Meaning

In the beginning was the Word

Categorised in: English phrases and sayings that derive from the Bible ·A list of phrases about language

What's the meaning of the phrase 'In the beginning was the Word'?

'In the beginning was the Word' is the first line of St. John's Gospel, in which he lays out the fundamental nature of God.

The powers that be
The powers that be - caption

What’s the origin of the phrase ‘In the beginning was the Word’?

From the Bible, John 1:1 (King James Version):

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

Historical trend

“the beginning was the Word” in printed material over time

Source: Google Books Ngrams (1800–2020).

180018201840186018801900192019401960198020002020
  • the beginning was the Word