John 1:27
He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτοῦ
He
G846
αὐτοῦ
He
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
1 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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀπίσω
after
G3694
ὀπίσω
after
Strong's:
G3694
Word #:
4 of 22
to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)
ἐρχόμενος
coming
G2064
ἐρχόμενος
coming
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
6 of 22
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
οὗ
who
G3739
οὗ
who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 22
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔμπροσθέν
before
G1715
ἔμπροσθέν
before
Strong's:
G1715
Word #:
8 of 22
in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)
γέγονεν·
is preferred
G1096
γέγονεν·
is preferred
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
10 of 22
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
οὗ
who
G3739
οὗ
who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
11 of 22
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἄξιος
worthy
G514
ἄξιος
worthy
Strong's:
G514
Word #:
15 of 22
deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)
αὐτοῦ
He
G846
αὐτοῦ
He
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
18 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
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱμάντα
latchet
G2438
ἱμάντα
latchet
Strong's:
G2438
Word #:
20 of 22
a strap, i.e., (specially) the tie (of a sandal) or the lash (of a scourge)
Cross References
John 1:30This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.Matthew 3:11I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:John 1:15John 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.Mark 1:7And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.Luke 3:16John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: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.
Historical Context
Disciples performed many services for their rabbis, but handling footwear was considered too demeaning. John's self-assessment shocks in light of his prophetic stature—even the greatest prophet is infinitely below Christ. This establishes proper Christology: Jesus is not merely a superior teacher but the unique Son of God before whom all creation must bow.
Questions for Reflection
- How does John's extreme humility challenge contemporary approaches to ministry and status?
- What does it mean practically to view ourselves as unworthy servants of Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
John declares himself unworthy of the most menial service for Christ: 'whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.' Untying sandals was a slave's task, beneath even a disciple's duties. John, the greatest prophet born of women (Matthew 11:11), considers himself unworthy of the lowest servant role to Christ. This expresses the infinite qualitative difference between the greatest human and the Son of God. True understanding of Christ's glory produces genuine humility.