Term · Bible dictionary

Incarnation

The astonishing Christian teaching that the eternal Son of God became fully human in Jesus — «the Word became flesh» — without ceasing to be God.

Incarnation comes from Latin words meaning «in flesh.» It describes the moment the eternal Son of God took on a real human nature in the womb of Mary by the Holy Spirit.

John says it in one breathtaking line: «And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us» (John 1:14). Jesus is fully God and fully man — bridging in himself heaven and earth. Without the incarnation, salvation is not possible.

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Philippians 2:7 “but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.”

Original BibleDawn entry. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.