John 1:31

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

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}.

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.”

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

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

Commentary

John 1:31 records John the Baptist's explanation for his ministry of water baptism. He declares that his purpose was specifically to reveal Jesus Christ, the Messiah, to the nation of Israel, even though he initially did not know Jesus personally in His divine role.

Context

This verse is part of John the Baptist's testimony concerning Jesus. Prior to this, John has been questioned by Jewish religious leaders about his identity and authority (John 1:19-28). John consistently deflects attention from himself and points to the one coming after him. His ministry, as prophesied in Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1, was to prepare the way for the Lord.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation and Authentication: John's confession, "And I knew him not," is significant. It highlights that his recognition of Jesus was not based on prior personal acquaintance or family ties (though they were relatives), but on a supernatural sign given by God. This underscores the authenticity of his witness, proving it was a divine revelation rather than a human preference.
  • The Purpose of John's Ministry: The central aim of John's baptizing ministry was "that he should be made manifest to Israel." John's role was to be the divinely appointed forerunner and witness, publicly identifying and presenting Jesus to the Jewish people as the long-awaited Messiah and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. His baptism served as a public gathering point for those ready for the Messiah.
  • Water Baptism as Preparation: John's "baptizing with water" was a baptism of repentance, a symbolic cleansing that prepared hearts for the coming of the Messiah and His kingdom. It was a visible sign of spiritual readiness and anticipation, distinct from the later baptism with the Holy Spirit that Jesus would initiate (John 1:33).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "manifest" is phaneroō (φανερόω), meaning "to make visible, to reveal, to make known." It emphasizes that Jesus, though present, needed to be publicly shown and identified to Israel, a task entrusted to John. The act of "baptizing" (baptizō, βαπτίζω) literally means "to immerse" or "to dip," signifying a transformative, preparatory act of repentance and cleansing.

Practical Application

John's selfless dedication to his God-given purpose, even when it meant diminishing his own prominence, serves as a powerful model. Believers are called to point others to Jesus, not to themselves. Our lives and actions should be a witness, helping to make Christ manifest in a world that desperately needs to know Him. Like John, we may be called to prepare hearts, laying groundwork for the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus more fully to others.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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