Bible Dictionary
BEGINNING
Beginning ordinarily refers to the start of time or an event. In John 1:1, however, the Word already existed when time began, pointing to His eternal relation with God; the term can also mean the chief part, source, or author.
Biblical Usage
John’s use of “beginning” is especially significant: when time began, the Word already was, indicating His existence from eternity. Elsewhere the term may identify a starting point, the chief part, the most eminent person, or the author.