John 1:20 kjv

And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.

John 1:20 nkjv

He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ."

John 1:20 niv

He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Messiah."

John 1:20 esv

He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ."

John 1:20 nlt

He came right out and said, "I am not the Messiah."

John 1 verses

John 1 20 Meaning

John 1:20 records John the Baptist's emphatic declaration to the priests and Levites sent from Jerusalem. He unequivocally confessed that he was not the Christ, the awaited Messiah, leaving no room for doubt or misinterpretation of his identity or mission. This declaration establishes his humility and clarifies his subservient role as a forerunner to the true Light.

John 1 20 Context

John 1:20 is set within the broader prologue of John's Gospel (John 1:1-18) which introduces Jesus as the divine Logos, the Word who became flesh. Following this, the narrative immediately introduces John the Baptist as the divinely appointed witness to this light (John 1:6-8, 15). The religious authorities from Jerusalem, particularly the priests and Levites, are concerned about John's powerful ministry and widespread influence, which included baptizing in the Jordan. They send a delegation to interrogate him, suspecting he might be the long-awaited Messiah (the Christ) or Elijah, or even 'the Prophet' foretold by Moses. John's responses in John 1:20-27 directly address these inquiries, distinguishing his true identity and mission from the Messiah's, thereby safeguarding against misidentification and paving the way for the revelation of Jesus. Historically, this period was marked by an eager expectation for the Messiah's appearance among the Jewish people, yet also by the rise of various spiritual leaders and movements. John's emphatic denial serves as a clear polemic against any possible claim of being the Messiah, either by himself or attributed to him by others, thereby focusing all attention on the one truly sent from God.

John 1 20 Word analysis

• And (Καί - Kai): A simple conjunction connecting to the previous context (Jn 1:19), showing the continuation of John's witness in response to the Sanhedrin's inquiry.

• he confessed (ὡμολόγησεν - homologiēsen): From the verb homologeō, meaning to agree with, to say the same thing as, to confess, to openly declare. It implies a public and willing acknowledgment, aligning one's words with reality. John makes a clear, authoritative statement.

• and denied not (καὶ οὐκ ἠρνήσατο - kai ouk ērnēsato): A powerful double negative (ouk - not, ērnēsato - denied from arneomai - to deny, reject). This emphatic construction underlines the absolute certainty and firmness of John's statement. It is not merely that he confessed, but he did so without any hesitation, reservation, or attempt to obscure the truth. He unequivocally did not deny his confession.

• but confessed (καὶ ὡμολόγησεν - kai homologiēsen): The repetition of "confessed" further reinforces the directness and deliberateness of his declaration. It underscores that this was a strong, unswerving affirmation.

• I (ἐγώ - egō): The pronoun egō (I) is explicitly used and can carry an emphatic sense in Greek, highlighting John as the subject of the declaration.

• am not (οὐκ εἰμί - ouk eimi): Another strong negative declaration (ouk - not, eimi - I am). This explicitly disclaims the identity in question.

• the Christ (ὁ Χριστός - ho Christos): Christos is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew Mashiaḥ (Messiah), meaning "the Anointed One." This was the title for the long-awaited King and Deliverer promised by God in the Old Testament. John is directly refuting the idea that he is this ultimate figure.

• He confessed, and denied not; but confessed: This repetition emphasizes the sincerity, clarity, and resolute nature of John's declaration. It eliminates any ambiguity regarding his position. It reflects a faithful prophet prioritizing truth over personal glorification, even if it meant lessening his own stature in the eyes of others. This stands in stark contrast to false claimants.

• I am not the Christ: This specific and crucial denial cuts off at the root any potential messianic expectation surrounding John. It prevents his followers, or those witnessing his ministry, from misplacing their hope. John understands his identity perfectly in relation to the Messiah and God's plan.

John 1 20 Bonus section

John the Baptist's directness here showcases integrity crucial for prophetic ministry. Unlike some religious leaders who might cultivate a following or allow misunderstandings to benefit their influence, John intentionally corrects such misperceptions. This act of self-effacement sets a standard for all who serve God, prioritizing divine truth and Christ's identity above personal renown. His response is not just a denial, but an affirmation of his clear, divinely appointed purpose: to prepare the way, not to be the way.

John 1 20 Commentary

John 1:20 reveals John the Baptist's pivotal role not just as a witness, but as one who actively clarifies his own identity to rightly direct attention to Jesus. His powerful, triple-reinforced declaration—confessed, denied not, confessed—underscores the absolute certainty and intentionality behind his statement. He firmly disavowed being "the Christ," which was the most significant messianic title of the day. This act of humility was paramount, especially given the fervent expectation of the Messiah among the Jews and the significant following John had amassed. By vehemently stating "I am not the Christ," John averted any potential theological confusion or division that might arise from people misinterpreting his role. This preemptive clarification protected the true identity of the Messiah and exemplified true prophetic service: always pointing away from oneself and toward God's chosen One. John understood that his glory was to diminish so that Christ's could increase (Jn 3:30).