The Word Became Flesh

1 In the beginning was the Word,^(A) and the Word was with God,^(B) and the Word was God.^{(C) 2} He was with God in the beginning.^{(D) 3} Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.^{(E) 4} In him was life,^(F) and that life was the light^(G) of all mankind. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness,^(H) and the darkness has not overcome^[a] it.^(I)

⁷ He came as a witness to testify^(A) concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.^(B)

⁹ The true light^(A) that gives light to everyone^(B) was coming into the world.

¹⁴ The Word became flesh^(A) and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory,^(B) the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace^(C) and truth.^(D)

⁸ But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,”^[a](A) that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim:

¹⁸ But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did:

¹⁰ if you obey the Lord your God and keep his commands and decrees that are written in this Book of the Law^(A) and turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.^(B)

The Offer of Life or Death

¹¹ Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.^{(C) 12} It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, “Who will ascend into heaven^(D) to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?”^{(E) 13} Nor is it beyond the sea,^(F) so that you have to ask, “Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?”^{(G) 14} No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.^(H)

²¹ when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.