John 1:22

KJV

Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G3767} said they {G2036} unto him {G846}, Who {G5101} art thou {G1488}? that {G2443} we may give {G1325} an answer {G612} to them that sent {G3992} us {G2248}. What {G5101} sayest thou {G3004} of {G4012} thyself {G4572}?

Complete Jewish Bible

So they said to him, “Who are you? — so that we can give an answer to the people who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?”

Berean Standard Bible

So they said to him, “Who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

American Standard Version

They said therefore unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 1:22 captures the pivotal moment when the official delegation from Jerusalem presses John the Baptist for a definitive declaration of his identity. Following his explicit denials of being the Christ, Elijah, or "the Prophet," these religious authorities, representing the Sanhedrin, demand a clear statement from John to report back to those who sent them. Their urgent inquiry, "Who art thou? ... What sayest thou of thyself?", underscores their need for a direct, self-attesting answer regarding the authority and nature of his widely impactful ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the opening narrative of John's Gospel, specifically the account of John the Baptist's witness to Jesus. Immediately preceding [John 1:22](/john/1-22 "John 1:22 - The Question of John's Identity"), the Jewish leaders from Jerusalem had sent priests and Levites to interrogate John (cf. [John 1:19](/john/1-19 "John 1:19 - The Delegation from Jerusalem")). John had just unequivocally denied being the Christ, Elijah, or "the Prophet" (cf. [John 1:20-21](/john/1-20-21 "John 1:20-21 - John's Denials")). Having received only negative answers, the delegation's frustration and the urgency of their mission culminate in this direct, two-part question, demanding a positive self-identification from John. The narrative builds tension as the religious establishment seeks to understand and control this new, popular movement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Jewish religious landscape of the first century was highly structured, with the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem holding supreme religious and judicial authority. Any significant religious movement or prophetic claim outside their direct control was viewed with suspicion and required official investigation. John the Baptist's ministry, characterized by baptism for repentance and powerful preaching, was drawing large crowds and challenging the established order. The delegation of priests and Levites, representatives of the temple and the Law, were dispatched to ascertain John's authority and identity. Their questions reflect a deep concern for maintaining religious purity and order, as well as a popular expectation of prophetic figures (like Elijah returning, or "the Prophet" akin to Moses, as prophesied in [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet like Moses")).
* **Key Themes:** The central theme emerging from this passage is **Identity and Authority**. The Jewish leaders are primarily concerned with who John is and by what authority he performs his ministry (cf. [Matthew 21:23](/matthew/21-23 "Matthew 21:23 - Jesus' Authority Questioned")). This inquiry sets the stage for the revelation of Jesus' own identity and authority later in the Gospel. Another key theme is **Official Mandate and Accountability**. The delegation's insistence on needing an "answer to them that sent us" highlights the formal, institutional nature of their inquiry and their accountability to the powerful religious elite in Jerusalem. Finally, the demand "What sayest thou of thyself?" introduces the theme of **Self-Testimony**, a concept that will become crucial throughout John's Gospel as Jesus repeatedly testifies about Himself (e.g., [John 8:14](/john/8-14 "John 8:14 - Jesus' Self-Testimony")). John's response in [John 1:23](/john/1-23 "John 1:23 - John's Self-Identification as the Voice") will be a humble, prophetic self-identification, pointing away from himself and towards the coming Christ, fulfilling the prophecy of [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - The Voice in the Wilderness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** (G2036) This verb signifies speaking or saying, often implying a direct and definite statement or command. In this context, it conveys the authoritative and direct nature of the delegation's inquiry, as they are not merely asking casually but demanding a formal response.
* **give (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** (G1325) This versatile verb means "to give," but in this context, it carries the sense of "to provide" or "to furnish" an answer. It emphasizes the practical and reportable nature of the information they seek; they need a concrete statement to deliver to their superiors.
* **Who/What (Greek, _tís'_):** (G5101) This interrogative pronoun is emphatic and serves to demand a specific identification. Used twice in the verse ("Who art thou?" and "What sayest thou of thyself?"), it underscores the delegation's urgent need for a precise and unambiguous declaration of John's identity and the nature of his ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said they unto him":** This phrase marks a transition in the interrogation. Having received only negative responses from John regarding specific prophetic titles, the delegation shifts their approach from asking "Are you X?" to a more direct and open-ended demand for self-identification. The "they" refers to the priests and Levites sent by the Jewish authorities from Jerusalem, emphasizing the official nature of the inquiry.
* **"Who art thou?":** This is the delegation's first direct question, an urgent demand for John to state his identity plainly. It reflects their growing frustration and the pressing need for a clear, reportable answer. This question is not merely curious; it challenges John's authority and the legitimacy of his public ministry.
* **"that we may give an answer to them that sent us.":** This clause reveals the underlying motivation and pressure on the delegation. They are not merely seeking personal understanding but are acting as official representatives. They need a definitive statement from John to fulfill their mandate and report back to the powerful religious establishment in Jerusalem, likely the Sanhedrin or chief priests. This highlights the formal and high-stakes nature of the interrogation.
* **"What sayest thou of thyself?":** This is the second, more pointed question, emphasizing the demand for John's personal testimony. While external witnesses were important in Jewish law, a person's own declaration was crucial, especially when claiming spiritual authority. This direct challenge pushes John to articulate his role and mission in his own words, without the delegation imposing titles upon him.

#### Literary Devices
John 1:22 employs several literary devices to heighten the drama and significance of the exchange. **Interrogation** is the most prominent, as the verse is structured around two direct questions, emphasizing the delegation's persistent and official demand for John's identity. The repetition of the interrogative pronoun "Who/What" (Greek _tís_) underscores the urgency and the core concern of the questioners. There is a subtle **Dramatic Irony** at play; while the delegation is focused on John's identity, the reader, having just been introduced to the true "Light" (cf. [John 1:9](/john/1-9 "John 1:9 - The True Light")), understands that John's ultimate purpose is to point beyond himself to Jesus. The verse also serves as a **Foreshadowing**, as the intense scrutiny and questioning faced by John here prefigure the similar interrogations and demands for self-testimony that Jesus himself will endure from these same religious authorities throughout His ministry (e.g., [John 8:25](/john/8-25 "John 8:25 - Jesus' Identity Questioned")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 1:22 underscores the critical theological theme of identity and witness in the Gospel of John. The Jewish leaders' relentless questioning of John the Baptist's identity highlights the human tendency to categorize and control spiritual movements, often missing the divine initiative at work. John's subsequent response (in [John 1:23](/john/1-23 "John 1:23 - John's Prophetic Role")) will not be a self-aggrandizing declaration but a humble, prophetic self-identification, echoing Isaiah's prophecy. This sets a profound precedent for true spiritual leadership: it is not about claiming titles for oneself, but about faithfully fulfilling one's God-given role, especially when that role is to prepare the way for another, greater figure. The scene emphasizes that true authority comes from divine commission, not human recognition or institutional validation.

* [John 5:33](/john/5-33 "John 5:33 - John's Witness to Jesus")
* [Luke 3:15](/luke/3-15 "Luke 3:15 - People's Expectation of the Messiah")
* [Acts 13:25](/acts/13-25 "Acts 13:25 - John's Testimony About Himself")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John the Baptist's encounter with the Jerusalem delegation serves as a powerful model for believers navigating questions of identity and purpose in a world that often demands clear labels and affiliations. Like John, we are called to have a firm grasp of who we are in Christ and, perhaps even more importantly, who we are not. John's humility in consistently deflecting attention from himself and pointing to Jesus is a profound lesson in selfless service. In a culture driven by self-promotion and the pursuit of recognition, John's example challenges us to evaluate whether our lives and ministries ultimately glorify ourselves or Christ. This passage encourages us to be prepared to articulate our faith and purpose clearly, not for our own validation, but to bear witness to the truth of God's work in the world, even when facing scrutiny or skepticism from those in authority.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does John the Baptist's response to the delegation's questions challenge my own understanding of identity and self-worth?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to seek validation or authority from external sources rather than from my divine calling?**
* **How can I cultivate the same humility as John, consistently pointing others to Christ rather than drawing attention to myself?**
* **When faced with scrutiny or difficult questions about my faith, am I prepared to give a clear and truthful answer, much like John?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Jewish leaders so concerned about John's identity?**

Answer: The Jewish leaders, primarily the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem, were the official religious authority responsible for maintaining order and orthodoxy within Judaism. John the Baptist's ministry was drawing large crowds and creating significant public stir, including baptizing people in the Jordan. In a climate where various messianic and prophetic movements arose, often leading to political unrest (as seen with figures like Theudas or Judas the Galilean in [Acts 5:36-37](/acts/5-36-37 "Acts 5:36-37 - Gamaliel's Counsel")), the Sanhedrin needed to ascertain John's authority and intentions. They wanted to know if he was a legitimate prophet, the Messiah, Elijah returned, or merely a false teacher who could incite rebellion or lead people astray from established Jewish law and tradition. Their concern was both theological and socio-political, as any popular movement could be perceived as a threat to their authority and to the fragile peace under Roman occupation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 1:22, with its urgent demand for John the Baptist's identity, profoundly sets the stage for the revelation of Christ. John's consistent refusal to claim any grand title for himself, even under intense pressure, serves to underscore that he is merely the forerunner, the voice crying in the wilderness (as he states in [John 1:23](/john/1-23 "John 1:23 - John's Prophetic Role"), referencing [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - The Voice in the Wilderness")). His very humility and self-effacement are essential aspects of his Christ-centered mission. By pointing away from himself, John directs all attention to the one "coming after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie" ([John 1:27](/john/1-27 "John 1:27 - John's Unworthiness")). This prepares the hearts of the people, and indeed the readers of John's Gospel, to recognize Jesus not merely as another prophet or teacher, but as 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")), the Son of God ([John 1:34](/john/1-34 "John 1:34 - John's Testimony to Jesus as the Son of God")), and the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit ([John 1:33](/john/1-33 "John 1:33 - John's Role in Identifying the Spirit-Baptizer")). Thus, the question "Who art thou?" ultimately leads to the answer, "He is the Christ."

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

2 Samuel 24:13

So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be three days' pestilence in thy land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.