Keraia
John 1

John 1:15

The Word Became Flesh · John 1:14–18
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Translations

Modern
John testified concerning Him. He cried out, saying, “This is He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’”
Traditional
John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
Literal
John testifies concerning Him, and he has cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘The One coming after me has precedence over me, because He was before me.’”
Latin
Joannes testimonium perhibet de ipso, et clamat dicens: Hic erat quem dixi: Qui post me venturus est, ante me factus est: quia prior me erat.

Original

Greek
English
John testified concerning Him. He cried out, saying, “This is He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’”

Notes

John 1:15

He was before me: In John the Baptist’s culture, older age was respected and honored (Leviticus 19:32). Younger people were expected to honor those who were older, not replace them (contrast Isaiah 3:5).

By saying that Jesus existed before him, John the Baptist pointed to the greater honor of Jesus. He explained that Jesus existed before creation itself, not just before the birth of John (John 1:1–3).

John 1:1–18

The start of this introduction might be a poem or hymn sung by early Christians (1:1–5).

The themes of this introduction of the Gospel of John prepare readers for the story that follows:

  • The arrival of the light in the world.

  • The rejection of the light.

  • The gift of new life given by the light to those who believed in him.

Events

Parallels

Psalm 84:1–12

People

John: The Baptist, a prophet who prepared the way for Jesus

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Bible, Quotations of the Old Testament in the New Testament Grace Incarnation John, Gospel of Messiah Poetry, Biblical Presence of God Prophecy Revelation Stoicism, Stoics Witness

Topics

Confession of Christ Jesus, the Christ: Eternity of Jesus, the Christ: John's Testimony Concerning Him John: Mission of John: Testifies to the Messiahship of Jesus The Providence of God is Exercised in Ruling the Elements