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John 1

John 1:23

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

Modern
John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet: “I am a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”
Traditional
He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.
Literal
He was saying, “I am a voice crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ just as Isaiah the prophet said.”
Latin
Ait: Ego vox clamantis in deserto: Dirigite viam Domini, sicut dixit Isaias propheta.

Interlinear

Greek
English
John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet: “I am a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”

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

People

Isaiah: Prophet during reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah

Glossary

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

Topics

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