John 1:31

KJV

And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I {G2504} knew {G1492} him {G846} not {G3756}: but {G235} that {G2443} he should be made manifest {G5319} to Israel {G2474}, therefore {G1223}{G5124} am {G2064} I {G1473} come {G2064} baptizing {G907} with {G1722} water {G5204}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I myself did not know who he was, but the reason I came immersing with water was so that he might be made known to Isra’el.”

Berean Standard Bible

I myself did not know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that He might be revealed to Israel.”

American Standard Version

And I knew him not; but that he should be made manifest to Israel, for this cause came I baptizing in water.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 1:31 captures John the Baptist's profound declaration regarding the purpose of his divinely ordained ministry. He states that his water baptism was not an end in itself, nor was his initial lack of personal recognition of Jesus a hindrance, but rather a strategic divine orchestrating to publicly reveal and authenticate Jesus as the Messiah to the nation of Israel, thereby preparing the way for the Lord's redemptive work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within John the Baptist's public testimony concerning Jesus, following the inquiry from the Jewish religious authorities about his identity and authority. In [John 1:19-28](/john/1-19-28 "John the Baptist's Testimony to the Priests and Levites"), John consistently denies being the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet, instead identifying himself as "the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’" a direct fulfillment of [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah's Prophecy of the Forerunner"). His ministry is presented as preparatory, pointing away from himself and towards the "one coming after me" who is far superior and whose sandals he is unworthy to untie. Verse 31 specifically explains *why* he was baptizing, linking his preparatory work directly to Jesus' manifestation. The subsequent verses, [John 1:32-34](/john/1-32-34 "John's Witness to Jesus as the Son of God"), describe the sign given to John—the descent of the Spirit like a dove—which confirmed Jesus' identity as the Son of God and the one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John the Baptist's ministry emerged during a period of intense messianic expectation in Judea, a time when the Jewish people longed for deliverance from Roman occupation and the restoration of Israel's glory. Ritual washings (mikvaot) were common in Jewish practice for purification, but John's baptism was unique. It was a one-time, public act of repentance and commitment, administered by an individual, symbolizing a spiritual cleansing and a turning away from sin in anticipation of God's imminent kingdom. This public act served as a visible demarcation for those who were spiritually prepared for the Messiah's arrival. The phrase "made manifest to Israel" is crucial, as Israel was the covenant people of God, to whom the Messiah was promised. John's ministry provided a public platform and a spiritual filter, gathering those who were ready to receive the Lord.
* **Key Themes:** John 1:31 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation and Authentication**, emphasizing that Jesus' identity as the Messiah was not based on human recognition or familial ties (despite John and Jesus being relatives), but on a supernatural sign and divine appointment. John's initial lack of personal knowledge of Jesus' messianic role ([John 1:31a](/john/1-31 "John 1:31 - John's Purpose for Baptizing")) authenticates his later witness, proving it was God's revelation, not human bias. Secondly, it highlights the **Purpose of John's Ministry** as a divinely appointed forerunner. His role was to "make manifest" (reveal) Jesus to Israel, preparing the nation for the Messiah's advent. This aligns with the Gospel's broader emphasis on John as a witness who came "to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him" ([John 1:7](/john/1-7 "John 1:7 - John's Purpose as a Witness")). Finally, the verse speaks to the **Nature of Water Baptism as Preparation**, distinguishing John's baptism of repentance from the later baptism with the Holy Spirit that Jesus would inaugurate ([John 1:33](/john/1-33 "John 1:33 - The One Who Baptizes with the Holy Spirit")). John's water baptism was a symbolic act of cleansing and readiness, a visible sign of spiritual anticipation for the coming Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **knew (Greek, _eídō'_):** From G1492, this verb primarily means "to see" (literally or figuratively), and by implication, "to know" (especially in the perfect tense). In this context, John's declaration "I knew him not" (οὐκ ᾔδειν αὐτόν) signifies that he did not recognize Jesus in His specific messianic role or divine identity prior to the sign given by God. It implies a lack of intimate, revelatory knowledge, rather than a total absence of personal acquaintance. This serves to underscore that his later identification of Jesus was based on divine revelation, not pre-existing human understanding or relationship.
* **manifest (Greek, _phaneróō'_):** From G5319, this verb means "to render apparent," "to make visible," or "to show forth." It conveys the idea of bringing something previously hidden or unknown into public view. John's purpose was to make Jesus openly and undeniably known to the nation of Israel. This was not merely an introduction but a public demonstration and authentication of Jesus' identity and mission, ensuring that Israel would recognize their long-awaited Messiah.
* **baptizing (Greek, _baptízō'_):** From G907, this verb means "to immerse," "to submerge," or "to make whelmed (fully wet)." In the New Testament, it refers specifically to ceremonial ablution, particularly the ordinance of Christian baptism, but here it describes John's unique practice. John's "baptizing with water" was a public, symbolic act of repentance and purification, preparing individuals for the coming of the Messiah and His kingdom. It served as a visible sign of spiritual readiness and anticipation, distinct from the spiritual baptism Jesus would later provide.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I knew him not:"** John the Baptist here confesses that prior to a specific divine revelation, he did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah, despite their familial relationship (as cousins). This admission is crucial because it validates his subsequent witness; his identification of Jesus was not born of personal bias or prior knowledge but of direct divine instruction and revelation. It emphasizes that God Himself orchestrated the recognition of His Son.
* **"but that he should be made manifest to Israel,"** This clause states the explicit, divinely appointed purpose of John's entire ministry. His baptismal work was not for his own glory or to establish a new movement, but solely to publicly reveal Jesus, the Messiah, to the Jewish people. The term "manifest" (φανερόω) implies a public unveiling, a clear demonstration of Jesus' identity to the covenant nation, who were awaiting their deliverer. John's role was to be the divinely appointed herald, preparing the way and then pointing directly to the Christ.
* **"therefore am I come baptizing with water."** This concludes John's explanation, linking his specific practice directly to his divine mission. His act of "baptizing with water" was the means by which he gathered the people, drew public attention, and prepared a receptive audience for the Messiah. It was the public platform through which Jesus would be introduced and identified, fulfilling God's plan for His Son's manifestation to Israel. John's baptism was a preparatory, symbolic cleansing that set the stage for the true cleansing and new covenant inaugurated by Jesus.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Irony** in John's statement, "And I knew him not." Given that John and Jesus were relatives, a casual acquaintance would be expected. However, John's "not knowing" refers to a lack of *revelatory* knowledge of Jesus' messianic identity, which is then contrasted with the divine purpose of his ministry. This highlights that John's witness was based on divine revelation, not human familiarity. There is also **Purpose Clause** usage ("but that he should be made manifest to Israel"), which explicitly states the divine intention behind John's actions, emphasizing the teleological nature of his ministry. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Testimony** or **Witness**, as John publicly declares the reason for his actions, thereby authenticating Jesus' identity and mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 1:31 powerfully articulates the divine orchestration of salvation history, emphasizing the preparatory role of John the Baptist in God's plan to reveal His Son. It underscores the principle that God often uses human agents to accomplish His purposes, even when those agents initially lack full understanding, relying instead on divine revelation. John's ministry, though significant, was always subservient to Christ's, serving as a signpost rather than the destination. This verse sets the stage for the public ministry of Jesus, highlighting the importance of divine timing and the necessity of a public unveiling for the Messiah to be recognized by His covenant people. It also implicitly connects to the broader theme of God's faithfulness to His promises to Israel, as the Messiah is "made manifest to Israel."

* [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger of the Covenant")
* [Matthew 3:11](/matthew/3-11 "Matthew 3:11 - John's Prophecy of the Holy Spirit Baptism")
* [Acts 19:4](/acts/19-4 "Acts 19:4 - Paul Explains John's Baptism")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John the Baptist's humility and unwavering focus on his God-given mission offer a profound model for believers today. His confession, "And I knew him not," followed by his clear purpose, teaches us that our service to God is not predicated on our complete understanding or personal familiarity, but on obedience to His revealed will. We are called to be faithful witnesses, pointing others to Jesus, even if it means diminishing our own prominence. In a world often consumed by self-promotion, John's example challenges us to embrace a Christ-centered humility, recognizing that our ultimate purpose is to make Jesus "manifest" to those around us. This involves living lives that reflect His character, speaking His truth, and serving others in His name, thereby preparing hearts and minds to encounter the living Christ. Our "baptizing with water" might be interpreted as our various acts of service and evangelism that create opportunities for people to encounter the Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to seek personal recognition rather than making Christ manifest through my life and actions?**
* **How can my daily interactions and choices serve as a "water baptism" of preparation, pointing others to Jesus?**
* **What does it mean for me to "know" Jesus, and how does that knowledge empower my witness to others?**

### FAQ
**Did John the Baptist know Jesus personally before this encounter?**

Answer: While John the Baptist and Jesus were relatives (cousins, as implied by [Luke 1:36](/luke/1-36 "Luke 1:36 - Elizabeth and Mary")), John's statement "And I knew him not" in [John 1:31](/john/1-31 "John 1:31 - John's Purpose for Baptizing") refers specifically to his lack of *revelatory* knowledge of Jesus' identity as the Messiah. It suggests that prior to God giving him a specific sign (the descent of the Spirit), John did not recognize Jesus in His divine, messianic role. This lack of prior messianic recognition ensured that John's subsequent witness was based purely on divine revelation and not on human familiarity or bias, thus authenticating his testimony.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 1:31 finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the very manifestation of Jesus as the Lamb of God and the Son of God, for which John's ministry served as the divinely appointed precursor. John's baptism was a preparatory act, clearing the spiritual ground and gathering a people ready to receive the Messiah. The ultimate purpose of John's coming, "that he should be made manifest to Israel," was realized when Jesus stepped into the public arena, fulfilling the prophecies and being publicly identified by John as the one who would "take away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Jesus is the one whom John testified about, the one who would "baptize with the Holy Spirit" ([John 1:33](/john/1-33 "John 1:33 - The One Who Baptizes with the Holy Spirit")), signifying the new covenant and the indwelling of God's Spirit in believers. Thus, John's entire mission, as explained in this verse, was a direct and necessary stepping stone to the public unveiling of Christ, leading to His redemptive work on the cross and His glorious resurrection, which ultimately makes Him manifest not just to Israel, but to all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")).

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

Malachi 3:1

¶ Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

Luke 1:17

And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

John 1:7

The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all [men] through him might believe.

Mark 1:3

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

Mark 1:5

And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

John 1:33

And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 3:6

And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.