John 1:16
“And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.”
King James Version (KJV)
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This verse continues John's prologue, expanding on the declaration that the Word came full of grace and truth. It describes what believers receive from that fullness.
What Does John 1:16 Mean?
John 1:16 says that out of Christ's fullness we have all received grace heaped upon grace. The previous verse spoke of the Word as full of grace and truth; this verse tells us what that fullness means for us -- it overflows to all who come to him.
The phrase "of his fulness have all we received" pictures Christ as an inexhaustible reservoir. His grace is not rationed or in danger of running low; everyone who comes draws from the same boundless supply, and there is always more. The striking phrase "grace for grace" suggests an unending succession -- one gift of grace following another, like waves that keep arriving on the shore. As soon as one measure of grace is received, another comes behind it. This is the rhythm of life with Christ: not a single deposit long ago, but a continual giving that meets each day's need. "All we" widens the circle to include every believer, the writer among them. No one who comes to Christ is left to live on their own resources. From his fullness we keep receiving, grace following grace, for as long as we keep coming to him.
In the Original Language
The Greek "pleromatos" (fulness) denotes completeness or abundance. The phrase "charin anti charitos" means "grace in place of grace" or grace following upon grace -- a continual succession of gifts.
Cross References
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”
- Ephesians 1:7
“For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;”
- Colossians 1:19
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:”
- 2 Corinthians 9:8
Application
You never have to ration God's kindness or fear it will run out. From Christ's fullness comes grace upon grace, fresh supply for every day you keep coming to him.
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