John 1:16
For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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John 1:16
For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The phrase "grace for grace" suggests not just an accumulation of blessings, but a continuous, responsive flow, where each received grace equips us for the next, much like a chain reaction of God's favor. It hints that God gives new grace not just on top of old grace, but in exchange for it, meaning our growth in faith is met with fresh outpourings of His power and favor.
John the Baptist has just testified that Jesus is the One coming after him, who is preferred before him. The evangelist then explains that from Jesus' overflowing fullness of grace and truth, all believers have received. This experience of abundant, unending grace from Christ is what confirms and illustrates the Baptist's testimony.
Ever feel like you're only getting a small sip of God's goodness? John wants us to know that Christ isn't just 'full' – He's an inexhaustible reservoir.
The verse begins by speaking of Christ's "fullness." This isn't just a little bit of grace; it's a complete, abundant supply. Think of it like a perfectly full cup, overflowing with everything we need.
What does it mean to receive 'grace upon grace'? It's not just a one-time deal, but a continuous, abundant flow of God's favor.
The phrase "grace upon grace" (or "grace for grace") speaks to the incredible generosity of God's giving.
Understand the original words
plērōma · Greek Noun
The immeasurable, overflowing abundance of God's attributes, presence, and life; in Christ, it signifies the totality of the divine essence dwelling in bodily form.
charis · Greek Noun
God's unmerited favor, kindness, and enabling power toward those who deserve judgment; it is the fundamental quality of God's character in His relationship with humanity.
This passage explains that 'all the fullness' of God was pleased to dwell in Christ, directly connecting to the idea of Christ's 'fullness' from which believers receive.
Ephesians 1:23This verse describes the church as the 'fullness of him who fills all in all,' illustrating how Christ's fullness is communicated and expressed through His people.
2 Peter 1:5Peter echoes the idea of 'grace upon grace' by urging believers to 'make every effort to respond to God's promises with faith, adding goodness to goodness,' showing a progression of grace.
Romans 12:17This verse uses a similar concept of 'grace for grace' by stating 'Do not repay evil with evil,' suggesting a principle of response and exchange, though in a different context.
John 15:5Jesus' statement that 'I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, bears much fruit' directly parallels receiving life and fruitfulness from Christ's fullness.
pooleJohn 1:16: "And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace."
And of his fulness have all we received; of that plenty of grace which Christ hath, (who hath not the Spirit given him by measure, John 3:34 , as other saints have, Acts 2:4,6,8 ), we who by nature are void of grace, whether taken for the favour of God, or gracious habits, have received, as the skirts of Aaron’s garment received the oil which was plentifully poured out on Aaron’s head. And grace for grace: nor have we re…
vincentJohn 1:16: "And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace."
And (καὶ)But the correct reading is ὅτι, because, thus connecting the following sentence with "full of grace and truth" in John 1:14. We know Him as full of grace and truth, because we have received of His fullness.Of His fulness (ἐκ τοῦ πληρώματος αὐτοῦ)These and the succeeding words are the Evangelist's, not the Baptist's. The word fullness (πλήρωμα) is found here only in John, but frequently occurs in the wri…
The phrase "grace for grace" suggests not just an accumulation of blessings, but a continuous, responsive flow, where each received grace equips us for the next, much like a chain reaction of God's favor. It hints that God gives new grace not just on top of old grace, but in exchange for it, meaning our growth in faith is met with fresh outpourings of His power and favor.
John the Baptist has just testified that Jesus is the One coming after him, who is preferred before him. The evangelist then explains that from Jesus' overflowing fullness of grace and truth, all believers have received. This experience of abundant, unending grace from Christ is what confirms and illustrates the Baptist's testimony.
John the Baptist has just testified that Jesus is the One coming after him, who is preferred before him. The evangelist then explains that from Jesus' overflowing fullness of grace and truth, all believers have received. This experience of abundant, unending grace from Christ is what confirms and illustrates the Baptist's testimony.
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"For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." — The phrase "grace for grace" suggests not just an accumulation of blessings, but a continuous, responsive flow, where each received grace equips us for the next, much like a chain reaction of God's f…