John 3:28
Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτοὶ
yourselves
G846
αὐτοὶ
yourselves
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
1 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
μαρτυρεῖτε
bear
G3140
μαρτυρεῖτε
bear
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
4 of 17
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Χριστός
the Christ
G5547
Χριστός
the Christ
Strong's:
G5547
Word #:
11 of 17
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
13 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Ἀπεσταλμένος
sent
G649
Ἀπεσταλμένος
sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
14 of 17
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
Cross References
John 1:20And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.John 1:23He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.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.Matthew 3:3For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Historical Context
John had explicitly denied being Christ (1:20), Elijah (1:21), or 'the Prophet' (1:21). He defined himself as 'the voice' preparing for the Lord (1:23). His disciples should have remembered this. John's self-understanding never allowed competition with Jesus because their roles were always distinct and sequential.
Questions for Reflection
- How do Christians sometimes forget foundational truths that should prevent confusion?
- What does John's consistent self-understanding teach about identity in ministry?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
John reminds his disciples of his own teaching: 'Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.' They should have known this—John had consistently denied being Messiah and defined himself as forerunner. He references his earlier public declarations. True teachers remind students of fundamental truths that prevent confusion. John's identity was always preparation for another.