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.

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}.

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.’

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.’

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.

John 1:33 is a pivotal declaration by John the Baptist, explaining how he came to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. It reveals the divine instruction given to John and the specific sign that would confirm Jesus's unique identity and mission.

Context

This verse follows John the Baptist's testimony about Jesus, where he identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Here, John clarifies that his recognition of Jesus was not based on personal acquaintance, but on a direct revelation from God. The broader context of John's ministry involves preparing the way for the Messiah, preaching a baptism of repentance with water, and pointing to the one who would come after him.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation: John explicitly states, "And I knew him not," emphasizing that his understanding of Jesus's messianic role was not from human insight but from a specific instruction given by God ("he that sent me"). This highlights the supernatural nature of Jesus's identification.
  • The Sign of the Spirit: The descent and remaining of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus was the unmistakable divine sign. This visual confirmation, which John later testifies to seeing in John 1:32, marked Jesus as the chosen one. This event is also recorded in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10, Luke 3:22).
  • Jesus's Unique Baptism: John's baptism was "with water" for repentance, but Jesus's mission was to "baptize with the Holy Ghost." This signifies a new era, where salvation and spiritual empowerment would come through the indwelling of the Spirit, a promise fulfilled at Pentecost. This spiritual baptism is essential for new life in Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "baptizeth with the Holy Ghost" (Greek: baptizō en pneumati hagiō) signifies immersion or endowment by the Holy Spirit. While John's water baptism was a symbolic act of cleansing and repentance, Jesus's baptism is a transformative work of God's Spirit, bringing spiritual regeneration and empowering believers for service.

Practical Application

John 1:33 reminds us that God often reveals His truth and purpose in unexpected ways, and sometimes through direct divine communication. For believers, it underscores the profound significance of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. Just as Jesus was empowered by the Spirit for His ministry, Christians today receive the Holy Spirit at conversion, enabling them to live a new life and bear witness to Christ. It also highlights the importance of discerning God's will and recognizing His signs, rather than relying solely on human understanding or prior acquaintance.

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.

  • 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.

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