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John 1:19

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¶ And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?

And {G2532} this {G3778} is {G2076} the record {G3141} of John {G2491}, when {G3753} the Jews {G2453} sent {G649} priests {G2409} and {G2532} Levites {G3019} from {G1537} Jerusalem {G2414} to {G2443} ask {G2065} him {G846}, Who {G5101} art {G1488} thou {G4771}?

Here is Yochanan’s testimony: when the Judeans sent cohanim and L’vi’im from Yerushalayim to ask him, “Who are you?”

And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?”

And this is the witness of John, when the Jews sent unto him from Jerusalem priests and Levites to ask him, Who art thou?

Commentary

Context

This verse introduces the official inquiry into the ministry of John the Baptist, whose preaching and baptizing in the wilderness had gained significant public attention. The delegation of "priests and Levites" sent "from Jerusalem" signifies the high-level concern of the Jewish religious authorities, likely the Sanhedrin or a representative body. They were deeply invested in maintaining religious order and identifying any potential claimant to messianic or prophetic status, especially given the fervent messianic expectations of the time.

Key Themes

  • Official Inquiry and Authority: The sending of priests and Levites from Jerusalem underscores the authoritative nature of the investigation. These religious officials were tasked with assessing John's claims and activities to determine if he was operating under divine authority or posed a threat to the established order.
  • The Question of Identity: The direct question, "Who art thou?", is central to the narrative. It reflects the Jewish leaders' need to categorize John, perhaps suspecting he might be the Messiah, Elijah returned, or "the prophet" foretold in Deuteronomy. This inquiry sets the stage for John's clear denial of being the Christ and his subsequent declaration of his true role.
  • John's Role as a Witness: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the entire chapter of John emphasizes the Baptist's primary purpose: to bear witness to the Light, Jesus Christ. This official questioning provides the perfect platform for John to articulate his mission and point away from himself to the One who was coming after him.

Linguistic Insights

The word "record" in KJV translates the Greek word martyria (μαρτυρία), which means "testimony" or "witness." This emphasizes that John's account of himself was a divine testimony, not merely a personal statement. His entire ministry, and indeed his very identity, was inextricably linked to his role as a witness for Christ, much like he was sent to point others to the true Light.

Practical Application

John 1:19 reminds us of the importance of understanding our own identity and purpose, especially in relation to God's plan. Like John, who clearly knew who he was and, more importantly, who he was not, believers are called to humbly fulfill their God-given roles without seeking personal glory. This verse also highlights how spiritual authority can be used to investigate truth, and that those who genuinely serve God are prepared to give an account of their faith and actions, always pointing to Christ rather than drawing attention to themselves. His ministry ultimately fulfilled the prophecy of a voice crying in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Luke 3:15 (7 votes)

    ¶ And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;

  • Luke 3:18 (7 votes)

    And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.

  • John 10:24 (6 votes)

    Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

  • Acts 19:4 (4 votes)

    Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

  • Acts 13:25 (3 votes)

    And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not [he]. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of [his] feet I am not worthy to loose.

  • John 5:33 (3 votes)

    Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.

  • John 5:36 (3 votes)

    But I have greater witness than [that] of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.