The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
1 The Word was first, the Word present to God, God present to the Word. The Word was God,
1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 in readiness for God from day one.
2
He was with God in the beginning.
3 Everything was created through him; nothing - not one thing! - came into being without him.
3
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
4 What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by.
4
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
5 The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn't put it out.
5
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There once was a man, his name John, sent by God
6
There was a man sent from God whose name was John.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.