John 1:19

Translations

Modern

And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?”

Traditional

And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?

Literal

And this is the testimony of John when the Jews of Jerusalem sent to him priests and Levites so that they might ask him, “Who are you?”

Latin

Et hoc est testimonium Joannis, quando miserunt Judæi ab Jerosolymis sacerdotes et Levitas ad eum ut interrogarent eum: Tu quis es?

Original

Greek

English

And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?”

Notes

John 1:19–12:50

Jesus reveals himself to the world through his miracles and teachings. People reacted differently:

Some wanted to believe in him.
Others opposed him.

This division becomes more obvious as the book continues. Jesus ended his public ministry with a final call for people to believe in him (12:44–50).

John 1:19–51

John’s Gospel focuses less on John the Baptist compared to the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 3:1–6; Mark 1:2–6; Luke 1:1–24, 57–80; 3:1–13). However, the apostle John wants us to understand that John the Baptist correctly identified and honored Jesus.

John the Baptist’s disciples leave him to follow Jesus. Jesus continued the work that John had begun. As the ministry of Jesus grew, John’s ministry became smaller, just as John had said (John 3:30).

Theme notes and profiles

Elijah Jewish Leaders John the Baptist John’s Profile of Discipleship

Events

John's Witnessc. AD 27

Related verses

John 10:24
So the Jews gathered around Him and demanded, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
Luke 3:15–18
The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John could be the Christ.
Acts 19:4
Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”
Acts 13:25
As John was completing his course, he said, ‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not that One. But there is One coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’
John 5:33–36
You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth.
Matthew 21:23–32
When Jesus returned to the temple courts and began to teach, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to Him. “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You this authority?”
John 2:18
On account of this, the Jews demanded, “What sign can You show us to prove Your authority to do these things?”
John 5:10
…so the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “This is the Sabbath! It is unlawful for you to carry your mat.”

Parallels

Isaiah 40:1–5 Matthew 3:1–12 Mark 1:1–8 Luke 3:1–20

People

John: The Baptist, a prophet who prepared the way for Jesus Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province Levi: Son of Jacob; progenitor of the Levites

Places

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) John, Gospel of Priests and Levites Prophecy Witness

Topics

Jesus, the Christ: Testimony of John the Baptist Concerning (At Bethabara) Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Inquire of John the Baptist to See If he Might be the Messiah The Pharisees: Many Priest and Levites Were of

John 1:19

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