John 1:36

And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

And {G2532} looking upon {G1689} Jesus {G2424} as he walked {G4043}, he saith {G3004}, Behold {G2396} the Lamb {G286} of God {G2316}!

On seeing Yeshua walking by, he said, “Look! God’s lamb!”

When he saw Jesus walking by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

and he looked upon Jesus as he walked, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God!

John 1:36 presents a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative, as John the Baptist publicly identifies Jesus of Nazareth to his own disciples. This declaration serves as a profound theological statement about Jesus' identity and mission.

Context

This verse immediately follows John the Baptist's earlier testimony about Jesus, where he first introduced Him as "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). Here, the scene is set the day after, with John the Baptist again seeing Jesus. John's disciples were present, and his direct exclamation served as a powerful witness, prompting some of them to leave John and follow Jesus (John 1:37). This highlights John's role not as the Messiah, but as the one sent to prepare the way and point to Christ.

Key Themes

  • The Identity of Jesus: John the Baptist, the divinely appointed forerunner, unequivocally declares Jesus' unique identity. His testimony is not just a personal opinion but a prophetic revelation, confirming Jesus' divine nature and purpose.
  • "The Lamb of God": This title is supremely significant, drawing from several Old Testament concepts:
    • The Passover Lamb: Recalls the lamb sacrificed in Egypt, whose blood protected the Israelites from the angel of death (Exodus 12:13). Jesus is presented as the ultimate Passover Lamb, whose blood provides deliverance from the penalty of sin.
    • The Sacrificial System: Points to the numerous lambs offered daily and annually in the Temple for the atonement of sins (e.g., Leviticus 4:32). These sacrifices were temporary and pointed to a perfect, final sacrifice.
    • The Suffering Servant of Isaiah: Alludes to the prophetic descriptions of the "lamb led to the slaughter" in Isaiah 53:7, who would bear the iniquities of many. Jesus fulfills this prophecy perfectly.

    Thus, "Lamb of God" signifies Jesus' role as the ultimate, sinless sacrifice sent by God to provide redemption and reconciliation for humanity (1 Peter 1:19).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "Lamb of God" is Amnos tou Theou (Ἀμνὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ). The term Amnos specifically refers to a young sheep, often one designated for sacrifice. The definite article "the" emphasizes that Jesus is not merely a lamb, but the unique, preordained Lamb of God. This highlights His singular role in God's plan of salvation.

Reflection and Application

John 1:36 calls us to "Behold the Lamb of God!" It is an invitation to look intently at Jesus and understand His central role in our salvation. For believers, this verse is a reminder of the immense cost of our redemption and the depth of God's love in providing such a sacrifice. It encourages us to place our faith in Jesus, the one who takes away sin. In a world often lost in confusion about identity and purpose, John's clear declaration directs our gaze to Christ, who is not only the sacrificial Lamb but also the triumphant King, worthy of all praise (Revelation 5:6).

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.

  • 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.

  • 1 Peter 1:19

    But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

  • 1 Peter 1:20

    Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

  • Isaiah 65:1

    ¶ I am sought of [them that] asked not [for me]; I am found of [them that] sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation [that] was not called by my name.

  • Isaiah 65:2

    I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way [that was] not good, after their own thoughts;

  • Hebrews 12:2

    Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

  • Isaiah 45:22

    Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else.

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