John 1:8

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

He was not that Light, but [was sent] to bear witness of that Light.

Complete Jewish Bible:

He himself was not that light; no, he came to bear witness concerning the light.

Berean Standard Bible:

He himself was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.

American Standard Version:

He was not the light, but came that he might bear witness of the light.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

He was^{G2258} not^{G3756} that^{G1565} Light^{G5457}, but^{G235} was sent to^{G2443} bear witness^{G3140} of^{G4012} that Light^{G5457}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for John 1:8

John 1:8 is part of the opening chapter of the Gospel of John, which serves as an overture to the entire book. This verse is embedded within a passage that introduces John the Baptist, who is a key figure in the New Testament. The historical context of this verse is set in the first century, during a period of anticipation for the coming of the Messiah among the Jewish people.

The theme of John 1:8 revolves around the concept of testimony and preparation. The verse explicitly states, "He was not that Light, but [was sent] to bear witness of that Light." Here, "He" refers to John the Baptist, and "that Light" refers to Jesus Christ, who is identified earlier in the chapter as the true Light that gives light to everyone (John 1:9). John the Baptist's role is clearly defined: he is not the Messiah, nor is he the source of spiritual illumination; rather, his purpose is to testify about the coming Messiah, preparing the way for Jesus' ministry.

This verse underscores the idea of humility and purpose in God's plan. John the Baptist, while a significant religious figure with his own following, acknowledges his subordinate role to Jesus, the One he is called to introduce. The verse also emphasizes the importance of witnessing to the truth, a central theme in the Gospel of John, which repeatedly highlights the necessity of bearing witness to Jesus' identity and mission.

In summary, John 1:8 encapsulates the mission of John the Baptist as a forerunner to Christ, emphasizing his role as a witness to the Light, which is Jesus. It reflects the broader themes of testimony, preparation, and the centrality of Christ as the source of spiritual enlightenment, which are integral to the theological message of the Gospel.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G2258
   There are 416 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἦν
   Transliteration: ēn
   Pronunciation: ane
   Description: imperfect of εἰμί; I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were):--+ agree, be, X have (+ charge of), hold, use, was(-t), were.
   
2. Strong's Number: G3756
   There are 1328 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὐ
   Transliteration: ou
   Pronunciation: ookh
   Description: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare μή) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also οὐ μή, μῆκος.
   
3. Strong's Number: G1565
   There are 244 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐκεῖνος
   Transliteration: ekeînos
   Pronunciation: ek-i'-nos
   Description: from ἐκεῖ; that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed:--he, it, the other (same), selfsame, that (same, very), X their, X them, they, this, those. See also οὗτος.
   
4. Strong's Number: G5457
   There are 59 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: φῶς
   Transliteration: phōs
   Pronunciation: foce
   Description: from an obsolete (to shine or make manifest, especially by rays; compare φαίνω, φημί); luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative):--fire, light.
   
5. Strong's Number: G235
   There are 635 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀλλά
   Transliteration: allá
   Pronunciation: al-lah'
   Description: neuter plural of ἄλλος; properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations):--and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet.
   
6. Strong's Number: G2443
   There are 535 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἵνα
   Transliteration: hína
   Pronunciation: hin'-ah
   Description: probably from the same as the former part of ἑαυτοῦ (through the demonstrative idea; compare ὁ); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result):--albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to. Compare ἵνα μή.
   
7. Strong's Number: G3140
   There are 75 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μαρτυρέω
   Transliteration: martyréō
   Pronunciation: mar-too-reh'-o
   Description: from μάρτυς; to be a witness, i.e. testify (literally or figuratively):--charge, give (evidence), bear record, have (obtain, of) good (honest) report, be well reported of, testify, give (have) testimony, (be, bear, give, obtain) witness.
   
8. Strong's Number: G4012
   There are 304 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: περί
   Transliteration: perí
   Pronunciation: per-ee'
   Description: from the base of πέραν; properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive case denoting the subject or occasion or superlative point; with the accusative case the locality, circuit, matter, circumstance or general period):--(there-)about, above, against, at, on behalf of, X and his company, which concern, (as) concerning, for, X how it will go with, ((there-, where-)) of, on, over, pertaining (to), for sake, X (e-)state, (as) touching, (where-)by (in), with. In comparative, it retains substantially the same meaning of circuit (around), excess (beyond), or completeness (through).