English Standard Version ESV
The Message Bible MSG
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
1
The Word was first, the Word present to God, God present to the Word. The Word was God,
2 He was in the beginning with God.
2
in readiness for God from day one.
3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
3
Everything was created through him; nothing - not one thing! - came into being without him.
4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.
4
What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by.
5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
5
The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn't put it out.