John 1:8
He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
Original Language Analysis
ἐκεῖνος
that
G1565
ἐκεῖνος
that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
3 of 11
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φωτός
Light
G5457
φωτός
Light
Strong's:
G5457
Word #:
5 of 11
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
μαρτυρήσῃ
bear witness
G3140
μαρτυρήσῃ
bear witness
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
8 of 11
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
Cross References
John 1:20And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.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 3:28Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.
Historical Context
Archaeological and literary evidence suggests John the Baptist had a substantial movement. Some of his disciples later became Jesus' followers (John 1:35-40), but others continued following John's teaching into the Book of Acts era (Acts 19:1-7). This verse corrects any tendency to venerate the messenger above the Messiah.
Questions for Reflection
- How do contemporary Christians sometimes elevate messengers above the message of Christ?
- What does true humility in ministry look like according to John's example?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The emphatic negative 'ouk en ekeinos to phos' (He was NOT that Light) guards against elevating John too highly. The Baptist had significant following; some even wondered if he was the Messiah (Luke 3:15). John's role was to 'bear witness of that Light' (hina martyrese peri tou photos). The distinction between Christ and His witnesses remains crucial—no matter how powerful the preacher, the message always transcends the messenger. True ministers decrease that Christ might increase (John 3:30).