Keraia
John 1

John 1:22

The Mission of John the Baptist · John 1:19–28
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Translations

Modern
So they said to him, “Who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”
Traditional
Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?
Literal
Therefore they said to him, “Who are you, so that we might give an answer to those having sent us? What do you say about yourself?”
Latin
Dixerunt ergo ei: Quis es ut responsum demus his qui miserunt nos? quid dicis de teipso?

Interlinear

Greek
English
So they said to him, “Who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

Notes

John 1:22–23

Who are you?: John the Baptist wanted others to know him as a voice of one calling in the wilderness (see Isaiah 40:3).

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).

Events

Parallels

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

Glossary

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

Topics

Elijah: Antitype of John the Baptist Jesus, the Christ: Testimony of John the Baptist Concerning (At Bethabara) John: Mission of