John 1:22 kjv

Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?

John 1:22 nkjv

Then they said to him, "Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?"

John 1:22 niv

Finally they said, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"

John 1:22 esv

So they said to him, "Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"

John 1:22 nlt

"Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?"

John 1 verses

John 1 22 Meaning

John 1:22 depicts the Jerusalem delegation's persistent demand for John the Baptist's specific identity, following his denials of being the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet. Their inquiry was not one of curiosity but an official requirement to report a clear designation to those who sent them, revealing their need to categorize and understand John's public ministry within their established religious framework.

John 1 22 Context

The immediate context of John 1:22 is the formal delegation sent from Jerusalem's religious leadership (the "Jews," specifically priests and Levites) to John the Baptist in Bethany beyond the Jordan. This inquiry, detailed from verse 19 onwards, stems from John's public baptizing ministry and the speculation surrounding his identity. In verses 19-21, John clearly denies being the Christ, Elijah, or the long-awaited Prophet. Verse 22 records the delegation's increasing impatience and their demand for a positive declaration of his identity, driven by their official mandate to report back to the Sanhedrin or chief authorities in Jerusalem.

Historically, Jewish society at this time anticipated the arrival of the Messiah, or the return of Elijah before the Messiah, or the 'Prophet' foretold by Moses. The religious authorities were tasked with upholding mosaic law and order, and any significant religious movement, especially one involving a figure gaining popular attention, would warrant an official investigation to determine its legitimacy and avoid perceived heresy or political instability that might invite Roman intervention. Their questions reflect an administrative need to classify John, rather than a genuine spiritual curiosity about God's new work.

John 1 22 Word analysis

• "Then" (Τότε, Tote): A temporal adverb signifying a transition or consequence, indicating the delegation's continued interrogation following John's prior denials. It marks a decisive shift in their questioning, moving from speculation to an insistent demand.

• "said they" (εἶπαν, eipan): Refers to the delegation of priests and Levites mentioned in John 1:19. Their speech is authoritative and reflects the official nature of their mission, not merely private inquiry.

• "unto him" (αὐτῷ, autō): Directly addressing John the Baptist.

• "Who art thou?" (Σὺ τίς εἶ;, Sy tis ei?): A direct, emphatic question demanding self-identification. The use of "Σὺ" (you, singular) stresses the personal nature of the inquiry after John's earlier categorical denials (of being Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet).

• "that we may give an answer" (ἵνα ἀπόκρισιν δῶμεν, hina apokrisin dōmen): A purpose clause, clearly stating the immediate objective of their interrogation: to obtain a formal, definite reply. "Ἀπόκρισις" (apokrisis) signifies a definitive legal or official response.

• "to them that sent us" (τοῖς πέμψαντας ἡμᾶς, tois pempsantas hēmas): Refers to the powerful religious council or authorities in Jerusalem (likely the Sanhedrin) who dispatched this delegation. This emphasizes the hierarchical accountability and the seriousness of the situation.

• "What sayest thou of thyself?" (Τί λέγεις περὶ σεαυτοῦ;, Ti legeis peri seautou?): This rephrased question is even more demanding, compelling John to offer a personal testimony or witness about his own identity and role. "Περὶ σεαυτοῦ" (peri seautou), "concerning yourself," puts the burden of definition squarely on John.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Then said they unto him, Who art thou?": This sequence demonstrates the delegation's frustration and need for a definitive statement after John's previous denials. They want a concrete label to place him.
  • "that we may give an answer to them that sent us.": This highlights the bureaucratic and authoritative dimension of their inquiry. They are emissaries under direct command, requiring a specific report, indicating accountability to their superiors.
  • "What sayest thou of thyself?": This is the climax of their interrogation, pushing John for a personal, self-declared identity. It reflects a rabbinic-style inquiry, where one's self-testimony could be crucial, yet also subject to scrutiny.

John 1 22 Bonus section

• The repetitive and increasingly direct nature of the delegation's questions ("Who art thou?," "Art thou Elias?", "Art thou that prophet?", and then "What sayest thou of thyself?") illustrates a human tendency to persist in categorizing divine activity within pre-established expectations rather than being open to new revelation.
• The implied political and religious pressures on the Jerusalem authorities likely contributed to their urgency in investigating John. A charismatic figure gathering a following could be perceived as a threat to their religious control or a spark for Roman suppression, hence the demand for a clear, reportable identity.
• John's consistent refusal to claim any glory or title for himself, despite the insistent questioning, serves as a powerful model of humility and faithfully directing all attention towards the coming Christ, thereby embodying his mission as merely a "voice."

John 1 22 Commentary

John 1:22 reveals the persistent human desire, especially within established religious structures, to categorize and control spiritual manifestations. Following John the Baptist's humble and unequivocal denials of prominent messianic and prophetic roles, the delegation from Jerusalem escalates its questioning. They are not merely curious; they have been sent on an official mission to obtain a verifiable "answer" regarding John's identity, which they can formally report to their superiors. The insistence, "What sayest thou of thyself?", underscores their frustration and demand for a direct, self-defining statement. This highlights a critical tension: the religious institution seeks to define God's servant based on human categories and expectations, while God's plan often operates beyond such confines, as John's subsequent testimony (Jn 1:23) will show, directing attention away from himself to Christ. This moment illustrates the struggle between human attempts to systematize the divine and the sovereign, unexpected ways God works.