John 1:19
And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὕτη
this
G3778
αὕτη
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
2 of 22
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰωάννου
of John
G2491
Ἰωάννου
of John
Strong's:
G2491
Word #:
7 of 22
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
ἀπέστειλαν
sent
G649
ἀπέστειλαν
sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
9 of 22
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξ
from
G1537
ἐξ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
12 of 22
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Ἱεροσολύμων
Jerusalem
G2414
Ἱεροσολύμων
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2414
Word #:
13 of 22
hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 22
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
Cross References
John 10:24Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.Acts 19:4Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.Acts 13:25And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.
Historical Context
The Sanhedrin, responsible for religious orthodoxy, naturally investigated this prophetic movement. During the intertestamental period, no prophetic voice had spoken. John's appearance after 400 years of prophetic silence demanded explanation. His denial that he was Messiah, Elijah (in physical return), or 'the Prophet' (Deuteronomy 18:15) demonstrated remarkable humility given his popularity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does John's honest denial model integrity in ministry and witness?
- Why was it important for John to clearly distinguish himself from the Messiah?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The narrative transitions from prologue to testimony. Jerusalem's religious establishment sends priests and Levites to investigate John the Baptist. Their question 'Who art thou?' reflects official concern about this wilderness prophet drawing massive crowds. John's answer is emphatically negative: 'he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.' The threefold emphasis ('confessed,' 'denied not,' 'confessed') stresses John's integrity—he refused to claim more than he was.