John 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?
Original Language Analysis
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 15
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 15
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
δῶμεν
we may give
G1325
δῶμεν
we may give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
8 of 15
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πέμψασιν
to them that sent
G3992
πέμψασιν
to them that sent
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
10 of 15
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
τί
What
G5101
τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
12 of 15
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
λέγεις
sayest thou
G3004
λέγεις
sayest thou
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Historical Context
Religious authorities in Jerusalem held responsibility for investigating prophetic claims and potential false teachers. Their demand for an answer reflects administrative accountability in Second Temple Judaism.
Questions for Reflection
- When asked about our identity, do we point to our roles in God's plan or to our personal achievements?
- How does our self-understanding align with or differ from how God defines our calling?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The delegation demands John define himself, seeking to categorize him within their theological framework. This question ('What sayest thou of thyself?') invites self-testimony, but John will respond by pointing to his mission rather than his person. True Reformed ministry focuses on office and calling, not personal glory.