For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "grace for grace" doesn't mean receiving grace instead of the Law, but rather receiving a constant, ever-increasing flow of God's favor and blessing, where each measure of grace received prepares us for and calls forth another. It's like God giving us a gift, and then, because we've received it and begun to use it, He gives us an even greater one in its place.
For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following John the Baptist's testimony and a parenthetical statement about him, the evangelist speaks for himself and other believers, explaining how they've experienced the fullness of the incarnate Word. This verse serves as a transition, connecting the description of Jesus being "full of grace and truth" with the subsequent contrast between the Law given by Moses and the grace and truth that came through Jesus Christ.
Have you ever felt like you're running on empty? This verse speaks to a source of unending supply, a wellspring of divine resources within Christ.
The verse opens with a powerful declaration: 'For from his fullness we have all received...' The word translated 'fullness' (pleroma in Greek) signifies completeness, an absolute plenitude of divine power, attributes, and grace. It's not just that Christ has grace, but that He is the embodiment of it. Think of it like a reservoir that never runs dry, holding all the grace, truth, and divine resources needed for salvation and life. This isn't a limited store, but an inexhaustible divine supply residing in Jesus.
What does it mean to receive 'grace upon grace'? It's more than just a single blessing; it's a continuous, unfolding gift from God.
The phrase 'grace upon grace' (charin anti charitos in Greek) is rich with meaning. It doesn't just mean 'grace added to grace,' but implies a succession or even an exchange of graces. As one measure of grace is received and utilized, it makes room for, or is even exchanged for, a new and often greater measure of grace. This speaks to a dynamic, ongoing relationship with God where His favor and empowering presence are constantly flowing into our lives. Each blessing prepares us for the next, creating a beautiful, unbroken chain of divine generosity.
Understand the original words
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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 speaks of 'all the fullness' dwelling in Christ, paralleling John's 'his fullness' and highlighting Christ as the complete reservoir of divine attributes and power.
Ephesians 1:23Here, the church is described as the 'fullness of him who fills all in all,' connecting the fullness within Christ to its distribution and experience through His body, the church.
2 Peter 1:5-8Peter outlines a progression of virtues where 'add to your faith goodness, and to goodness knowledge...' mirroring the concept of 'grace for grace' as one blessing builds upon another.
Matthew 13:12Jesus states, 'Whoever has will be given more, and he will receive an abundance,' which resonates with the idea of receiving grace upon grace as one utilizes and grows in the grace already received.
Exodus 33:18-19Moses asks to see God's glory, and God responds by promising to make 'all my goodness pass before you,' highlighting God's desire to reveal His grace and goodness, which is then received by humanity through Christ.
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" doesn't mean receiving grace instead of the Law, but rather receiving a constant, ever-increasing flow of God's favor and blessing, where each measure of grace received prepares us for and calls forth another. It's like God giving us a gift, and then, because we've received it and begun to use it, He gives us an even greater one in its place.
Following John the Baptist's testimony and a parenthetical statement about him, the evangelist speaks for himself and other believers, explaining how they've experienced the fullness of the incarnate Word. This verse serves as a transition, connecting the description of Jesus being "full of grace and truth" with the subsequent contrast between the Law given by Moses and the grace and truth that came through Jesus Christ.
Following John the Baptist's testimony and a parenthetical statement about him, the evangelist speaks for himself and other believers, explaining how they've experienced the fullness of the incarnate Word. This verse serves as a transition, connecting the description of Jesus being "full of grace and truth" with the subsequent contrast between the Law given by Moses and the grace and truth that came through Jesus Christ.
"For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." — The phrase "grace for grace" doesn't mean receiving grace instead of the Law, but rather receiving a constant, ever-increasing flow of God's favor and blessing, where each measure of grace received…
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Last reviewed October 2026