John 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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 19
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
Τί
What
G5101
Τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
4 of 19
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγει
he saith
G3004
λέγει
he saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προφήτης
that prophet
G4396
προφήτης
that prophet
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
14 of 19
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Malachi 4:5Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:Matthew 11:14And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.John 1:25And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?Matthew 16:14And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.John 7:40Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.Luke 1:17And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
Historical Context
Jewish messianic expectations included multiple figures: the Messiah, Elijah redivivus, and the prophet like Moses. This questioning reveals the complex eschatological landscape of Second Temple Judaism.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we distinguish between partial fulfillments and ultimate fulfillments of biblical prophecy?
- What does this teach about the humility required when people assign us undeserved titles or roles?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The interrogators probe whether John fulfills prophecies of Elijah's return (Malachi 4:5) or 'the prophet' like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15). John's denials show that while he came in Elijah's spirit (Luke 1:17), he is not literally Elijah reincarnated. This reflects Reformed hermeneutics: prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, not in preliminary figures.