21/05/2026
John 1:4 is saying two linked things about Jesus, who’s called “the Word” earlier in the chapter:
*1. "In him was life"*
Life here isn’t just biological life. It means the original, uncreated life that God has in himself - the source of all existence. John’s point is that Jesus isn’t a created being who received life later. Life exists in him inherently, and everything else that lives gets it from him.
*2. "That life was the light of all mankind"*
“Light” in John’s Gospel means truth, revelation, moral clarity, and the ability to see reality as it actually is. The idea is: because Jesus has life in himself, he also brings understanding and direction to people.
So the passage is saying:
- Jesus is the source of life.
- That life doesn’t stay hidden - it becomes illumination for humans. Without it, we’re in the dark about God, about ourselves, and about what’s good.
*The bigger context*: John 1:5 follows with “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” So it’s also setting up the conflict - the light is active, offering life and truth, but people can reject it.
In short: Jesus is the origin of life, and that life reveals truth and gives people a way to see and live rightly.
