John 1:6
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
Original Language Analysis
Ἐγένετο
There was
G1096
Ἐγένετο
There was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
1 of 8
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἀπεσταλμένος
sent
G649
ἀπεσταλμένος
sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
3 of 8
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
παρὰ
from
G3844
παρὰ
from
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
5 of 8
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὄνομα
name
G3686
ὄνομα
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
6 of 8
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
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.John 3:28Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.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.Luke 1:76And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;Acts 13:24When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.Matthew 11:10For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.Luke 1:13But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
Historical Context
John the Baptist was a transitional figure, the last Old Testament prophet and forerunner of the New Covenant. His birth was miraculous (Luke 1:5-25), his ministry powerful, attracting crowds from all Judea. Josephus confirms John's historical significance, recording his execution by Herod Antipas. John bridges the Testaments—prophetically announcing what the Logos would accomplish.
Questions for Reflection
- How does John's role as witness and forerunner model faithful Christian testimony?
- What is the significance of being 'sent from God' for understanding prophetic authority?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
John the Baptist is introduced with deliberate contrast to the Logos. The verb 'egeneto' (came into being, was sent) differs from the Logos' 'en' (was)—John came into existence at a point in time; the Logos eternally exists. The phrase 'sent from God' (apestalmenos para theou) establishes John as a commissioned messenger, a prophet with divine authority but subordinate to the one he announces. His name 'Ioannes' (Hebrew Yochanan, meaning 'Yahweh is gracious') prophetically speaks to his role announcing God's grace in Christ.