John 1:31
And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
Original Language Analysis
κἀγὼ
And I
G2504
κἀγὼ
And I
Strong's:
G2504
Word #:
1 of 17
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
ᾔδειν
knew
G1492
ᾔδειν
knew
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
3 of 17
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 17
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
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
φανερωθῇ
he should be made manifest
G5319
φανερωθῇ
he should be made manifest
Strong's:
G5319
Word #:
7 of 17
to render apparent (literally or figuratively)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰσραὴλ
to Israel
G2474
Ἰσραὴλ
to Israel
Strong's:
G2474
Word #:
9 of 17
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)
διὰ
therefore
G1223
διὰ
therefore
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
10 of 17
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ἦλθον
am
G2064
ἦλθον
am
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
12 of 17
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Malachi 3:1Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.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.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.Matthew 3:6And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.John 1:33And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.John 1:7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
Historical Context
Though Mary and Elizabeth were relatives (Luke 1:36), Jesus and John apparently had little contact before Jesus' baptism. John's ministry began around 26-27 AD, preparing Israel for Christ's public revelation.
Questions for Reflection
- How do our ministries and gifts serve the ultimate purpose of revealing Christ to others?
- What does it mean for Christ to be 'manifested' rather than merely introduced or presented?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
John's repeated 'I knew him not' emphasizes that his witness came through divine revelation, not natural acquaintance (though they were relatives). His baptismal ministry served the singular purpose of manifesting Christ to Israel. This illustrates the Reformed principle that all means of grace exist to reveal Christ and draw His people to Him.