King James Bible
"In him was life; and the life was the light of men."
The Word (logos) contains life itself—not merely biological existence but the divine, creative force that animates all creation. John establishes that life originates in Christ, echoing Genesis where God breathes life into humanity. This life functions as spiritual illumination for humanity, revealing truth and dispelling the darkness of sin and ignorance. John introduces light as a central metaphor for Christ's role in bringing understanding and salvation to a darkened world.