John 1:30
This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.
Original Language Analysis
οὗτός
This
G3778
οὗτός
This
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
1 of 18
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
ὃς
which
G3739
ὃς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
4 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Ὀπίσω
After
G3694
Ὀπίσω
After
Strong's:
G3694
Word #:
7 of 18
to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)
ἔρχεται
cometh
G2064
ἔρχεται
cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
9 of 18
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ὃς
which
G3739
ὃς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
11 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔμπροσθέν
before
G1715
ἔμπροσθέν
before
Strong's:
G1715
Word #:
12 of 18
in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)
γέγονεν
is preferred
G1096
γέγονεν
is preferred
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
14 of 18
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
15 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Cross References
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.John 1:27He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to 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:
Historical Context
In Jewish culture, priority often came with birth order. John paradoxically acknowledges that one younger than himself holds superior rank, pointing to Christ's transcendent origin.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's pre-existence inform our understanding of His authority and worthiness to save?
- What does it mean practically to acknowledge Christ's supremacy 'before' us in all things?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
John's declaration that Christ 'was before me' despite being born after John reveals Christ's pre-existence, a cornerstone of Johannine Christology. The phrase 'preferred before me' (Greek: protos, meaning 'first' in rank) acknowledges Christ's ontological superiority. This testifies to the Reformed doctrine of Christ's eternal deity and His economic subordination in the incarnation for our redemption.