Placiente, Patrick V.

Biblical Hermeneutics

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
(John 1:17)

Introduction

The book of John introduce the pre-existence and incarnation of Jesus Christ. In this
chapter, it focuses only in v. 17 “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came
through Jesus Christ”.1 According to John the law through Moses was derived from the law of
God that means it is “the character of the Son Jesus Christ.” However, there are several
significant issues about the law that was given through Moses only in the time of the Old
Testament but the grace and truth is found only in Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Furthermore, this paper will discuss the contrast between the Mosaic Law and Jesus
Christ. Rather, both the giving of the law and the coming of Jesus Christ mark decisive events in
the history of salvation. In the law, God graciously revealed his character and righteous
requirements to the nation of Israel. Jesus, however, marked the final, definitive revelation of
God's grace and truth in John 1:17.2 On the other hand the researcher believes that the text
mentioned above needs a careful study in order to come up to the right understanding.

Text and Translation

This section analyses the phrase “the law was given to Moses, grace and truth came
through Jesus Christ” of John 1:17. It exposes and digs out the right interpretation according to
each translation.
The phrase “the law was given to Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ”
comes from the Greek words, ὅτι ὁ νόμος διὰ Μωϋσέως ἐδόθη, ἡ χάρις καὶ ἡ ἀλήθεια διὰ Ἰησοῦ
Χριστοῦ ἐγένετο. The various translation of the portion of John 1:17 has no problem in different
translations. Here are the Bible translations:
“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus
Christ.”(NKJV, ESV, NASB);

“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."
(NIV);
“For the law was given through Moses, but God's unfailing love and faithfulness came
through Jesus Christ." (NLT);

“Moses gave us the law. Jesus Christ has given us grace and truth.” (NIRV)

“For the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."
(CSB)

1
John 1:17. All Bible text is derived from the ESV translation, unless otherwise stated.
2
ESV Bible, John.
 “For the law was given through Moses; grace and the true way of life are ours through
Jesus Christ.” (BBE)
The above translation shows different usage in grammar but the phrase were translated
according to its original syntax in Greek. Though there are some translations, the text was
differently translated specially in paraphrasing and dynamic translations.3 John 1:17 belongs to
the pericope, for it belongs to Jesus is the promised Messiah and Son of God. And another thing,
it belongs to the previous and after unit of the text. And this text belongs to this small pericope
passage.

General Background of the book

In this part of the research, it talks about the overview of the Book of John; it explores
the background as to the Author of the Book, the Date, Location, the recipients, the Basic
Themes and the Purpose of the writing.

Authorship

The book of John is anonymous to the extent that, for reasons best known to himself, the
writer deliberately avoids naming himself directly. He does not identify himself as one of the two
disciples who first followed Jesus, and with obvious modesty refers to himself simply as “that
disciple” John 21:23. From the very first, Christian tradition has pointed to John the Beloved, not
only as that bears his name.4 The title says that the Gospel was written by John, and other
evidence identifies this John as the son of Zebedee. The internal evidence indicates
that the author was (1) an apostle (1:14; 19:35), (2) one of the 12 disciples ("the disciple
whom Jesus loved"; 13:23; 19:26; 20:2), and, still more specifically, (3) John the son of
Zebedee (note the association of "the disciple whom Jesus loved" with Peter in 13:23-
24; 18:15-16; 20:2-9). The external evidence from the church fathers supports this
identification (e.g., Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.2).5

Date, Location, and Recipients

The most likely date is the period between 70 A.D (the date of the destruction of the
temple) and 100 A.D (the end of John’s lifetime), but there is not enough evidence to be much
more precise6. A date subsequent to 70 A.D is suggested, among other things, by the references
in 6:1 and 21:1 to the Sea of Tiberias(a name widely used for the Sea of Galilee only toward the
3
The researcher provided the different translations that translates differently John 1:17; the RSV which
belongs to the dynamic translation translated it like this; “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth
came through Jesus Christ." And this is the only translation that I found out in formal translation that translates the
text differently. Just like the other translation also, (dynamic translation) NJB “for the Law was given through
Moses, grace and truth have come through Jesus Christ.” (paraphrase translation) NIRV- Moses gave us the law.
Jesus Christ has given us grace and truth."
4
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary (SDABC), rev. ed., ed. Francis D. Nichol (Washington, DC:
Review and Heralds, 1956), 5:891.
5
ESV Bible
6
Clarke, Adam. Clarke's Commentary: Genesis. New York: Abingdon Press, n.d.
end of the 1st century), the reference in 21:19 to peter’s martyrdom(which according to patristic
evidence occurred in A.D 65 or 66), and the lack of reference to the Sadducees(who ceased to be
a Jewish religious party after 70 A.D)thus Clement of Alexandria stated, “Last of all, John,
Perceiving that the external facts had been made plain [in the other canonical Gospels],
composed a spiritual gospel.”7
The most likely place of writing is Ephesus in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), which
was one of the most important urban centred of the Roman Empire. However, the readership
envisioned by John’s Gospel transcends any one historical setting.8

Basic Theme and Purpose

The Gospel of John was written by the apostle John, the son of Zebedee, a Palestinian
Jew and a member of Jesus' inner apostolic circle during his earthly ministry. John's original
audience consisted of both Jews and Gentiles living in the larger Greco-Roman world in Ephesus
and beyond toward the close of the first century A.D. He frequently explains Jewish customs and
Palestinian geography and translates Aramaic terms into Greek, thus showing awareness of non-
Jewish readers. He also presents Jesus as the Word become flesh against the backdrop of Greek
thought that included Stoicism and early Gnosticism. But John also shows awareness of Jewish
readers as he demonstrates Jesus to be the Jewish Messiah, the fulfillment of many OT themes,
and the Son of God who was sent by God the Father to reveal the only true God and to provide
redemption for humanity.9

The theme of John’s Gospel is that Jesus is the promised Messiah and Son of God. By
believing in Jesus, people can have eternal life.10

Literary Analysis

The phrase “law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ”
has to be determined in its context. The literary analysis both in its chapter and established the
ramification of the passage.

Chiastic Structure:

Further, the book of John is structured chiastically.11 It may be necessary to shown the
structure of the whole book. Thus it is much good to show the whole concept of the book. The
structure of the book was show in this manner.

7
ESV Bible, John.
8
Ibid.,
9
ESV Bible
10
Ibid.,
Prologue 1:1-18
A. The relationship of the Word to (vv. 1-5)
1. God
2. Creation
3. Humankind
B. The negative witness of John (vv. 6-8)
C. The negative effect of the Light/Word’s journey (vv. 9- 11)
D. The gift of empowerment (vv. 12-13)
C’. The positive effect of the Light/Word’s journey (v. 14)
B’. The positive witness of John (v. 15)
A’. The relationship of the Word to (vv. 16-18)
3. Humankind
2. Re-creation
1. God

The structure shows some chiasm. Structure A agree with A’ shows that in the beginning
was the Word and the Word was God that is Jesus Christ, the Light shines in the darkness and
grace and truth came only to Him. The structure B and B’ show that John is a witness to testify
about the Light, so that all might believe to him. The structure C and C’ talked about the Word’s
journey that He was in the world, and the world made through Him and the world did not know
Him. Thus, the Word became flesh and bring the grace and truth to the people. The structure D
shows us that whoever believe in Him has the right to become children of God.

Immediate Context

The book of John and his interpretation of any biblical book is strengthened when we
understand the deeper motives and concerns that have led the author to write. John’s vigour and
concentration reveal a remarkable intensity of purpose. It is as if a powerful truth had broken
upon him and he compelled to express it. To a greater extent than the Synoptic, each section of
the Four Gospel contributes to a central theme: the appearance of the Son of God in human
history. John explores two facets of this appearance: revelation and redemption.
Focusing the context of the text particularly in John 1:17.12 I discovered that the context
begin in 1:1-18 the prologue. Because if we begin to examine the text from verses 1-18, there is a
sections of this verses, first section start in 1:1-3 the Word is God, the Word is Light and Life
(1:4-5), the word Opens the way to God (1:6-9), the Word Becomes Flesh (1:14), Jesus
Surpasses John (1:15-18), and I observe that my context focus in Jesus surpasses John.
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John
1:17 ESV), in contrast to this verse in the old testament with Jesus is extended to Moses, while
the benefits of their covenants are compared. Moses gave law; Jesus brought grace. Moses’s
request to see God was denied (Exod. 33:20); but Jesus has come to us from the very heart of the
Father. The authority of his revelation is that much greater.

11
“A chiasm represents a writing style that-once understood- clarifies, emphasizes and reveals deeper
meaning in the scriptures than is revealed in just a surfaces reading of these verses.
12
See John
 Syntactical-Grammatical Analysis

To understand the phrase that is under study, it must undergo checking of its meaning in
the original language of the New Testament which is the Greek. The phrase “the law was given
through Moses” in Greek is ὅτι ὁ νόμος διὰ Μωϋσέως ἐδόθη. The word ἐδόθη (edothe) is verb,
Indicative Aorist Passive 3rd Person Singular13. And this word ἐδόθη belongs to the strong verb
and translated in Greek lexicon “it was given”.14 In the indicative, the aorist usually indicates
past time with reference to the time of speaking (thus, “absolute time”). Aorist participles
usually suggest antecedent time to that of the main verb (i.e., past time in a relative sense).15
And also the word νόμος (nomos) is noun, nominative masculine singular common. The relation
of the subject to the action or state of the verb is largely determined by the voice of the verb. If
the voice is active, the subject does the acting [“Jesus came into the Judean region”] in
John 3:22); if passive, the subject is acted upon [“the law was given”] in John 1:17); if middle,
the subject acts on itself or in its own behalf, or the stress is placed on the subject [“God chose
(for himself)”] in Eph 1:3-4).16 The translation of the Greek word χάρις noun nominative
feminine singular common. χάρις, ιτος f grace, kindness, mercy, goodwill ( ἔχω χ. πρός have the
goodwill of Ac 2.47); a special manifestation of the divine presence, activity, power or glory; a
favor, expression of kindness, gift, blessing ( κατὰ χ. as a gift Ro 4.4, 16; ἵνα δευτέραν χ. σχῆτε
in order that you might be blessed twice 2 Cor 1.15); thanks, gratitude; graciousness ( ὁ λόγος
ὑμῶν πάντοτε ἐν χ. your speech should always be pleasant Col 4.6).17

Lexical Analysis/Word Study

The phrase “law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” in
John 1:17. The Greek νόμος translated as “law”, the noun nomos appears 34 times in NT and 3
times in the book of John. In the lexicon of BDAG presents several meaning of nomos: a
procedure or practice that has taken hold, a custom, rule, and principle, norm, which relates to
the idea of indication in the principle or rule in the time of Moses. From this law given only
through Moses to follow the custom of God. Thus, the Mosaic Law or the Ten Commandments
recorded in the Old Testament can follow until now, because it is the custom of the Lord. And
also in times of Jesus Christ, in Matthew 5:17 says that Jesus comes to fulfill the law. And also
connect in the Old Testament, in the book of Exodus 24:12 says “The LORD said to Moses,
"Come up to me on the mountain and wait there, that I may give you the tablets of stone, with
the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction." In the Hebrew word
which means law or Torah. Literally, “through Moses.” “The law” did not originate with Moses,

13
Indicative, the aorist usually indicates past time with reference to the time of speaking (thus, “absolute
time”). See also Bible Works 9 “Wallace, Exegetical Syntax of the NT.”
14
See also Bible Works 9, BDAG Lexicon
15
See also Bible Works 9, Wallace, Exegetical Syntax of the NT
16
Ibid.,
17
Bible Works 9, UBS.
but with God. Moses was simply the agent through whom the revealed will of God was imparted
to men (see Deut. 5:22 to 6:1; Heb. 1:1).
The Greek word χάρις which means grace, a beneficent disposition toward someone,
favor, grace, gracious care/help, goodwill18. The word grace appears 60 times in the New
Testament, and in book of John appears 4 times. Other meaning of word χάρις a special
manifestation of the divine presence, activity, power or glory; a favor, expression of kindness,
gift, blessing. Through the grace and truth of Jesus Christ, we can experience salvation. So the
purpose of this verse that through John says through Jesus Christ alone can express his love,
kindness and above all the grace.

Biblical Context

In the biblical context the phrase “the law was given to Moses, grace and truth came
through Jesus Christ” recorded in John 1:17. The word law or Torah appeared on the Old
Testament 223 times and in the book of Pentateuch, the law is always associated with the
covenant between God and his people. In the book of Psalms is specific to the commandments of
God. The word law in the Old Testament displays several meanings. It means (1) the book of
covenant (Exod 20:22-23; 33; Jer. 31:31-34); (2) the general requirement to obey God (Deut 5-
11); (3) principle of establishing truth (Deut 19:15); (4) moral guidance (Lev 19:19); in a
narrower sense, the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, as comprising the law; in a
broader sense, refers to what human beings are command to do (Job 22:22; Ps 94:12; Prov 1:8;
4:2; 13:14; Isai 2:3; Mal 2:6-8).
In the New Testaments19 it means, generally, any law in the judicial sphere (Rom 7:1;
3:27), as rule governing one’s conduct principle, law (Rom 7:21, 23b), more specially in the
New Testament of the Mosaic system of legislation as revealing the divine will (the Torah) law
(Luke 2:22, 27; 1 Cor 9:20; Heb 10:28); in an expanded sense, Jewish religious laws developed
from the Mosaic law (John 18:31; Acts 23:29).20
Further, the grace appeared 66 times in the Old Testament tells us, through the love and
grace. New Testament appeared 155 times that grace is came only to Jesus Christ. In Acts 4:33
says “And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the
Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.”

Theological Context

18
See also Bible Works 9, UBS
19
Walter Bauer, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and other Early Christian Literature
(BAGD), trans. And adapted byWilliam F. Arndt and F. Wilbur Gingrich, 2 nd., rev. and augmented by F. Wilbur
Gingrich and Frederick W. Danker (1979).
20
See Bible Works 9
 The phrase of John 1:17 “the law was given to Moses, grace and truth came through
Jesus Christ” provide several implications such as Christology and Soteriology. Moreover, these
two theological implication describe how God manifested His grace and love towards humanity.
This passage tells about the law was given in the times of Moses and until this moment
we keep the law of God. And the grace and truth came only to Jesus Christ. It is very clear that
through the blood of Jesus Christ in the cross, we can receive salvation if “we believe in Him.” 21
There is no other god or people can give us salvation, it is only found in Jesus Christ because of
his grace. And the truth is found alone in Jesus Christ. This text carries an evidence that points to
the truth and grace is came only to Jesus Christ. And the law was given through Moses. It’s
clearly supporting in the Old Testament’s about Moses. It talks and supports and in some sense
adds to the doctrine of salvation.
The first theology is the Christology. The Bible tells about Christ in v. 1 says that in the
“beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” connected to v.
14 says “The Word became a human being. He made his home with us. We have seen his glory.
It is the glory of the one and only Son. He came from the Father. And he was full of grace and
truth”. Hence, the Word was introduce to us as Jesus Christ who is the Son of God. He, the Son
God came down to the level man as a hundred percent man and hundred God to fulfill the plan of
salvation.
Second, Soteriology – salvation is always God’s initiative. After the fall of man, after sin
entered the world God designed the plan of salvation. Then is the sacrificial system was
introduced, man is to offer without blemish, young lamb as a sacrificial offering for the
forgiveness of their iniquities, and all this methods, process and systems points to the coming
Messiah – the lamb that was slain for the salvation of mankind. Grace was achieved through and
only from Him, the ultimate sacrifice. We are saved by grace through Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

Salvation is not found by the good works or keeping of the law that was given by Moses
but by the grace of Jesus Christ alone we found salvation but it doesn’t mean that we are to avoid
the law, it is also to keep the law because it points out to Jesus Christ.22 Keeping the law is just
only an outward manifestation that we have been saved by grace alone through Jesus Christ.
Hence, salvation is by grace alone not by keeping the law or Ten Commandments. But
the result of the study conclude that law and grace is inseparable, which means that we are save
by the grace through Jesus Christ and we keep the commandment as result of the salvation that
we receive. Law is always associated with the covenant in the Old Testament and is extended
even in the New Testament, and salvation also is associated with the covenant in the Old and
New Testament. It means that this two law and Grace (salvation) is inseparable.

21
See John 3:16
 Bibliography

Bible English Standard Version. n.d.

Bible Works 9, BDAG Lexicon.

Bible Works 9, Wallace, Exegetical Syntax of the NT.

Bible works UBS.

Bible Works 9.

Clarke, Adam. Clarke's Commentary: Genesis. New York: Abingdon Press, n.d.

ESV Bible, John.

John A. Cook and Robert D. Holmstedt. Biblical Hebrew A Student Grammar. 2009

Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary (SDABC), rev. ed., ed. Francis D. Nichol
(Washington, DC: Review and Heralds, 1956), 5:891.

Walter Bauer, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and other Early Christian
Literature (BAGD), trans. And adapted by William F. Arndt and F. Wilbur Gingrich, 2nd., rev.
and augmented by F. Wilbur Gingrich and Frederick W. Danker (1979).