John 1:29

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

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}.

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!

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

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

John 1:29 presents one of the most profound declarations in the New Testament, as John the Baptist identifies Jesus to the world. This verse serves as a pivotal moment, shifting focus from John's preparatory ministry to the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Context

This declaration occurs "the next day" after John the Baptist had publicly denied being the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet, instead affirming his role as a voice crying in the wilderness to prepare the way for the Lord (John 1:23). John sees Jesus approaching, and immediately, under divine inspiration, points Him out to those present. This setting emphasizes John's humility and his primary mission: to bear witness to the true Light (John 1:8).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Jesus as the Sacrificial Lamb: John's proclamation, "Behold the Lamb of God," is deeply rooted in Old Testament sacrificial imagery. This title immediately brings to mind the Passover lamb, whose blood protected Israel from death, and the daily sacrifices for sin in the Temple. It also powerfully echoes the prophetic suffering servant of 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." This identifies Jesus not merely as a teacher or prophet, but as the ultimate, divinely appointed sacrifice.
  • Atonement for Sin: The phrase "which taketh away the sin of the world" reveals the purpose of the Lamb. The Greek word for "taketh away" (airō) means to lift up, bear away, or remove. This signifies a complete removal of sin's guilt and power, not just a covering. Unlike the temporary animal sacrifices that had to be repeated, Jesus' sacrifice is once for all (Hebrews 10:10).
  • Universal Scope of Salvation: The addition "of the world" is crucial. It signifies that Jesus' redemptive work is not limited to Israel but extends to all humanity. This universal scope highlights God's immense love for all people, desiring that none should perish (John 3:16).

Linguistic Insights

The title "Lamb of God" (Greek: Amnos tou Theou) is unique to John's Gospel and powerfully links Jesus to the sacrificial system. The verb "taketh away" (Greek: airō) implies both bearing the burden of sin and ultimately removing it. This isn't just about covering sin, but about its definitive eradication through Christ's atoning work on the cross.

Practical Application

John 1:29 invites us to "Behold" Jesus – to fix our gaze upon Him and understand His true identity and mission. For a world burdened by sin, this verse offers profound hope. It assures us that in Jesus, God has provided the perfect and complete solution to the problem of sin, making reconciliation with God possible. Recognizing Jesus as the Lamb of God calls us to place our faith in His finished work, trusting that He alone has the power to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9) and ultimately to live a life transformed by His grace.

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.

  • 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.
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