John 1:15

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἰωάννης
G2491
John
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
#2
μαρτυρεῖ
G3140
bare witness
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
#3
περὶ
G4012
of
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
#4
αὐτοῦ
G846
him
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#5
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
κέκραγεν
G2896
cried
properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)
#7
λέγων,
G3004
saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#8
Οὗτος
G3778
This
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#9
ἦν
G2258
he was
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#10
ὃν
G3739
of whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#11
εἶπον
G2036
I spake
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#12
Ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ὀπίσω
G3694
after
to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)
#14
μου
G3450
me
of me
#15
ἐρχόμενος
G2064
He that cometh
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#16
ἔμπροσθέν
G1715
before
in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)
#17
μου
G3450
me
of me
#18
γέγονεν
G1096
is preferred
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#19
ὅτι
G3754
for
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#20
πρῶτός
G4413
before
foremost (in time, place, order or importance)
#21
μου
G3450
me
of me
#22
ἦν
G2258
he was
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to John. The concept of divine revelation reflects the essential nature of God revealed through Christ. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to theological biography emphasizing Jesus' divine identity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the late first century during increasing tension between synagogue and church provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The late first-century Jewish-Christian tensions and Hellenistic thought would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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