The Word and His coming
John 1:1–18FocusLife, light, and incarnation
Connection to the wholeThe prologue explains who the Gospel reveals, joining the Word's identity with His becoming flesh and making God known.
interpretation John 1:21
KJVAnd they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.
Read it in context
John's testimony
Start reading at John 1:19 (John 1:19 to John 1:34).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
John denies being the Christ and identifies Jesus, directing attention from the witness to the one witnessed about.
- 1:19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
- 1:20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.
- 1:21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.
- 1:22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?
- 1:23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.
- 1:24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.
- 1:25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?
- 1:26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;
- 1:27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
- 1:28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.
- 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
- 1:30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.
- 1:31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
- 1:32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.
- 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
- 1:34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author. The Gospel identifies its witness as the beloved disciple; identifying that disciple personally as John rests on early church testimony. Biblical references: John 21:20; John 21:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (John 1:1–1:51): John the Baptist answers priests and Levites and points his disciples to Jesus; Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip, and Nathanael feature in the first calling scenes. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers called to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have life through His name. No individual or congregation is named as the sole original recipient. Biblical references: John 20:30; John 20:31. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? John's testimony. Read John 1:19 through John 1:34 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? John denies being the Christ and identifies Jesus, directing attention from the witness to the one witnessed about. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The Gospel moves through Jesus' ministry, including named feasts, to His death, resurrection, and appearances. It does not state a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Galilee, Judea, Samaria, Jerusalem, and places beyond Jordan. Conversations and reported journeys establish each local setting. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in John's testimony (John 1:19 to John 1:34). Start reading at John 1:19. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? John identifies the Word made flesh and states the Gospel's purpose concerning belief in Jesus and life through His name. Belief should be read with the Gospel's own calls to continue in His word and keep His commandments. See John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Respond to Jesus with active trust and continued obedience. Do not isolate a promise about belief from the audience, dialogue, and surrounding teaching that define its meaning. interpretation
Cited: John 1:19, John 1:34, John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them.
John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated
There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.
Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment
The notes distinguish explicit fulfillment statements from other explicit New Testament applications. They do not assume every detail of the surrounding prophecy has already been fulfilled.
The voice preparing the way
NT explicitly applies this passage
- Old Testament: Isaiah 40:3–5
- New Testament: Matthew 3:1–3
- New Testament: Mark 1:1–4
- New Testament: Luke 3:1–6
- New Testament: John 1:19–23 (current passage)
The Gospel accounts identify the wilderness voice with John the Baptist's preparatory ministry. Luke quotes the passage further than the other accounts.
Related passages
- Art thou Elias Mal 4:5 Matt 11:14 Matt 17:10-12 Luke 1:17
- Art thou that John 1:25 John 7:40 Deut 18:15-18 Matt 11:9-11 Matt 16:14
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
John 1
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
FocusPreparing and pointing to Jesus
Connection to the wholeJohn denies being the Christ and identifies Jesus, directing attention from the witness to the one witnessed about.
interpretation The first followers
John 1:35–51FocusCome and see
Connection to the wholePersonal encounters gather the first disciples and introduce titles and expectations that the narrative will develop and clarify.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
John
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The Word made flesh
John 1:1–18FocusRevelation and life
Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Word and His coming in flesh, providing the frame for the testimony and encounters that follow.
interpretation FocusReceiving Jesus' revelation
Connection to the wholeEarly signs and conversations disclose Jesus' identity while distinguishing superficial response from receiving His testimony.
interpretation Works, teaching, and division
John 5:1–10:42FocusLife, light, and the shepherd
Connection to the wholeJesus' signs and explanations provoke belief and hostility, developing the question of who He is and how His voice is received.
interpretation The approach of the hour
John 11:1–12:50FocusLazarus, Jerusalem, and the coming death
Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus intensifies the plot, and Jesus interprets His approaching death as His hour comes into view.
interpretation Jesus and His disciples
John 13:1–17:26FocusLove, abiding, and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and testimony
John 18:1–21:25FocusThe finished work and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeThe passion and resurrection accounts lead to the Gospel's stated purpose and Jesus' renewed charge to His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.