The only begotten Son

Have you ever wondered about the curious description of Christ as the "only begotten Son?" For years this puzzled me. As a result I just brushed over this, not truly considering or understanding the significance of this description. I vaguely assumed this only meant Christ was born as a man and nothing more. Maybe you felt the same way. 

Is there more? What does the Bible mean when it says Christ is begotten... as well as the only one who was? 

Begotten

Normally in the Bible, begotten means "to bear young or bring forth by birth..." In light of this, it would appear at first that the use of begetting for Christ is a mistake. He is the ¹eternal Son of God after all, with no beginning or end. But in a very specific and narrow sense, he too issues forth from his Father. He is even called "the firstborn of all creation..." suggesting he may be a part of ²creation vs being eternal.

Only Begotten

However, we are told that Christ is not just begotten but is the only begotten Son. What is the significance of "only?" In the ultimate sense, everyone is begotten (brought forth) by God, so "only" in this instance can't mean he's the only one that ever came forth. 

It means Christ not only issues forth from the Father, but is the same substance as the Father, and the ²exact likeness  (image) of the Father and therefore equal to him (John 1:1 "...the Word was God..."), while distinct at the same time (John 1:1 "...the Word was with God...").

Eternally Begotten

However, unlike us who also bear God's image - and are called sons and daughters of God if we are in Christ - Christ has always issued forth from the Father. He is the only begotten Son, not merely just another son. There has never been a point in time that he did not issue forth. This is true only of Christ. The Son has ¹always been -- i.e., He is eternally begotten, not merely begotten at His physical birth. He was begotten from eternity past and will always be the only begotten of the Father i.e. the Son is God and the only begotten being who is, making him unique to all other beings or things that come from -- are begotten of -- the Father. This is such a unique concept the NASB calls him the only begotten God.

Since this is an eternal begetting, the Son has always been and is equal to the Father, not equal to created beings, but distinct from them. He is not equal to created things because he is the Creator.

Not created yet begotten

Though Christ is not created... He is begotten - i.e. as the creation issues forth from God, Christ also issues forth - but without a beginning. The creation issues forth from the Father at a point in time, and also issues forth only through the Son. Christ has always issued forth from the Father from all eternity past. There has never been a time he did not.

Paul brings out this subtle yet distinct difference in the following passage.

"...yet for us there is 

one God, 

the Father, 

from whom are all things and 

for whom we exist, and 

one Lord, 

Jesus Christ, 

through whom are all things and through whom we exist. - 1 Cor 8:6 

Note, Paul is suggesting both are equally deity - God the Father and Jesus the Lord - yet have distinct roles in creation. All things are from God and through Christ. 

Christ is not only begotten but is the Creator and Sustainer of everything.

What significance does all this have for you and me?

As Christ is a Son, we too are sons and daughters of God, but unlike Christ - who is the image of God unlike us who are in His image - we have a beginning but no end. Christ has no beginning or end. 

He is the "I AM" (Exodus 3:14; John 8:58). He is co-eternal -- he has always been -- and is co-equal with God the Father; we are not. Christ is the perfect image of Father, and we are in His image.  

Nevertheless, since we both bear the Father's image, he understands and can relate to us in a unique and personal way. His stepping into and taking part in this broken world as a man makes this even more so.

Both begotten and eternal -- the God/man

Christ is begotten and eternal at the same time. This is significant since begetting implies a beginning. There is no beginning with Christ as God -- however there is as a man. He existed before his incarnation and has always been. 

This is why he is the only begotten Son. He is one of a kind. He is the God/man and the connection between God and man. God and man unite in Him, by Him, and through Him. For these reasons -- and others -- the Father delights in His Son.

From all these unique aspects of Christ, we can see why it took over 300 years after Christ's resurrection before the church hammered out a formal statement of who Christ is known as the Nicene Creed. 

The following creed was the first formal summary of who Christ is made by the council of the church held in Nicaea in 325AD. 

That council consisted of men recognized by the church at large as being the most Godly and wise among them. More Godly and wise than you or I, I would suggest. 

Note how they carefully acknowledge both the Deity and humanity of Christ. 

We believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty

maker of heaven and earth,

of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God,

eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made,

of one Being with the Father.

Through him all things were made.

For us men and for our salvation

he came down from heaven:

by the power of the Holy Spirit

he became incarnate from the

Virgin Mary, and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under

 Pontius Pilate;

he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again

in accordance with the Scriptures;

he ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge

the living and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the

 Lord, the giver of Life,

who proceeds from the Father and

the Son.

With the Father and the Son he is

worshipped and glorified.

He has spoken through the Prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

How is "only begotten" handled by different translations? 

You can also see this concept of "only begotten" is so unique the various translations below convey it somewhat differently. It apparently was difficult for translators to capture the full meaning in a single phrase. 

Begotten:

John 1:18 

(NASB)  No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten God, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has explained him.

(KJV)  No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

(CEV)  No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is truly God and is closest to the Father, has shown us what God is like.

(ERV)  No one has ever seen God. The only Son is the one who has shown us what God is like. He is himself God and is very close to the Father.

(ESV)  No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.

²Other passages adressing Christ's likeness/image:

²Col 1:15  [Now] He (Christ) is the exact likeness of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible]; He is the Firstborn of all creation.

Col 1:16  For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him.

Col 1:17  And He Himself existed before all things, and in Him all things consist (cohere, are held together). (AMP) [see also Pro 8:22-31]. 

Hebrews 1:3

(CEV)  God's Son has all the brightness of God's own glory and is like him in every way. By his own mighty word, he holds the universe together. After the Son had washed away our sins, he sat down at the right side of the glorious God in heaven.

(ERV)  The Son shows the glory of God. He is a perfect copy of God's nature, and he holds everything together by his powerful command. The Son made people clean from their sins. Then he sat down at the right side of God, the Great One in heaven.

(ESV)  He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

(MSG)  This Son perfectly mirrors God, and is stamped with God's nature. He holds everything together by what he says—powerful words! After he finished the sacrifice for sins, the Son took his honored place high in the heavens right alongside God,

(NASB+)  And He is the radiance ^G541 of His glory ^G1391 and the exact ^G5481 representation ^G5481 of His nature, ^G5287 and upholds ^G5342 all ^G3956 things ^G3956 by the word ^G4487 of His power. ^G1411 When He had made ^G4160 purification ^G2512 of sins, ^G266 He sat ^G2523 down ^G2523 at the right ^G1188 hand ^G1188 of the Majesty ^G3172 on high, ^G5308

(KJV)  Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high...

For a further discussion on why the Father and Son love each other, click here. 

For a further discussion on how we are like God, click here. 
__________________________________

Foornotes:

¹where else in the Bible do we see the opening phrase of the Gospel of John, "in the beginning...?" There are only two places. Here and in 

Genesis 1:1 

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." 

Is this an accident or maybe coincidence?

When both places are addressing creation - which occurred in the beginning -  And John goes on to say... 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 

All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 

it is clear John was pointing back to Genesis to establish that whatever the phase "in the beginning..." meant it applied to both God and His Word (Christ) i.e. Christ was not created. Both existed before anything else. And they created together ( John 1:3; Col 1:15-17; Heb 1:1-3 ).

How can this be? Is the Word eluded to in Genesis. Yes when it says "and God said..." He is speaking the creation into existence by His Word. 

²And he is part of creation in the sense that he was fully man; but unlike other creatures, he existed prior to becoming a man. Not only so, he is the Creator through whom all things were created.

³the following are several translations handling some key verses regarding the deity of Christ. 

Why do I list all these translations? 

All translators must be scholars in the language they translate. This is the primarily reason they are chosen. Each translation (i.e. KJV, NASB, ESV, etc.) has a team of translators. After looking at the original text the experts were in full agreement with what they said.

This is not always the case with other passages. However with the passages below it was. 

◄ 1 John 5:20 ►

New International Version

We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 

New Living Translation

And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life. 

English Standard Version

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 

Berean Standard Bible

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true—in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 

Berean Literal Bible

Now we know that the Son of God is come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 

King James Bible

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. 

New King James Version

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 

New American Standard Bible

And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 

NASB 1995

And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 

NASB 1977

And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding, in order that we might know Him who is true, and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 

Legacy Standard Bible

And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 

Amplified Bible

And we [have seen and] know [by personal experience] that the Son of God has [actually] come [to this world], and has given us understanding and insight so that we may [progressively and personally] know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true—in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 

Christian Standard Bible

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know the true one. We are in the true one—that is, in his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 

Holman Christian Standard Bible

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know the true One. We are in the true One—that is, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 

American Standard Version

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. 

Contemporary English Version

We know that Jesus Christ the Son of God has come and has shown us the true God. And because of Jesus, we now belong to the true God who gives eternal life. 

English Revised Version

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. 

GOD'S WORD® Translation

We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we know the real God. We are in the one who is real, his Son Jesus Christ. This Jesus Christ is the real God and eternal life. 

Good News Translation

We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we know the true God. We live in union with the true God--in union with his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and this is eternal life. 

International Standard Version

We also know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know the true God. We are in union with the one who is true, his Son Jesus the Messiah, who is the true God and eternal life. 

NET Bible

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us insight to know him who is true, and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. This one is the true God and eternal life. 

New Heart English Bible

We know that the Son of God has come, and has given us an understanding, that we know him who is true, and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 

Webster's Bible Translation

And we know that the Son of God hath come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. 

Weymouth New Testament

And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we know the true One, and are in union with the true One--that is, we are in union with His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and the Life of the Ages. 

Majority Text Translations 

Majority Standard Bible

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true—in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 

World English Bible

We know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 

Literal Translations 

Literal Standard Version

but we have known that the Son of God has come, and has given us a mind that we may know Him who is true, and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ; this One is the true God and the continuous Life! 

Berean Literal Bible

Now we know that the Son of God is come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 

Young's Literal Translation

and we have known that the Son of God is come, and hath given us a mind, that we may know Him who is true, and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ; this one is the true God and the life age-during! 

Smith's Literal Translation

And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding, and we know him true, and we are in him true, in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. 

Catholic Translations 

Douay-Rheims Bible

And we know that the Son of God is come: and he hath given us understanding that we may know the true God, and may be in his true Son. This is the true God and life eternal. 

Catholic Public Domain Version

And we know that the Son of God has arrived, and that he has given us understanding, so that we may know the true God, and so that we may remain in his true Son. This is the true God, and this is Eternal Life. 

New American Bible

We also know that the Son of God has come and has given us discernment to know the one who is true. And we are in the one who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 

New Revised Standard Version

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 

Translations from Aramaic 

Lamsa Bible

And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true, and we are in him who is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. 

Aramaic Bible in Plain English

And we know that The Son of God has come and he has given us a mind to know The True One and to be in The True One- in his Son, Yeshua The Messiah. This One is The True God and The Life Eternal. 

NT Translations 

Anderson New Testament

And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding, that we may know him that is true: and we are in him that is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and life eternal. 

Godbey New Testament

But we know that the Son of God has come and has given unto us intelligence, that we know the truth. And we are in the true one, in his Son Jesus Christ; he is the true God, and eternal life. 

Haweis New Testament

But we know that the Son of God hath come, and hath given to us understanding, that we might know the true God; and we are in him that is true, in his Son Jesus the Messiah. HE is the true God, and the life eternal. 

Mace New Testament

We know that the son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding to know him that is true: and we are with him that is true, by his son Jesus Christ. "he is the true God, who is the author of eternal life." 

Weymouth New Testament

And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we know the true One, and are in union with the true One--that is, we are in union with His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and the Life of the Ages. 

Worrell New Testament

And we know that the Son of God hath come, and hath given us understanding, that we may know the True One: and we are in the True One?in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the True God, and eternal life. 

Worsley New Testament

But we know that the son of God is come, and hath given us understanding, that we may know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, and in his son Jesus Christ: He is the true God, and eternal life. 

Additional Translations ... 

…19We know that we are of God, and that the whole world is under the power of the evil one. 20And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true— in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the TRUE God and eternal life. 21Little children, keep yourselves from idols.…

Berean Standard Bible 

Cross References 

John 1:1-3

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, and without Him nothing was made that has been made. 

Colossians 2:2-3

that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, / in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 

Hebrews 1:2-3

But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. / The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 

1 John 1:1-3

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; … 

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 

John 1:18

No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known. 

Romans 9:5

Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them proceeds the human descent of Christ, who is God over all, forever worthy of praise! Amen. 

Titus 2:13

as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. 

2 Corinthians 4:6

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 

Philippians 2:6

Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

1 John 5:1

Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 

1 John 4:2,14

Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: … 

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 

John 17:3

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 

Greek

And

δὲ (de)

Conjunction

Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. 

we know

οἴδαμεν (oidamen)

Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural

Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate. 

that

ὅτι (hoti)

Conjunction

Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. 

the

ὁ (ho)

Article - Nominative Masculine Singular

Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. 

Son

Υἱὸς (Huios)

Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular

Strong's 5207: A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship. 

of God

Θεοῦ (Theou)

Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular

Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. 

has come

ἥκει (hēkei)

Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular

Strong's 2240: To have come, be present, have arrived. A primary verb; to arrive, i.e. Be present. 

and

καὶ (kai)

Conjunction

Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. 

has given

δέδωκεν (dedōken)

Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular

Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. 

us

ἡμῖν (hēmin)

Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural

Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. 

understanding,

διάνοιαν (dianoian)

Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular

Strong's 1271: From dia and nous; deep thought, properly, the faculty, by implication, its exercise. 

so that

ἵνα (hina)

Conjunction

Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. 

we may know

γινώσκωμεν (ginōskōmen)

Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural

Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications. 

Him who [is]

τὸν (ton)

Article - Accusative Masculine Singular

Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. 

true;

ἀληθινόν (alēthinon)

Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular

Strong's 228: True (lit: made of truth), real, genuine. From alethes; truthful. 

and

καὶ (kai)

Conjunction

Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. 

we are

ἐσμὲν (esmen)

Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural

Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. 

in

ἐν (en)

Preposition

Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. 

Him who [is]

τῷ (tō)

Article - Dative Masculine Singular

Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. 

true—

ἀληθινῷ (alēthinō)

Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular

Strong's 228: True (lit: made of truth), real, genuine. From alethes; truthful. 

in

ἐν (en)

Preposition

Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. 

His

αὐτοῦ (autou)

Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular

Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. 

Son

Υἱῷ (Huiō)

Noun - Dative Masculine Singular

Strong's 5207: A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship. 

Jesus

Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou)

Noun - Dative Masculine Singular

Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. 

Christ.

Χριστῷ (Christō)

Noun - Dative Masculine Singular

Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. 

He

οὗτός (houtos)

Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular

Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it. 

is

ἐστιν (estin)

Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular

Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. 

the

ὁ (ho)

Article - Nominative Masculine Singular

Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. 

TRUE

ἀληθινὸς (alēthinos)

Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular

Strong's 228: True (lit: made of truth), real, genuine. From alethes; truthful. 

God

Θεὸς (Theos)

Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular

Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. 

and

καὶ (kai)

Conjunction

Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. 

eternal

αἰώνιος (aiōnios)

Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular

Strong's 166: From aion; perpetual. 

life.

ζωὴ (zōē)

Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular

Strong's 2222: Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life. 

___________________________ 

◄ John 1:18 ►

No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. 

New Living Translation

No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us. 

English Standard Version

No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known. 

Berean Standard Bible

No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known. 

Berean Literal Bible

No one has ever yet seen God. The only begotten God, the One being in the bosom of the Father, He has made Him known. 

King James Bible

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. 

New King James Version

No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. 

New American Standard Bible

No one has seen God at any time; God the only Son, who is in the arms of the Father, He has explained Him. 

NASB 1995

No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him. 

NASB 1977

No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten God, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him. 

Legacy Standard Bible

No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him. 

Amplified Bible

No one has seen God [His essence, His divine nature] at any time; the [One and] only begotten God [that is, the unique Son] who is in the intimate presence of the Father, He has explained Him [and interpreted and revealed the awesome wonder of the Father]. 

Christian Standard Bible

No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is himself God and is at the Father’s side —he has revealed him. 

Holman Christian Standard Bible

No one has ever seen God. The One and Only Son— the One who is at the Father’s side— He has revealed Him. 

American Standard Version

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. 

Contemporary English Version

No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is truly God and is closest to the Father, has shown us what God is like. 

English Revised Version

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. 

GOD'S WORD® Translation

No one has ever seen God. God's only Son, the one who is closest to the Father's heart, has made him known. 

Good News Translation

No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is the same as God and is at the Father's side, he has made him known. 

International Standard Version

No one has ever seen God. The unique God, who is close to the Father's side, has revealed him. 

NET Bible

No one has ever seen God. The only one, himself God, who is in closest fellowship with the Father, has made God known. 

New Heart English Bible

No one has seen God at any time. The only Son, who is at the Father's side, has made him known. 

Webster's Bible Translation

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. 

Weymouth New Testament

No human eye has ever seen God: the only Son, who is in the Father's bosom--He has made Him known. 

Majority Text Translations 

Majority Standard Bible

No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is at the Father’s side, has made Him known. 

World English Bible

No one has seen God at any time. The only born Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, has declared him. 

Literal Translations 

Literal Standard Version

No one has ever seen God; the only begotten God who is on the bosom of the Father—He has expounded [Him]. 

Berean Literal Bible

No one has ever yet seen God. The only begotten God, the One being in the bosom of the Father, He has made Him known. 

Young's Literal Translation

God no one hath ever seen; the only begotten Son, who is on the bosom of the Father -- he did declare. 

Smith's Literal Translation

None has seen God at any time; the only born Son, he being in the bosom of the Father, he has declared. 

Catholic Translations 

Douay-Rheims Bible

No man hath seen God at any time: the only begotten Son who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. 

Catholic Public Domain Version

No one ever saw God; the only-begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he himself has described him. 

New American Bible

No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him. 

New Revised Standard Version

No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known. 

Translations from Aramaic 

Lamsa Bible

No man has ever seen God; but the firstborn of God, who is in the bosom of his Father, he has declared him. 

Aramaic Bible in Plain English

No man has seen God at any time; The Only Begotten God Who is in the bosom of The Father, he has declared him.” 

NT Translations 

Anderson New Testament

No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has revealed him. 

Godbey New Testament

No one has ever seen God; the only begotten Son, the one being in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared him. 

Haweis New Testament

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath thoroughly described him. 

Mace New Testament

no man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten son, who is intimate with the father, hath made him known. 

Weymouth New Testament

No human eye has ever seen God: the only Son, who is in the Father's bosom--He has made Him known. 

Worrell New Testament

No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, Who is in the bosom of the Father, He declared Him. 

Worsley New Testament

and though no one hath ever seen God, or can see Him: yet the only-begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, hath made Him known.

The Word Became Flesh 

…17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known. 19And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?”...Berean Standard Bible 

Cross References 

Colossians 1:15

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 

Hebrews 1:3

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 

John 14:9

Jesus replied, “Philip, I have been with you all this time, and still you do not know Me? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 

1 John 5:20

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true—in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 

John 1:14

And 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. 

1 John 4:9

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 

John 14:9

Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? 

Greek

No one

οὐδεὶς (oudeis)

Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular

Strong's 3762: No one, none, nothing. 

has ever seen

ἑώρακεν (heōraken)

Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular

Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. 

God,

Θεὸν (Theon)

Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular

Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. 

[but the] one and only Son,

μονογενὴς (monogenēs)

Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular

Strong's 3439: Only, only-begotten; unique. From monos and ginomai; only-born, i.e. Sole. 

[who is Himself] God

Θεὸς (Theos)

Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular

Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. 

[and]

ὁ (ho)

Article - Nominative Masculine Singular

Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. 

is

ὢν (ōn)

Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular

Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. 

at

εἰς (eis)

Preposition

Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. 

the

τὸν (ton)

Article - Accusative Masculine Singular

Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. 

Father’s

Πατρὸς (Patros)

Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular

Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'. 

side,

κόλπον (kolpon)

Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular

Strong's 2859: Apparently a primary word; the bosom; by analogy, a bay. 

has made [Him] known.

ἐξηγήσατο (exēgēsato)

Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular

Strong's 1834: To lead, show the way; met: I unfold, narrate, declare. From ek and hegeomai; to consider out, i.e. Rehearse, unfold.

two problems two solutions

We have two sin problems: 

·        Legal

·        Practical

Christ fully addressed our legal sin problem i.e. taking on and fully satisfying the rightful condemnation and wrath of God due to our rebellious distrust of Him.

The Spirit sent by Christ and his Father addresses our practical (ongoing) sin problem i.e. our ongoing tendency to still distrust God and continue in unfaithfulness to him even after coming to Christ. 

This distrust is an expression of alienation and opposition to God. It is based in a deep seated conviction (belief) that we can make life work without God and is nothing less than an attempt to be our own god. It is saying we know better than God what is best for us; that we can be and are our own god, he is not. It is declaring our opposition to him as our rightful King and the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of all things. In so doing, we declare ourselves an enemy of God. 

The problem of our opposition to Christ was settled by a past act that addressed our legal standing/status with God. This is done, complete, finished! There is nothing more for him to do or us to do. We can not add to this or take away from it. Our sins are gone i.e. the legal consequences for them -- our condemnation and God's rejection -- are removed as soon as we accept His free offer of forgiveness.

The problem the Spirit addresses is an ongoing solution. This is necessary due to our ongoing and deeply buried distrust of God -- even for us who are his redeemed and reconciled children. The Spirit continually helps us to see and experience the immense love of God demonstrated by Christ's rescuing us and resolving our legal sin problem. He did this in order to not only make us righteous before God, our Divine Judge, but to reveal to us God's infinite love. 

Once we accept God's offer of perfect righteousness (legally) through Christ's work for us, the Spirit increasingly reveals the full extent of that work and the love demonstrated in it, stirring in us an increasing love and trust for God. This moves us to follow his loving directions given through his commands and corrections. The more we see that love the more we are moved to trust and follow Him.

The ongoing solution grounded in the legal solution

The ongoing solution of the Spirit revealing God's ongoing love and obedience — and our ongoing need for that love — would not be possible if Christ had not addressed our legal problem of being under the wrath of God's wrath for our rebellious distrust i.e. if Christ hadn't done what he did, the Spirit could and would not have been sent to do what he does.

Joh_16:17  Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you.

Joh_14:17  even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

Joh_14:26  But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

Joh_15:26  "But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. 

Joh_16:13  When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

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For a further discussion of our legal standing and the practical outcome click here. 

For a further discussion on operating in the Spirit click here. 

Never repeated (poem)

Never repeated

by Jim Deal

Right standing settled by God.

Faith answered by us.

Unrighteousness fixed by Christ's work broad.

In this work, we must trust.

His love anchored in history's past,

Our union experienced ongoing

God as our righteous judge cast.

In Christ, love is now effusively flowing.

Law by God as judge,

Love is God as Father caring.

From His wrath, He could not budge.

In Christ, love now freely sharing.

Righteousness 

fulfilled, finished 

assigned, completed

Never by us repeated.

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For a fuller discussion of the truths expressed in this post click here.

#poems

Legal vs practical relationship with God II

Is there a difference between our legal relationship with God and our day to day relation? Are these completely separate or are they connected in some way? Let's take a closer look. 

Once we are in Christ the legal consequences of condemnation, separation and death are no longer a part of the dynamics of our relationship with God. They are entirely removed and can never be revisited by God -- nor ever should be by us. God’s disposition toward us is as if we trusted and obeyed him perfectly - even when we don’t since Christ did and fully credited this to us. God’s perfect infinite love is now permanently set upon us just as it is on His Son. His settled disposition of love and commitment to us is no longer tied to our trust or distrust in Him but solely to Christ's perfect trust lived out while he was on earth.

The practical consequences of our distrust of God, however, are still fully in play and have a very real impact on our ¹day-to-day relationship with God and fully participating in and experiencing this fixed love. Distrust may no longer be a legal issue on God's side, but it is still very much a practical one on ours. In fact, to the same extent it is not a legal issue, it still fully remains for us a practical one. 

We often mix these up and have a hard time keeping them separate. Both are equally true and significant in how we relate to God. 

If we don't have a clear and firm grasp on our perfect legal status we will look at God's commandments as something required of us to earn God's love. 

If we ignore our obedience i.e. our practical day to day walk with God, we will be ineffective and weak to nonexistent in displaying Him to others. 

When we recognize and focus on our legal standing in Christ we are not to forget the significance of our practical day to day relationship, trust, and pursuit of God and the need to **cultivate these. In fact, as our love and trust grow, this impacts our ongoing daily disposition toward God. The more we grasp His love for us -- legally secured for us by Christ's efforts -- the greater our trust grows. Though our legal standing and our trust are distinct issues they are vitally connected. The latter -- our ongoing relationship with God -- doesn't work until the former -- our righteous status -- is firmly understood and accepted. 

When we recognize and focus on the practical matter of our distrust we are not to revisit God's rejection and condemnation we were once under. In Christ, there is neither, regardless of whether we trust God or not and how much or little our trust is. God's acceptance of us has nothing to do with whether we trust and obey God or not. 

The practical consequences of distrust is an entirely separate matter from the legal consequences. The legal consequences are entirely removed, while the practical consequences are fully in play.

To illustrate, once a couple marries they are now husband and wife no matter how strong or strained their relationship is. Being married is their legal status -- they are husband and wife. Until they legally divorce they will remain husband and wife with all the benefits, responsibilities and obligations of that union e.g. they will not engage in sexual intimacy with others as they do with their spouse, to name the most obvious part of marriage. However, while together, they can become completely alienated from each other emotionally due to day to day offenses that might build up and result in distrust of each other. To build trust in the relationship does not legally make them more a husband and wife any more than they already are, it simply makes them a better husband and wife i.e. The practical outworking of their legal status of husband and wife is more fully -- and appropriately – expressed, experienced and demonstrated when trust is a vital part of the relationship. Trust in what? That their partner cherishes them above all others… to have and to hold til death do they part. Trust is tied to love. When we know we are loved, we more willingly submit to and trust the other; the greater that love the more easily we submit.  

So it is with God. If we are in Christ, we are a child of God. This is our legal status. However this does not in itself describe the quality of our relationship, it addresses our standing or status legally as His beloved children. To experience the full benefit of our status we must fully participate in a relationship of love and trust. 

When we trust that our parents love us, it is easiest to follow their directions/ wishes/will. The more we trust in their love the more willing we are and the more we desire to do what they ask i.e. the easier it is for us to follow their direction and submit to their wishes. To say it another way, we want to love them because we know (trust) they love us. The best way to show our love is to do what they want us to do.

But this is a two-way street. As a child proves themselves ³responsible i.e. trustworthy, the parent entrusts them with more responsibility and freedom. A genuinely loving parent always wants what’s best for their child. When they know the child will use things wisely – ⁴for their good and the good of others, not to their harm -- they will give them more freedom. They want this for their child more than anything, because they long for them to enter into the fullness of joy; the joy of experiencing the fullness of parents love and loving others with the love they have been given. 

This is who we are designed to be -- to receive love from our heavenly parent and out of the fullness of that love, overflowing in love to others, particularly our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

We may be fully loved and accepted in Christ regardless of what we do but this is entirely separate from our fully engaging, participating in and disseminating that love to others -- God first, then our neighbor. When we pull away in distrust from God it may no longer cause God to turn away from us, but in no uncertain terms, we can and are pulling away from Him. When we do, it cuts us off practically – we cut ourselves off, God doesn’t cut us off – from entering into the full joy of love God infinitely and relentlessly has for us.

For a summary of the difference between the legal and practical click here

For a further discussion on whether law and grace are in conflict click here.

For a discussion on the value of the law click here.

¹ignoring any relationship results in its weakening, whether that be with a spouse, our kids or God. We are relational beings, designed to give and receive love because God is relational and we are in His image. The more we give and receive love in any relationship, the stronger it becomes.  

²due to our ongoing rebellious distrust of God, even as His children. Not all kids fully trust their parents. We are no exception to our heavenly parent. 

³if you break down the word responsible it gives us some interesting insight. Response-able i.e. able to respond. Respond to what? To love. When we trust we are loved we respond in kind. To say it another way, when we love someone, we desire to do what they desire/wish/ask of us and are diligent in doing so. We desire to please them because we love them. Obedience is the fruit of trust, trust is the fruit of knowing we are loved. This is why Christ said, “if you love me you will keep my commandments...” Keeping his commandments is evidence of our love and something we desire to do, not something we feel required to do. This is also why John said, “...this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome...” It's not a burden to love someone who we know infinitely loves us. Note the verse also says "...this is the love of God...", not just our love i.e. our keeping his commandments starts with and springs out of his love for us. We respond to this love by obedience to His commandments. Doing something against our wills is drudgery. Doing something because we love the one we do it for is delightful. We do it because we want to do it not because we have to. If we are not obedient children, we don't buckle down and force ourselves to do better, we more diligently seek God to reveal his love more fully. 

⁴I am assuming they will also use whatever they are given to honor the giver, but this is a side point to one I am making... so I am putting it here as a footnote. 

Longing for perfect love (poem)

Longing for Perfect love

by Jim Deal

Love on the big screen before us played. 
Longing for perfect love, in sight. 

"Happy ever after” clearly displayed.  
Hearts pulled in like moths to light. 

Perfect Love uncovers longing concealed.
Seeing, hoping for Perfect Love.

Something missing our hearts reveal.
Hungering, aching for perfect love.

Deep within, love echos profound.
Longing, hungering for perfect love.

Smiling inside when perfect love is found. 
Seeking, longing for perfect love.

Only Divine Love alone can fill
Finding, resting finally in Perfect Love

 

















#poems