How Do Jehovah's Witnesses Interpret John 1:1-3?

Interpreting the Bible, especially the opening passages of the Gospel of John, can be complex. Jehovah's Witnesses, who frequently emphasize the importance of logical reasoning and contextual understanding, offer a specific interpretation of John 1:1-3. This passage, often translated in ways that suggest a Trinitarian view, is reinterpreted by Jehovah's Witnesses to support a distinct theological stance. This article will delve into the arguments and textual evidence used by Jehovah's Witnesses to interpret these verses.

Key Passages and Interpretation

John 1:1

Let's start with John 1:1, which reads in the New World Translation (NWT) as:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.”

According to Jehovah's Witnesses, the text can be rendered as:

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

This translation uses the word "god" in the singular form, emphasizing the distinction between the Word and God. The Greek text and other translations reinforce this interpretation:

Εν ρχ ν λγο κα λγο ν πρ τν θεν κα θε ν λγο In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (KJV)

The Greek words "theos" (θεο?) can also be translated as "a god," which Jehovah's Witnesses maintain, thus emphasizing that the Word was not God but rather associated with God.

Further Scriptural Evidence

Colossians 1:15

The opening of Colossians 1:15 provides additional support:

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.”

According to Jehovah's Witnesses, this verse speaks of Jesus as a creation, not as a co-eternal God.

Theological Insights

Using Reason to Interpret Scriptures

To interpret these passages and others, Jehovah's Witnesses emphasize the importance of using reason. Paul encourages believers to use their "reasonable mind" when considering the Scriptures (Romans 12:1). This means avoiding interpretations that rely solely on tradition or supernatural revelation without logical and contextual reasoning.

Analysis of Verses in Greek and English Translations

Let's examine John 1:1 in Greek and a few English translations:

“Εν ρχ ν  λγο κα  λγο ν πρ τν θεν κα  λγο ν πρ τν θεν”"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god."

The use of "with" (προ?) and "a god" (θεο?) suggests a distinction between the Word and God. Other translations that reflect this interpretation include:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (KJV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a divine being (The Bible American Translation) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God (Das Evangelium nach Johannes)

The indefinite article "a" in these translations is crucial, as it emphasizes the distinction between the Word and the divine entity. Jehovah's Witnesses maintain that the translation “a god” accurately reflects the intended meaning of the original Greek.

Conclusion

The interpretation of John 1:1-3 by Jehovah's Witnesses is primarily based on the nuances of Greek syntax and the contextual understanding that recognises the deity of God and the humanity of Christ. By emphasizing the Word (Jesus) as a distinct being who was with God but not God himself, they provide a compelling argument rooted in biblical text and theological reasoning.

For those exploring the theological implications of John 1:1-3, Jehovah's Witnesses offer a perspective grounded in a logical and contextual reading of the text, aiming to provide a clear and coherent understanding of the relationship between Jesus and the Father.