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NASB | John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 1:12 But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name-- [Is 56:5] |
Bible Question: The word "even" in this verse is confusing. Almost as if "receiving Him" was not completely necessary, but atleast believing in Him...? I see receiving and believing as one in the same, but the word "even" seems to distinguish between them. Any comments? |
Bible Answer: You are correct when you say "I see receiving and believing as one in the same." Using the text of the New King James Version, in which the word "even" is not inserted into John 1:12, John MacArthur writes: "1:12 *as many as received Him ... to those who believe in His name.* The second phrase describes the first. To receive Him who is the Word of God means to acknowledge His claims, place one's faith in Him, and thereby yield allegiance to Him" (p. 1574, MacArthur Study Bible, Word Publishing, 1997). |