginning of everything. It is not that the saints before had not received life from Him above, but the thing itself had never been manifested. (“Christ, the Want of the Soul: Part 2”)

J. N. Darby Translation

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1
That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes; that which we contemplated, and our hands handled, concerning the word of life;

W. Kelly Translation

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1
What wasa from [the] beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked on, and our hands handled, concerning the Word of lifeb

WK Translation Notes

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a
The RV stands better, as it makes each verb more distinct, "that which." And it correctly distinguishes the tenses; the first two perfect tenses, while the two later are simply preterites.
b
The usual version "the word of life" seems preferable to, "the word, the life."