The Greek article is used to point out particular identity. This is called the "articular" use of a noun or other substantive.

When no definite article is used with the noun (or other substantive), it is called the "anarthrous" use.

The anarthrous construction for God (θεὸς) in John 1:1 is used to indicate the quality or characteristics of the articular noun The Word (ὀ λόγος).

Hence the context of the passage, not the presence or absense of the article determines that the proper translation is "the Word was God."

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Sterling Harmon
Coventry, CT
PCA
Deacon
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"Whatever is laudable in our works proceeds from the grace of God."
-- John Calvin, Institutes III:xv.3.

"Our Lord God must be a good man, to be fond of worthless fellows. I cannot like them, and yet I, myself, am one."
-- Martin Luther, Table Talk