John 1:21

And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

And {G2532} they asked {G2065} him {G846}, What {G5101} then {G3767}? Art {G1488} thou {G4771} Elias {G2243}? And {G2532} he saith {G3004}, I am {G1510} not {G3756}. Art {G1488} thou {G4771} that prophet {G4396}? And {G2532} he answered {G611}, No {G3756}.

“Then who are you?” they asked him. “Are you Eliyahu?” “No, I am not,” he said. “Are you ‘the prophet,’ the one we’re expecting?” “No,” he replied.

“Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.”

And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elijah? And he saith, I am not. Art thou the prophet? And he answered, No.

Context of John 1:21

This verse continues the interrogation of John the Baptist by a delegation of priests and Levites sent from Jerusalem. Following John's clear declaration that he was not the Christ (the Messiah), they press him further on his identity. Their questions reflect the deeply held Jewish expectations of prominent figures who were prophesied to appear before or alongside the Messiah.

Key Themes in John 1:21

Linguistic Insights

The name "Elias" is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name "Elijah." The question "Art thou that prophet?" refers to the specific prophecy in Deuteronomy concerning a prophet like Moses. John's direct and concise "I am not" and "No" demonstrate his clear understanding of his own identity and role, distinct from these specific, highly anticipated figures.

Practical Application

John the Baptist's responses offer a powerful lesson in humility and understanding one's true calling. Despite being a pivotal figure in salvation history, he consistently points away from himself and towards Jesus Christ. For believers today, this teaches us to focus on fulfilling the unique purpose God has given us, without seeking personal glory or claiming titles that do not align with our divinely appointed role. It encourages us to be content with our identity in Christ and to effectively prepare the way for Him in our spheres of influence, rather than trying to be someone we are not.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Malachi 4:5

    Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

  • Deuteronomy 18:15

    ¶ The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

  • Deuteronomy 18:18

    I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

  • Matthew 11:14

    And if ye will receive [it], this is Elias, which was for to come.

  • John 1:25

    And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?

  • Matthew 16:14

    And they said, Some [say that thou art] John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

  • Matthew 17:10

    And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?

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