John 1:7
The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
Original Language Analysis
οὗτος
The same
G3778
οὗτος
The same
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
1 of 14
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἦλθεν
came
G2064
ἦλθεν
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
2 of 14
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
μαρτυρήσῃ
bear witness
G3140
μαρτυρήσῃ
bear witness
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
6 of 14
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φωτός
the Light
G5457
φωτός
the Light
Strong's:
G5457
Word #:
9 of 14
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
πιστεύσωσιν
might believe
G4100
πιστεύσωσιν
might believe
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
12 of 14
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
Cross References
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.John 1:36And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!John 1:9That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.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 1:12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:Titus 2:11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,2 Peter 3:9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.Ephesians 3:9And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
Historical Context
In Jewish legal tradition, testimony required two or three witnesses. John provides crucial testimony to Christ's identity. His witness continues to function through the Gospel record—we still read and believe through John's testimony. Early Christians understood their role as witnesses (Acts 1:8), following the Baptist's model of testifying to Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How effectively does your life serve as witness pointing others to Christ the Light?
- What does John's role teach about the purpose of Christian ministry?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
John's purpose is defined: 'for a witness, to bear witness of the Light' (eis martyrian, hina martyrese peri tou photos). The noun 'martys' (witness) and verb 'martyreo' (testify) emphasize legal testimony—reliable, verifiable attestation. John's entire ministry exists to testify about Christ, the Light. The purpose clause 'that all men through him might believe' shows the evangelistic goal—faith comes through witness. John is not the Light but reflects it, directing others to Christ. This establishes the pattern for all Christian witness: pointing beyond ourselves to Jesus.