John 1:21 kjv

And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

John 1:21 nkjv

And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, "No."

John 1:21 niv

They asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No."

John 1:21 esv

And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, "No."

John 1:21 nlt

"Well then, who are you?" they asked. "Are you Elijah?" "No," he replied. "Are you the Prophet we are expecting?" "No."

John 1 verses

John 1 21 Meaning

John 1:21 records the second set of questions posed to John the Baptist by the delegation from Jerusalem, immediately after he denied being the Christ. They pressed him, seeking to identify him with other significant eschatological figures awaited by Israel: Elijah, the prophet prophesied by Moses. John firmly and directly denied being either, thereby disclaiming any title that would elevate him beyond his appointed role as the forerunner, thus maintaining humility and directing focus to the one he proclaimed.

John 1 21 Context

John 1:21 immediately follows John the Baptist's clear denial of being the Christ (Jn 1:20). A delegation of priests and Levites, sent from Jerusalem by "the Jews" (referring to the religious authorities), are interrogating John regarding his identity and authority to baptize. Their questions reflect the fervent Messianic and eschatological expectations prevalent in first-century Judaism, where the appearance of specific prophetic figures was anticipated as preceding or accompanying the Messiah. They systematically inquire about the key figures the scriptures hinted would precede or represent the divine arrival: first the Christ, then Elijah, and then "the Prophet." John's succinct and repeated denials in this verse serve to clarify his role, reject false claims, and ultimately redirect attention away from himself and towards the coming Christ whom he has come to announce.

John 1 21 Word analysis

• And they asked him, 'What then?':

  • "They": Refers to the delegation of priests and Levites sent from the religious authorities in Jerusalem (Jn 1:19). This highlights the official nature of the interrogation and the serious consideration given to John's public ministry.
  • "What then?": Follows John's absolute denial of being the Christ. This is an interrogative phrase showing their persistent questioning, implying, "If you are not the Christ, then who are you among the other awaited figures?" It signifies a systematic exploration of potential identities based on prophetic expectation.

• 'Are you Elijah?':

  • 'Elias' (Greek: Elias): The Greek form of the Hebrew "Elijah." The question includes the definite article "the" (ho in Greek) implicitly, indicating they were asking if he was the specific Elijah prophet whose return was foretold.
  • Significance: Rooted in Mal 4:5-6, which prophesied Elijah's return before "the great and dreadful day of the Lord." This was a dominant expectation that Elijah would appear as a herald before the Messiah. They looked for a literal, personal reappearance of the historical prophet.
  • He said, 'I am not.':
    • Greek: Ouk eimi ("I am not"). A concise, direct, and unambiguous denial.
    • John denies being the literal Elijah as they expected him to appear (a reincarnation or physical return). While Jesus later affirms John came "in the spirit and power of Elijah" (Lk 1:17; Mt 11:14; Mt 17:12-13), John himself did not claim the title. He avoided titles that could mislead or distract from his specific, subordinate mission to prepare the way.

• 'Are you the Prophet?':

  • 'the Prophet' (Greek: ho prophētēs): Again, the definite article "the" signifies a unique, specific prophetic figure awaited.
  • Significance: This refers to the prophet like Moses foretold in Deut 18:15, 18 ("The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you..."). Many Jewish interpreters understood this prophet to be a figure distinct from or perhaps even identified with the Messiah, who would restore Israel, deliver new revelation, and precede the messianic age.
  • And he answered, 'No.':
    • Greek: Ou ("No"). Another equally definitive and brief denial. John refutes any claim to being this specific eschatological prophet. His role was as the preparer, not the ultimate revelator or final prophet who fulfilled Moses' prophecy. This role truly belonged to Jesus.

John 1 21 Bonus section

The questions posed to John reveal not only specific Jewish eschatological hopes but also the careful and scrutinizing nature of the religious authorities in Jerusalem. They were particularly concerned about unauthorized teachers or false messiahs who might incite public unrest or lead people astray. By asking about Elijah and the Prophet, they were probing for any claim to extraordinary authority beyond conventional Rabbinic endorsement, ensuring order and control within religious life. John’s refusal to align himself with any of these high titles not only demonstrates his humility but also avoids any direct confrontation over usurped authority, enabling him to complete his unique ministry of preparing the way for the true Messiah.

John 1 21 Commentary

John 1:21 vividly illustrates the fervent eschatological expectations of first-century Israel. The delegation's structured questioning — Christ, then Elijah, then "the Prophet" — reflects their understanding of key figures prophesied to appear before or alongside the Messiah. John's firm denials, "I am not" and "No," are crucial. He understood his specific God-given identity and mission: not as the returning literal Elijah or the unique prophet like Moses (which titles truly belong to Christ, as later revealed), but as the "voice crying in the wilderness" (Jn 1:23; Isa 40:3). These denials were not about disclaiming his prophetic role, which was clearly understood (Jn 1:23, 3:28), but about rejecting specific titles or perceptions that might either mislead the people or elevate him beyond his true function. He maintained an authentic humility, refusing to claim grand titles for himself, thus pointing away from himself and directing all attention and expectation to the "one who comes after me, who is preferred before me" (Jn 1:27)—Jesus, the Messiah. This emphasis on John's self-effacement underlines the Christocentric nature of the Gospel, where John consistently diminishes himself for Christ's preeminence.