Oneness Pentecostal theology interprets John 1:1 differently from Trinitarian Christianity. Oneness believers deny that this verse establishes a distinct second divine person. Instead, they interpret it modally: Jesus Christ is God, but not a separate person from God the Father. The 'Word' refers to God's self-expression, not a coordinate divine person.

Oneness theology holds that there is only one God manifesting in three modes: Father (source), Son (incarnation), and Holy Spirit (operation). Jesus is the fullness of God in human form. The phrase 'the Word was God' affirms Jesus' full identification with God, not a distinction of persons.