John 1:33

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I {G2504} knew {G1492} him {G846} not {G3756}: but {G235} he that sent {G3992} me {G3165} to baptize {G907} with {G1722} water {G5204}, the same {G1565} said {G2036} unto me {G3427}, Upon {G1909} whom {G3739}{G302} thou shalt see {G1492} the Spirit {G4151} descending {G2597}, and {G2532} remaining {G3306} on {G1909} him {G846}, the same {G3778} is {G2076} he which baptizeth {G907} with {G1722} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I myself did not know who he was, but the one who sent me to immerse in water said to me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining, this is the one who immerses in the Ruach HaKodesh.’

Berean Standard Bible

I myself did not know Him, but the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’

American Standard Version

And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize in water, he said unto me, Upon whomsoever thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and abiding upon him, the same is he that baptizeth in the Holy Spirit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 1:33 serves as John the Baptist's profound testimony, revealing the divine mandate and specific sign by which he recognized Jesus as the Messiah. It underscores that John's identification of Jesus was not based on prior personal acquaintance but on a direct, supernatural revelation from God, marked by the visible descent and abiding presence of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus, signifying Him as the one who would uniquely baptize with the Holy Spirit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial part of John the Baptist's extended public testimony about Jesus, which begins in [John 1:19](/john/1-19 "John the Baptist's Testimony"). Immediately preceding it, John has already declared Jesus to be the "[Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")" and explicitly stated, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him" in [John 1:32](/john/1-32 "John 1:32 - John's Witness of the Spirit"). Verse 33 thus provides the divine instruction that made sense of that visual sign, explaining *why* John knew this sign was significant. It transitions from John's general witness to the specific, divinely revealed identity of Jesus as the Spirit-baptizer, setting the stage for the first disciples to follow Jesus in [John 1:35-51](/john/1-35-51 "John 1:35-51 - The First Disciples").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John the Baptist operated within a Jewish context deeply anticipating the Messiah. His ministry of water baptism for repentance was rooted in prophetic tradition (e.g., [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger of the Covenant")) and the concept of ritual purification. However, the idea of a Messiah who would "baptize with the Holy Spirit" was a profound and novel concept, though hinted at in Old Testament prophecies of a new covenant where God would put His Spirit within His people (e.g., [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - New Heart and Spirit")). The visible descent of the Spirit, often associated with prophetic anointing and divine empowerment, would have been understood as a clear sign of God's chosen one, reminiscent of how prophets and kings were anointed.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several key themes central to the Gospel of John and Christian theology. First, it emphasizes **Divine Revelation**, highlighting that the true identity of Jesus as the Messiah is not discovered through human reasoning or prior relationship ("And I knew him not") but by direct, supernatural disclosure from God. Second, it underscores the **Messianic Identity of Jesus** as the Spirit-bearer and Spirit-giver, distinguishing His unique mission from John's preparatory work. Third, it introduces the **Transformative Power of the Holy Spirit**, contrasting John's water baptism for repentance with Jesus's Spirit baptism, which signifies spiritual regeneration and empowerment, a promise fulfilled at [Pentecost](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost"). This distinction clarifies the nature of the New Covenant, where the Spirit indwells believers, as prophesied in passages like [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **knew / see (Greek, _eídō'_):** G1492. This verb, primarily meaning "to see" (literally or figuratively), also implies "to know" in its perfect tense. John's initial statement, "And I knew him not," signifies a lack of personal, prior acquaintance with Jesus as the Messiah. His subsequent declaration, "Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending," shifts the source of knowledge from human familiarity to divine perception. This highlights that John's recognition of Jesus was not based on human insight or relationship but on a divinely appointed sign that gave him certain knowledge.
* **baptize / baptizeth (Greek, _baptízō'_):** G907. This verb means "to immerse, submerge" or "to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet)." In the New Testament, it is used for ceremonial ablution, particularly Christian baptism. John's baptism was "with water," symbolizing repentance and preparation. Jesus, however, "baptizeth with the Holy Ghost," indicating a profound, transformative immersion into the very presence and power of God's Spirit, bringing spiritual regeneration and empowerment, distinct from John's preparatory rite.
* **with (Greek, _en'_):** G1722. This primary preposition denotes "fixed position (in place, time or state)" and "instrumentality." In the context of baptism, "en" (often translated "with" or "in") indicates the element or medium *in* which one is baptized or *by means of* which the baptism occurs. John's baptism was *in* or *with* water, signifying a physical act. Jesus's baptism is *in* or *with* the Holy Spirit, signifying a spiritual, internal, and empowering work. The preposition emphasizes the distinct nature and agent of these two baptisms.
* **Spirit / Ghost (Greek, _pneûma'_):** G4151. This term refers to "a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze," and by analogy or figuratively, "a spirit," including the human soul, vital principle, or, as here, the divine Holy Spirit. The Spirit's descent and remaining on Jesus is the definitive sign, marking Him as the Messiah. The Holy Spirit is the active agent in Jesus's unique baptism, signifying the divine life and power that Jesus imparts to believers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I knew him not:"** John the Baptist, despite possibly being a relative of Jesus (Luke 1:36), emphasizes that his recognition of Jesus as the Messiah was not based on personal familiarity or human deduction. This statement underscores the supernatural origin of his knowledge and lends greater authority to his testimony, as it came from divine revelation, not personal bias.
* **"but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me,"** This clause highlights John's divine commission. He was sent by God for a specific purpose: to prepare the way for the Messiah through a baptism of repentance. Critically, the same God who commissioned him also provided the specific instruction and sign for identifying the Messiah, demonstrating God's sovereign plan and John's obedient role within it.
* **"Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him,"** This describes the precise, unmistakable sign given to John. The visual manifestation of the Spirit's descent, witnessed by John (John 1:32), was the divine confirmation. The word "remaining" (Greek, _menō_) is significant, indicating a permanent, abiding presence of the Spirit upon Jesus, signifying His unique and continuous anointing for His messianic mission, unlike the temporary anointing of Old Testament prophets.
* **"the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost."** This is the climactic identification. The one upon whom the Spirit permanently rests is the Messiah, uniquely empowered to immerse others not merely in water, but in the life-giving, transformative power of the Holy Spirit. This declaration distinguishes Jesus's ministry as inaugurating a new era of spiritual empowerment and regeneration, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of a new covenant.

#### Literary Devices
John 1:33 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Contrast** is prominent, specifically between John's limited human knowledge ("I knew him not") and the divine revelation that enabled him to identify Jesus. There is also a stark **contrast** between John's baptism "with water" and Jesus's baptism "with the Holy Ghost," highlighting the qualitative difference and superiority of Jesus's ministry. The "Spirit descending, and remaining on him" serves as powerful **Symbolism**, portraying the divine anointing and permanent empowerment of Jesus for His messianic work, often visualized as a dove (as mentioned in John 1:32). This sign also functions as **Foreshadowing**, pointing to Jesus's future role as the one who would pour out the Holy Spirit upon His followers, ushering in the New Covenant era.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 1:33 is a foundational text for understanding the person and work of Jesus, particularly His unique relationship with the Holy Spirit and His role as the Spirit-giver. It reveals the Trinitarian nature of God at work: the Father sends John and gives the sign, the Spirit descends and remains, and the Son is identified as the one who baptizes with the Spirit. This verse sets the stage for the New Covenant, where the indwelling of the Holy Spirit becomes the hallmark of God's people, empowering them for new life and witness. It underscores that Jesus's authority and power are divinely bestowed, not self-derived, making Him the ultimate source of spiritual life and transformation.

* [Acts 1:5](/acts/1-5 "Promise of the Holy Spirit")
* [Luke 3:16](/luke/3-16 "John's Prophecy of Jesus's Baptism")
* [Isaiah 42:1](/isaiah/42-1 "The Servant of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John the Baptist's testimony in John 1:33 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that authentic spiritual knowledge often comes not from human expertise or prior acquaintance, but from divine revelation and discernment of God's specific signs. Just as John humbly awaited and recognized the Spirit's descent, we are called to cultivate a posture of expectancy and attentiveness to how God reveals His truth and will in our lives. This verse also powerfully highlights the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life. Jesus's baptism with the Holy Spirit signifies His unique anointing for ministry, and through Him, believers are also immersed in the Spirit, receiving spiritual life, power for witness, and guidance for living. Our Christian walk is fundamentally empowered by the Spirit, enabling us to live out our faith and participate in God's mission, not by our own strength, but by His divine enablement.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does John's statement, "And I knew him not," challenge our tendency to rely on human understanding rather than divine revelation in recognizing God's work?**
* **What does it mean for us today to be "baptized with the Holy Ghost," and how does this spiritual reality impact our daily lives and witness?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate a greater sensitivity to the "signs" God might be giving us to reveal His will or confirm His presence?**

### FAQ
**Why did John the Baptist initially not know Jesus, despite being related?**

Answer: John's statement, "And I knew him not," emphasizes that his recognition of Jesus as the Messiah was not based on personal familiarity or family ties, even though they were likely relatives (Luke 1:36). This highlights that his identification of Jesus was purely a result of divine revelation and a specific sign given by God, rather than human insight or prior acquaintance. This lends greater credibility and authority to his testimony, underscoring that God alone revealed Jesus's true identity.

**What is the difference between John's water baptism and Jesus's baptism with the Holy Ghost?**

Answer: John's baptism "with water" was a baptism of repentance, symbolizing a turning away from sin and a preparation for the coming Messiah ([Matthew 3:11](/matthew/3-11 "Matthew 3:11 - John's Prophecy of Jesus's Baptism")). It was a symbolic act of cleansing and a public declaration of one's readiness for God's kingdom. Jesus's baptism "with the Holy Ghost," however, is a transformative spiritual experience. It signifies immersion into the very life, presence, and power of the Holy Spirit, resulting in spiritual regeneration, empowerment for Christian living and witness, and the indwelling of God's Spirit within believers. This distinction marks the transition from the Old Covenant's preparatory rites to the New Covenant's spiritual reality.

**What does "the Spirit descending, and remaining on him" signify?**

Answer: This phrase describes the specific, visible sign given to John by God to identify the Messiah. The "descending" of the Spirit (often depicted as a dove, as in [John 1:32](/john/1-32 "John 1:32 - John's Witness of the Spirit")) signifies Jesus's divine anointing and commissioning for His public ministry. The crucial addition "and remaining on him" indicates a permanent, abiding presence of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus. Unlike Old Testament prophets or kings who might experience temporary anointings, Jesus's anointing by the Spirit was continuous and complete, signifying His unique and perpetual empowerment as the Messiah, the Christ (meaning "Anointed One"), and the one who would inaugurate the age of the Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 1:33 is profoundly Christ-centered, as it reveals Jesus as the unique "Spirit-baptizer," the one who brings the new era of the Holy Spirit. John's water baptism was preparatory, but Jesus fulfills the prophetic anticipation of a Messiah who would not only be anointed by the Spirit but would also be the source of the Spirit for His people. This verse foreshadows the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at [Pentecost](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost"), where Jesus, having ascended to the Father, sends the Spirit to indwell believers, fulfilling His promise in [Acts 1:5](/acts/1-5 "Acts 1:5 - Promise of the Holy Spirit"). Through Jesus, the promise of the New Covenant—where God puts His Spirit within His people, enabling them to walk in His statutes ([Ezekiel 36:27](/ezekiel/36-27 "Ezekiel 36:27 - New Heart and Spirit"))—is realized. Thus, Jesus is revealed as the one through whom believers receive the life-transforming, empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, making them new creations in Him and enabling them to live out the divine life. This spiritual baptism is the very essence of new birth and the foundation for Christian discipleship and mission, all made possible by the unique person and work of 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

Acts 1:5

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Luke 3:16

John answered, saying unto [them] all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

Matthew 3:11

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire:

Titus 3:5

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Titus 3:6

Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

John 3:34

For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure [unto him].

Acts 10:44

¶ While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.