John 1:6

KJV

There was a man sent from God, whose name [was] John.

KJV (with Strong's)

There was {G1096} a man {G444} sent {G649} from {G3844} God {G2316}, whose {G846} name {G3686} was John {G2491}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There was a man sent from God whose name was Yochanan.

Berean Standard Bible

There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John.

American Standard Version

There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following the profound theological prologue that establishes the eternal deity and pre-existence of Jesus Christ as the incarnate Word, John 1:6 introduces a pivotal historical figure: John the Baptist. This verse succinctly declares his origin and purpose, emphasizing that he was not an independent actor but a divinely commissioned individual whose mission was to bear witness to the Light, thereby preparing humanity for the advent of the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [John 1:6](/john/1-6 "John 1:6 - Introduction of John the Baptist") marks a significant transition from the cosmic, pre-existent reality of the Word (Logos) described in [John 1:1-5](/john/1-1-5 "John 1:1-5 - The Eternal Word and Light") to a specific historical event and person. The preceding verses establish Jesus as the "Light" that shines in the darkness, and this verse immediately introduces John as a "man sent from God" to testify about that Light. This abrupt shift from the abstract and divine to the concrete and human serves to ground the sublime theology of the prologue in the unfolding narrative of salvation history, setting the stage for the Word's incarnation and public ministry. It also immediately distinguishes John from the Light, preempting any potential confusion or misidentification.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John the Baptist emerged in a period of intense messianic expectation within first-century Judaism, under Roman occupation. Prophetic voices had been silent for centuries, leading to a heightened anticipation for a prophet like Elijah or the Messiah himself. John's ascetic lifestyle, wilderness ministry, and call to repentance through baptism resonated with Old Testament prophetic traditions (e.g., [Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi 4:5-6 - Prophecy of Elijah's Return")). The phrase "sent from God" would have immediately signaled to Jewish readers that John possessed divine authority, akin to the great prophets of Israel. His ministry was not merely a new religious movement but a divinely ordained preparation for something much greater, a concept deeply embedded in the eschatological hopes of the time.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, and the broader context of [John 1](/john/1 "John Chapter 1 - The Word Became Flesh"), contributes to several foundational themes. Firstly, **Divine Commissioning** is paramount, as John is explicitly "sent from God," underscoring that his ministry is not self-initiated but part of God's sovereign plan. This echoes the call of Old Testament prophets and validates his authority. Secondly, the theme of **Witness** is introduced, clarifying John's role as a testifier to the true Light, Jesus. This distinguishes him from the Light itself, a crucial point emphasized in [John 1:8](/john/1-8 "John 1:8 - John was not the Light"). Thirdly, the theme of **Preparation** is evident, as John's ministry serves to ready the hearts of people for the Messiah's arrival, fulfilling ancient prophecies such as those found in [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - A Voice Crying in the Wilderness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **was (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb, often translated as "to be" or "to become," carries the sense of coming into being or happening. In [John 1:6](/john/1-6 "John 1:6 - Introduction of John the Baptist"), "There was a man," it denotes John's historical appearance and existence. Unlike the eternal "was" (Greek, _ēn'_) used for the Word in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word was God"), _gínomai_ highlights John's temporal, created nature, contrasting him sharply with the uncreated, pre-existent Word.
* **man (Greek, _ánthrōpos'_):** This term refers to a human being, emphasizing John's full humanity. It serves as a deliberate contrast to the divine nature of the Word (Jesus) introduced in the prologue. By identifying John as simply "a man," the Gospel writer immediately sets him apart from the divine Light he is sent to witness, preventing any confusion about his identity or status.
* **sent (Greek, _apostéllō'_):** This verb means "to send forth" or "to send away," often implying a special commission or authority. It is the root of the English word "apostle." Here, it powerfully conveys that John's ministry was not of his own initiative but was a direct, authoritative appointment from God. This divine sending validates John's prophetic role and the message he proclaims, establishing his legitimacy as God's messenger.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There was a man":** This phrase immediately shifts the narrative from the abstract, eternal realm of the Logos to the concrete reality of human history. It introduces John as a distinct, historical individual, emphasizing his humanity and temporal existence, in stark contrast to the eternal, uncreated Word described in the preceding verses.
* **"sent from God":** This crucial clause defines John's origin and authority. His mission is not self-appointed or humanly derived, but divinely ordained. The preposition "from" (Greek, _pará'_) emphasizes the source of his sending, indicating a direct commission from God Himself. This establishes John's prophetic legitimacy and highlights the divine orchestration behind the unfolding plan of salvation.
* **"whose name was John":** This identifies the man specifically as John the Baptist, a figure already known to the Gospel's original audience. The naming further grounds the narrative in historical reality and connects this figure to the prophetic tradition, as his birth and name were foretold by an angel in [Luke 1:13](/luke/1-13 "Luke 1:13 - Angel's prophecy of John's birth").

#### Literary Devices
[John 1:6](/john/1-6 "John 1:6 - Introduction of John the Baptist") employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is immediately apparent, as the human, temporal "man" (John) is set against the eternal, divine "Word" (Jesus) of the prologue. This distinction is crucial for understanding John's subordinate, yet vital, role. The phrase "sent from God" functions as a powerful declaration of **Divine Commissioning**, imbuing John's ministry with undeniable authority and purpose, akin to Old Testament prophets. Furthermore, the verse serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the imminent arrival of the Light that John is sent to announce, building anticipation for the full revelation of Jesus Christ. The concise, declarative statement also lends an air of **Authority** to the narrative, presenting John's appearance as an undeniable fact within God's unfolding plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[John 1:6](/john/1-6 "John 1:6 - Introduction of John the Baptist") is foundational to understanding the divine economy of salvation, illustrating God's meticulous preparation for the advent of His Son. John's role as a "man sent from God" underscores the principle that God often uses human agents to accomplish His divine purposes, endowing them with specific missions and authority. This verse also establishes the vital distinction between the messenger and the message, or in this case, the witness and the Light. John's humility and unwavering focus on pointing away from himself to Christ become a model for all who are called to bear witness to the Gospel. His divinely appointed mission is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, setting the stage for the climax of redemptive history in Jesus Christ.

* [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger Prepares the Way")
* [Luke 1:17](/luke/1-17 "Luke 1:17 - John's Spirit and Power of Elijah")
* [Acts 19:4](/acts/19-4 "Acts 19:4 - John's Baptism of Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John the Baptist's introduction in [John 1:6](/john/1-6 "John 1:6 - Introduction of John the Baptist") offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. His identity as "a man sent from God" reminds us that every believer has a divine calling and purpose, not by self-appointment, but by God's sovereign design. We are not the Light, but we are called to bear witness to Him, faithfully pointing others to Jesus Christ. This requires humility, a clear understanding of our role, and an unwavering focus on Christ rather than ourselves. In a world often seeking self-promotion, John's example challenges us to decrease so that Christ may increase in and through our lives, fulfilling our God-given mission to prepare hearts for His presence. Our lives, words, and actions should serve as signposts, directing attention to the true Light who alone offers salvation and eternal life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I, like John, understand myself as "sent from God" in my daily life and calling?**
* **How can I more effectively point others to Jesus, ensuring that I am a witness to the Light, rather than seeking to be the light myself?**
* **What aspects of John's humility and singular focus on his mission can I apply to my own spiritual walk and service?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of John the Baptist being called "a man" immediately after the prologue about the divine Word?**

Answer: The immediate identification of John as "a man" (Greek, _ánthrōpos'_) in [John 1:6](/john/1-6 "John 1:6 - Introduction of John the Baptist") is highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it creates a stark **contrast** with the divine, eternal "Word" (Logos) introduced in [John 1:1-5](/john/1-1-5 "John 1:1-5 - The Eternal Word and Light"). While the Word "was God" and "was with God" from eternity, John "came into being" (Greek, _gínomai'_) as a created being in time. This distinction is crucial to prevent any confusion between John and Jesus, particularly for early readers who might have elevated John to a messianic status. Secondly, it emphasizes John's **humanity and subservience** to God's plan. He is not the source of light or salvation, but a divinely appointed messenger, a human instrument for a divine purpose. This sets the stage for understanding his role as a witness, whose function is to point away from himself and towards the true Light, Jesus Christ, as explicitly stated in [John 1:7-8](/john/1-7-8 "John 1:7-8 - John's Purpose as a Witness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John the Baptist, "a man sent from God," serves as the ultimate forerunner, whose entire existence and ministry were designed to point directly to Jesus Christ. His divine commission in [John 1:6](/john/1-6 "John 1:6 - Introduction of John the Baptist") foreshadows the ultimate "sending" of God's Son into the world, as Jesus Himself declares in [John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son"): "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." John's role as a witness to the Light finds its fulfillment in Christ, who is the very Light of the world ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). While John prepared the way through a baptism of repentance, Jesus brings the ultimate cleansing from sin through His atoning sacrifice ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). John's decreasing so that Christ might increase ([John 3:30](/john/3-30 "John 3:30 - He Must Increase, I Must Decrease")) perfectly illustrates the truth that all prophetic revelation and human preparation culminate in the person and work of Jesus, the one sent from the Father to accomplish eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")).

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.

John 3:28

Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.

Isaiah 40:3

¶ The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Isaiah 40:5

And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see [it] together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].

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.

Acts 13:24

When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

Luke 1:76

And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;