John 1:29

KJV

¶ The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

KJV (with Strong's)

The next day {G1887} John {G2491} seeth {G991} Jesus {G2424} coming {G2064} unto {G4314} him {G846}, and {G2532} saith {G3004}, Behold {G2396} the Lamb {G286} of God {G2316}, which {G3588} taketh away {G142} the sin {G266} of the world {G2889}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The next day, Yochanan saw Yeshua coming toward him and said, “Look! God’s lamb! The one who is taking away the sin of the world!

Berean Standard Bible

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

American Standard Version

On the morrow he seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 1:29 marks a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative, as John the Baptist, divinely inspired, publicly identifies Jesus of Nazareth as "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." This profound declaration serves as the initial, authoritative revelation of Jesus' unique identity and redemptive mission, shifting the focus from John's preparatory ministry to the person and work of the Messiah, who is presented as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This declaration immediately follows John the Baptist's encounter with the Jewish religious authorities from Jerusalem, where he steadfastly denied being the Christ, Elijah, or "the Prophet" but affirmed his role as "the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord" ([John 1:23](/john/1-23 "John 1:23 - John the Baptist's Identity")). John's humility and consistent pointing away from himself and towards the coming Messiah set the stage for this momentous revelation. The subsequent verses in [John 1:30-34](/john/1-30-34 "John 1:30-34 - John's Witness to Jesus") further elaborate on John's witness, explaining that he himself did not initially know Jesus' identity but was sent to baptize with water so that Jesus "should be made manifest to Israel" ([John 1:31](/john/1-31 "John 1:31 - Jesus Manifested to Israel")). The Holy Spirit's descent upon Jesus, which John witnessed, confirmed Jesus' identity as the Son of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "Lamb of God" would have resonated deeply with a Jewish audience steeped in the Old Testament sacrificial system. The most prominent association would be with the [Passover lamb](/exodus/12-3 "Exodus 12:3 - The Passover Lamb"), whose blood protected Israel from the angel of death in Egypt. Daily sacrifices in the Temple also involved lambs, offered for the atonement of sin. Furthermore, the concept of a suffering servant who would be "led as a lamb to the slaughter" and "bear the sin of many" ([Isaiah 53:7-12](/isaiah/53-7-12 "Isaiah 53:7-12 - The Suffering Servant")) was a significant prophetic theme, though often misunderstood in the context of a conquering Messiah. John's proclamation thus reorients the Messianic expectation, highlighting a redemptive, sacrificial role rather than a political one, drawing on rich theological imagery familiar to his listeners.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [John 1](/john/1 "John 1 - The Prologue and John's Witness") is the revelation of Jesus as the incarnate Word of God, the Light of the world, and the Son of God. John 1:29 specifically introduces the theme of **Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb**, connecting His identity directly to the atonement for sin. This verse also establishes the **universal scope of salvation**, emphasizing that Jesus' work is for "the world," not exclusively for Israel. It underscores the theme of **divine initiative and provision**, as God Himself provides the ultimate sacrifice. Finally, it highlights the **role of witness**, as John faithfully points others to Jesus, fulfilling his prophetic calling to prepare the way for the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lamb (Greek, _amnós'_):** This word directly translates to "lamb" and carries immense theological weight. In the Old Testament, lambs were central to the sacrificial system, particularly the Passover ([Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover")), and daily sin offerings. By calling Jesus "the Lamb," John immediately connects Him to these ancient rituals, signaling that Jesus is the ultimate, divinely appointed sacrifice for sin, fulfilling and superseding all previous offerings.
* **Taketh away (Greek, _aírō'_):** This primary root verb means "to lift up," "to take up or away," or "to bear." In the context of sin, it implies not merely covering or atoning for sin, but actively removing, bearing the burden of, and expiating it. This suggests a complete and decisive action, signifying a definitive removal of sin's guilt and power, rather than a temporary covering.
* **Sin (Greek, _hamartía'_):** This term refers to "a sin" or "sin" in an abstract sense, encompassing both individual acts of transgression and the inherent sinful nature of humanity. The singular form "sin" (rather than "sins") emphasizes the collective, pervasive problem of humanity's rebellion against God, which Jesus addresses comprehensively.
* **World (Greek, _kósmos'_):** This word denotes an "orderly arrangement," and by implication, "the world" in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally). Its use here signifies the universal scope of Jesus' redemptive work, extending beyond the Jewish people to all humanity, highlighting God's boundless love and desire for all people to be reconciled to Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him":** This phrase establishes the temporal and spatial context. "The next day" links this event directly to the preceding interrogation of John by the Jewish leaders, emphasizing the immediate divine revelation following John's clear declaration of his subservient role. John's act of "seeing" Jesus is not casual observation but a divinely guided recognition, preparing him for his public proclamation.
* **"and saith, Behold the Lamb of God":** This is the core declaration. John's immediate proclamation, "Behold!" (a call to attention), indicates the profound significance of what he is about to reveal. The title "Lamb of God" is a direct, Spirit-inspired identification of Jesus' unique identity and mission, immediately linking Him to the Old Testament sacrificial system and the concept of atonement. It reveals Jesus as the one provided by God Himself for the redemption of humanity.
* **"which taketh away the sin of the world.":** This clause explains the purpose and effect of Jesus being the Lamb of God. The phrase "taketh away" signifies a complete removal or bearing away of sin. The singular "sin" points to the totality of humanity's fallen condition, while "of the world" underscores the universal reach of Jesus' atoning work, extending God's saving grace to all people, not just a select group.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs significant **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**. The phrase "Lamb of God" is a powerful metaphor, drawing on the rich symbolic imagery of the Old Testament sacrificial system, particularly the Passover lamb and the suffering servant of Isaiah. This metaphor immediately communicates Jesus' role as the ultimate, innocent sacrifice for sin. The verb "taketh away" functions as a **Synecdoche**, where the action of removing sin represents the broader concept of atonement, reconciliation, and redemption. The phrase "sin of the world" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the comprehensive and universal nature of the problem of sin that Jesus addresses, encompassing all humanity and all forms of transgression. The entire declaration is a form of **Prophetic Proclamation**, as John, acting as God's messenger, reveals a profound truth about the Messiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 1:29 is a foundational theological statement that profoundly shapes Christian understanding of Jesus' identity and mission. It establishes Jesus as the divinely appointed, perfect sacrifice for humanity's sin, fulfilling the Old Testament sacrificial system and prophetic anticipations. This declaration underscores the concept of substitutionary atonement, where Jesus, the innocent Lamb, bears the guilt and penalty of humanity's sin. The universal scope ("of the world") highlights God's expansive love and desire for the salvation of all people, laying the groundwork for the Gospel's global reach.

* [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant as a Lamb")
* [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption by Christ's Precious Blood")
* [Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 1:29 calls us to "Behold!" Jesus, inviting us to fix our gaze upon Him and grasp the profound truth of His identity and purpose. In a world perpetually burdened by the weight of guilt, shame, and the consequences of sin, this verse offers unparalleled hope and liberation. It assures us that in Jesus, God has provided the perfect, complete, and final solution to the problem of sin, making true reconciliation with God possible. Recognizing Jesus as the Lamb of God compels us to place our complete faith in His finished work on the cross, trusting that He alone has the power to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, grant us forgiveness, and empower us to live a life transformed by His grace and dedicated to His glory. This truth should inspire deep gratitude, humble worship, and a fervent desire to share this Good News with a world desperately in need of the Lamb who takes away sin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus as "the Lamb of God" deepen your appreciation for His sacrifice?**
* **What does it mean for you personally that Jesus "taketh away the sin of the world"?**
* **How does this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of God's love and justice?**
* **In what ways can you "behold" Jesus more fully in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of John the Baptist calling Jesus "the Lamb of God"?**

Answer: The title "Lamb of God" is profoundly significant because it immediately connects Jesus to the Old Testament sacrificial system, particularly the Passover lamb ([Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover")) and the daily sin offerings. It identifies Jesus as the ultimate, divinely appointed sacrifice whose blood would atone for sin, fulfilling and superseding all previous animal sacrifices. It also echoes the prophetic imagery of the suffering servant in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), who would bear the sins of many. John's declaration reveals Jesus' true mission: not as a political liberator, but as a spiritual redeemer.

**What does "taketh away the sin of the world" imply about Jesus' work?**

Answer: The phrase "taketh away" (Greek: _aírō_) means to lift up, bear away, or remove. This implies a complete and decisive action. Unlike the temporary covering of sins provided by Old Testament sacrifices, Jesus' work definitively removes the guilt, power, and penalty of sin. The singular "sin" refers to humanity's collective fallen state, and "of the world" emphasizes the universal scope of His redemptive work, making salvation available to all people ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). It signifies a once-for-all sacrifice that permanently deals with the problem of sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 1:29 stands as a foundational Christ-centered declaration, revealing Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The Old Testament sacrificial system, from the Passover lamb to the daily Temple offerings and the Day of Atonement, consistently pointed forward to a perfect, final sacrifice. Jesus, identified by John as "the Lamb of God," perfectly embodies this typology. He is the innocent, unblemished Lamb whose shed blood provides true and lasting atonement for sin, unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant that could never fully take away sins ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Animal Sacrifices Cannot Take Away Sins")). His sacrifice on the cross is the once-for-all event that cleanses believers from all unrighteousness ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")) and reconciles humanity to God ([2 Corinthians 5:19](/2_corinthians/5-19 "2 Corinthians 5:19 - God Reconciling the World to Himself")). The "sin of the world" that He takes away is not merely a collection of individual transgressions but the pervasive, damning power of sin itself, offering universal redemption to all who believe in Him ([Romans 3:23-24](/romans/3-23-24 "Romans 3:23-24 - Justification by Grace")). Thus, John's proclamation is a direct pointer to the cross and resurrection, where the Lamb of God fully accomplishes His saving mission.

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

Isaiah 53:7

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

1 John 2:2

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.

1 John 3:5

And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

1 Peter 1:19

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

2 Corinthians 5:21

For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

1 Peter 2:24

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Isaiah 53:11

He shall see of the travail of his soul, [and] shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.