John 1:22 - They said therefore to him, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”
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What does "John 1:22" mean?
This verse (John 1:22) is a pivotal moment in the introduction of John the Baptist in the Gospel of John. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context: Powerful religious leaders from Jerusalem (likely Pharisees and priests) have sent a delegation to interrogate John the Baptist. John is baptizing people in the Jordan River, and his ministry is attracting a lot of attention. The leaders are concerned about the possibility that John might be claiming to be the Messiah, or another significant prophetic figure.
"They said therefore to him, 'Who are you?'": This is their primary question. They want to know John's identity. They're not just asking his name; they're asking about his role and authority.
"Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us.": This highlights that the delegation is acting on behalf of a larger authority. They are not just curious individuals, but representatives of the religious establishment in Jerusalem. They are obligated to report back with a clear answer.
"What do you say about yourself?": This is the core of the question. They don't want secondhand information or rumors. They want to hear John's own self-assessment. They want to know how he defines his mission and his authority.
In essence, the verse signifies a challenge to John's authority and a demand for self-definition. The religious leaders want to understand John's claims and motivations, and ultimately, to decide whether he poses a threat to their own authority or the established religious order.
The significance of this verse is that it sets the stage for John's clear and humble declaration that he is NOT the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet (all figures of expectation at the time). He sees himself solely as a preparer of the way for someone greater - Jesus Christ. This humility and focus on pointing to Jesus is a central theme in John the Baptist's portrayal in the Gospel of John.
John 1:22 - They said therefore to him, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”
What does "John 1:22" mean?
This verse (John 1:22) is a pivotal moment in the introduction of John the Baptist in the Gospel of John. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context: Powerful religious leaders from Jerusalem (likely Pharisees and priests) have sent a delegation to interrogate John the Baptist. John is baptizing people in the Jordan River, and his ministry is attracting a lot of attention. The leaders are concerned about the possibility that John might be claiming to be the Messiah, or another significant prophetic figure.
"They said therefore to him, 'Who are you?'": This is their primary question. They want to know John's identity. They're not just asking his name; they're asking about his role and authority.
"Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us.": This highlights that the delegation is acting on behalf of a larger authority. They are not just curious individuals, but representatives of the religious establishment in Jerusalem. They are obligated to report back with a clear answer.
"What do you say about yourself?": This is the core of the question. They don't want secondhand information or rumors. They want to hear John's own self-assessment. They want to know how he defines his mission and his authority.
In essence, the verse signifies a challenge to John's authority and a demand for self-definition. The religious leaders want to understand John's claims and motivations, and ultimately, to decide whether he poses a threat to their own authority or the established religious order.
The significance of this verse is that it sets the stage for John's clear and humble declaration that he is NOT the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet (all figures of expectation at the time). He sees himself solely as a preparer of the way for someone greater - Jesus Christ. This humility and focus on pointing to Jesus is a central theme in John the Baptist's portrayal in the Gospel of John.