John 1:1

"In the beginning was the word"

 

Some notes - there is a definite genesis reference, using a similar introduction.

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

"was"

The simplicity of the phrasing, "was the word" brings a feeling of infinite absoluteness. One of the problem verses is the "was" word. Is the "was" diminutive? In other words, is the "was the word" a past even that changes in accordance with time? The popular interpretation is "was continually". It is simply referring to a past reference of time.

"the word" - logos, or lagas

The assumed interpretation is that the "Word" is christ. This is only implied in the structure of the sentences, but not in any direct manner. The word is how we know people. The word is given by God so that we may know him. The word is not merely some knowledge or some static information. It is creative, it is powerful.

The important part of this line is to bring this solemn and deep feeling. Simple sentences with mystery built in command a certain reverence, and drippings of infinity and divinity.  

"The word was with God"

The greek comes out to something similar to "the word was towards God". As we take this verse, the word existed separate alongside God. This also rules out the word meaning "the being of God the father". This also rules out that the word is a byproduct from God somehow.

"the Word was God"

This is the confirmation that the word IS god also. It is the confirmation of the divine, and the classification is the same. This sentence is different than "God was the word". This sentence is a singularity. Meaning that all of God is fully in the Word. This is confirmation.