John 1:25

Authorized King James Version

And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἠρώτησαν

G2065

they asked

to interrogate; by implication, to request

αὐτῷ

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

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπον

G2036

said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ

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

Τί

G5101

Why

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

οὖν

G3767

then

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

βαπτίζεις

G907

baptizest thou

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

#10

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

#11

σὺ

G4771

thou

#12

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#13

εἶ

G1488

thou art

#14

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

Χριστὸς

G5547

that Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#16

οὔτε

G3777

neither

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

#17

Ἠλίας

G2243

Elias

helias (i.e., elijah), an israelite

#18

οὔτε

G3777

neither

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

#19

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#20

προφήτης

G4396

that prophet

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights divine love through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to John's theological argument.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of John Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about divine love?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the problem of evil and suffering in light of God's goodness, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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John 1:25

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources