John 1:19

KJV

¶ And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} this {G3778} is {G2076} the record {G3141} of John {G2491}, when {G3753} the Jews {G2453} sent {G649} priests {G2409} and {G2532} Levites {G3019} from {G1537} Jerusalem {G2414} to {G2443} ask {G2065} him {G846}, Who {G5101} art {G1488} thou {G4771}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is Yochanan’s testimony: when the Judeans sent cohanim and L’vi’im from Yerushalayim to ask him, “Who are you?”

Berean Standard Bible

And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?”

American Standard Version

And this is the witness of John, when the Jews sent unto him from Jerusalem priests and Levites to ask him, Who art thou?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 1:19 initiates the formal investigation into the identity and authority of John the Baptist by a delegation of Jewish religious leaders from Jerusalem. This pivotal moment serves as the public platform for John to clarify his role, deny any messianic or prophetic claims for himself, and ultimately prepare the way for his profound testimony concerning Jesus Christ, the true Light of the world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the prologue of John's Gospel ([John 1:1-18](/john/1-1-18 "John 1:1-18 - The Prologue: The Word Became Flesh")), which introduces Jesus as the pre-existent Word, the Light, and the Son of God, and briefly mentions John the Baptist's role as a witness to this Light ([John 1:6-8](/john/1-6-8 "John 1:6-8 - John's Witness to the Light")). [John 1:19](/john/1-19 "John 1:19 - The Official Inquiry of John the Baptist") marks the transition from the theological exposition of the prologue to the narrative account of John the Baptist's public ministry and his direct encounters with the Jewish authorities. It sets the stage for John's clear denials of being the Christ, Elijah, or "the Prophet" in [John 1:20-21](/john/1-20-21 "John 1:20-21 - John Denies Being the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet"), and his subsequent declaration of his true identity as "the voice of one crying in the wilderness" ([John 1:23](/john/1-23 "John 1:23 - John as the Voice in the Wilderness")). The inquiry in this verse is not merely a historical detail but a narrative device to prompt John's essential testimony about Jesus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The first century Judea was a land simmering with messianic expectation and prophetic anticipation. Various groups, including the Pharisees and Essenes, held diverse views on the coming deliverer. The sending of "priests and Levites from Jerusalem" indicates an official delegation from the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish religious and judicial council. These officials were guardians of Jewish law and tradition, responsible for maintaining religious order and identifying any potential false prophets or messianic claimants who could incite unrest or challenge Roman authority. Jerusalem was the religious and political center, and any significant religious movement originating outside its direct control, especially one involving a prophet like John baptizing in the wilderness (a place associated with prophetic activity and new beginnings, as seen in the Exodus narrative), would naturally draw the attention and scrutiny of the established religious hierarchy. Their question, "Who art thou?", reflects their urgent need to categorize John within their existing theological frameworks.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Witness and Testimony**, as John's entire purpose is to bear witness to Jesus, and this inquiry provides the perfect public forum for that testimony. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Identity and Authority**, as the central question revolves around John's identity and the source of his authority to baptize. This theme will recur throughout the Gospel as Jesus' own identity and authority are repeatedly challenged. Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Light versus Darkness**, as John, the "witness to the Light" ([John 1:7](/john/1-7 "John 1:7 - John's Purpose to Bear Witness")), is confronted by representatives of a religious establishment that largely failed to recognize or receive the true Light ([John 1:10-11](/john/1-10-11 "John 1:10-11 - The World Did Not Know Him")). Finally, the verse sets up the **Messianic Expectation** prevalent in Israel, which John will redirect away from himself and towards Jesus Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **record (Greek, _martyría'_):** From G3141, this word signifies "evidence given (judicially or genitive case):--record, report, testimony, witness." In the context of John's Gospel, it is far more than a mere historical account; it is a divinely appointed testimony. John the Baptist's entire ministry is understood as a witness, bearing evidence to the truth of Jesus Christ. This term emphasizes the authoritative and truthful nature of John's declaration about himself and, more importantly, about the Christ.
* **sent (Greek, _apostéllō'_):** From G649, meaning "set apart, i.e. (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively:--put in, send (away, forth, out), set (at liberty)." The use of this verb highlights the official and deliberate nature of the delegation. The priests and Levites were not merely curious individuals; they were formally dispatched on a mission by the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem, underscoring the gravity and institutional concern surrounding John's ministry.
* **ask (Greek, _erōtáō'_):** From G2065, meaning "to interrogate; by implication, to request:--ask, beseech, desire, intreat, pray." This verb indicates a formal inquiry, a questioning intended to elicit specific information, particularly regarding John's claims and the source of his authority. It's not a casual question but an interrogation by those in power, seeking to understand and categorize John's movement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this is the record of John,"**: This phrase introduces John's public testimony, emphasizing that what follows is his authoritative declaration concerning his identity and mission. The term "record" (martyría) signals that this is not just a story, but a crucial witness.
* **"when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem"**: This part establishes the official and high-level nature of the inquiry. "The Jews" here refers to the religious authorities, likely the Sanhedrin, who dispatched a formal delegation of priests (descendants of Aaron, responsible for temple worship) and Levites (assistants to the priests, responsible for various temple duties) from the religious capital, Jerusalem. This signifies a serious investigation into John's activities and claims.
* **"to ask him, Who art thou?"**: This is the central question, revealing the core concern of the Jewish leaders. They sought to understand John's identity and the basis of his authority, likely suspecting he might be the Messiah, Elijah, or "the Prophet" foretold in Scripture. This direct question provides the immediate context for John's subsequent denials and his declaration of his true role.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is evident as this official inquiry into John's identity and authority sets a precedent for the numerous interrogations and challenges Jesus himself will face from these same religious authorities throughout John's Gospel. There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony**: the Jewish leaders, representing the established religious order, are diligently seeking to understand John's role and authority, yet they are unknowingly preparing the way for the very Messiah they fail to recognize, who is already "among you, whom you do not know" ([John 1:26](/john/1-26 "John 1:26 - The One Among You")). The precise question, "Who art thou?", is a form of **Interrogation**, designed to elicit a definitive statement from John, which he provides with humble clarity, thereby fulfilling his role as the witness who points away from himself to the true Light.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 1:19 is foundational for understanding the unique role of John the Baptist as the divinely appointed forerunner of Christ. His identity as "the voice crying in the wilderness" ([John 1:23](/john/1-23 "John 1:23 - John as the Voice in the Wilderness")) is not self-proclaimed but a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, particularly from Isaiah. This passage underscores the importance of a clear and humble understanding of one's God-given purpose, especially when confronted by human authority or scrutiny. John's unwavering focus on the One who was to come, rather than on his own popularity or perceived status, serves as a powerful model of selfless ministry. The inquiry also highlights the tension between established religious institutions and new movements, a dynamic that will intensify with Jesus' ministry.

* [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - Prepare the Way of the Lord")
* [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger of the Covenant")
* [Matthew 3:1-6](/matthew/3-1-6 "Matthew 3:1-6 - John the Baptist Prepares the Way")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John the Baptist's response to the official inquiry in [John 1:19](/john/1-19 "John 1:19 - The Official Inquiry of John the Baptist") provides a profound lesson in humility, clarity of purpose, and faithful witness. In a world that often demands self-promotion and personal branding, John's immediate denial of being the Christ, Elijah, or "the Prophet" is counter-cultural. It challenges believers to consider their own identity in Christ and the true source of their authority and purpose. Are we quick to draw attention to ourselves, or do we, like John, humbly point others to Jesus? This passage also encourages us to be prepared to articulate our faith and the hope that is within us, even when questioned by those who may be skeptical or hostile. Our ultimate identity is found not in what we do or what titles we hold, but in whose we are—children of God, called to bear witness to His Son.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does John's immediate denial of being the Christ challenge our own tendencies toward self-promotion or seeking recognition?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to claim an identity or authority that is not truly ours, and how can John's example help us resist this?**
* **When faced with scrutiny or questions about our faith, how can we, like John, clearly and humbly point others to Jesus?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Jewish leaders send priests and Levites specifically?**

Answer: The sending of "priests and Levites" from "Jerusalem" signifies the highest level of official inquiry. Priests were descendants of Aaron, responsible for temple worship and interpreting the Law. Levites assisted the priests and maintained the temple. As representatives of the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish religious council based in Jerusalem, their mission was to investigate any significant religious movement that could challenge the established order, identify potential false prophets, or assess if John was a legitimate prophetic figure. Their authority was rooted in the temple and the Mosaic Law, making them the appropriate delegation to question someone like John, whose wilderness ministry and baptizing practices were drawing large crowds and raising questions about his authority and identity, as seen in [John 1:24-25](/john/1-24-25 "John 1:24-25 - The Pharisees Question John's Baptism").

**What was the significance of the question "Who art thou?"**

Answer: This seemingly simple question carried immense theological and political weight in first-century Judea. Given the fervent messianic expectations, the Jewish leaders were looking to categorize John. They were likely considering if he was the Messiah (the Christ), Elijah returned (as prophesied in [Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi 4:5-6 - The Coming of Elijah")), or "the Prophet" like Moses (foretold in [Deuteronomy 18:15-18](/deuteronomy/18-15-18 "Deuteronomy 18:15-18 - The Prophet Like Moses")). John's answer would determine how they would view his ministry and whether he posed a threat to their authority or the fragile peace with Rome. His clear denial of all these prominent identities in [John 1:20-21](/john/1-20-21 "John 1:20-21 - John Denies Being the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet") was crucial for redirecting attention to the true Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 1:19, though focused on John the Baptist, serves as a crucial Christ-centered passage by setting the stage for Jesus' public ministry and the revelation of His divine identity. John's "record" or testimony is not about himself, but about the One who is to come. His humble denial of being the Christ, Elijah, or "the Prophet" ([John 1:20-21](/john/1-20-21 "John 1:20-21 - John Denies Being the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet")) immediately redirects the focus from himself to Jesus, the true Messiah. John's mission, as illuminated by this inquiry, was to prepare the way for the Lord ([Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - Prepare the Way of the Lord")), to bear witness to the Light ([John 1:7](/john/1-7 "John 1:7 - John's Purpose to Bear Witness")), and to decrease so that Christ might increase ([John 3:30](/john/3-30 "John 3:30 - He Must Increase, I Must Decrease")). This passage emphasizes that John's entire existence and ministry found its ultimate meaning and fulfillment in pointing to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), thereby establishing the indispensable link between the forerunner and the Redeemer.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 3:15

¶ And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;

Luke 3:18

And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.

John 10:24

Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

Acts 19:4

Then 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.

Acts 13:25

And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not [he]. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of [his] feet I am not worthy to loose.

John 5:33

Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.

John 5:36

But I have greater witness than [that] of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.