John 1:26 kjv

John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;

John 1:26 nkjv

John answered them, saying, "I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know.

John 1:26 niv

"I baptize with water," John replied, "but among you stands one you do not know.

John 1:26 esv

John answered them, "I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know,

John 1:26 nlt

John told them, "I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize.

John 1 verses

John 1 26 Meaning

(h2)John 1:26 states John the Baptist's declaration to the deputation from Jerusalem. He clarifies that his baptism is purely with water, indicating its limited, preparatory nature. In stark contrast, he reveals that the true Messiah, whom he refers to as "one," is already physically present "among" them, yet tragically remains unrecognized by the very people, particularly the religious authorities, who should have known Him. This verse serves to diminish John's own role while simultaneously elevating and pointing towards the unperceived divine presence of Jesus Christ.

John 1 26 Context

(h2)John 1:26 is part of John the Baptist's direct testimony about Jesus, delivered to a delegation of priests and Levites sent from the religious authorities in Jerusalem. This interrogation (Jn 1:19-25) follows the prologue (Jn 1:1-18), which establishes Jesus as the incarnate Word. The deputation seeks to ascertain John's identity, asking if he is the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet. John vehemently denies being any of these. Instead, he defines his role as the "voice crying in the wilderness," preparing the way for the Lord, referencing Is 40:3. This verse immediately follows his denial of great prophetic identities and serves to redirect the focus from himself to the unannounced but present Messiah. It sets the stage for John's public identification of Jesus as the Lamb of God (Jn 1:29-34) the following day. Historically and culturally, the Jewish people were earnestly awaiting the Messiah, Elijah, or a Prophet, but the religious leadership was steeped in traditional interpretations, often blind to the unconventional manifestation of divine presence. John's statement serves as a polemic against this spiritual blindness and misplaced focus.

John 1 26 Word analysis

(h2)

• John (Ἰωάννης, Ioánnes): Refers to John the Baptist. His identity and mission are divinely ordained, specifically to prepare the way for the Messiah, not to be the Messiah himself.
• answered (ἀπεκρίθη, apekríthē): Signifies a definitive reply, a rebuttal or declaration, not just a casual response. It addresses the explicit queries regarding his authority and identity.
• them (αὐτοῖς, autois): The interrogators—priests and Levites—representing the official religious establishment from Jerusalem. Their questions carried an authoritative, investigative weight.
• saying (λέγων, legōn): Indicating an ongoing declaration or explanation of his role.
• I baptize (ἐγὼ βαπτίζω, egō baptízō): The Greek egō ("I") is emphatic, stressing his distinct, divinely appointed, but limited function. Baptízō (from bapto) means to dip, immerse, or submerge.
• with water (ἐν ὕδατι, en hydati): Explicitly defines the element and, by implication, the nature of his baptism—physical cleansing for repentance, distinct from the spiritual cleansing Jesus would provide. This water baptism was visible and ritualistic.
• but (ἀλλά, allá): A strong adversative conjunction, highlighting a sharp contrast or antithesis. It sets John's limited role against the superior, unrecognized presence of Jesus.
• among you (μέσος ὑμῶν, mesos hymōn): Literally "in your midst." This denotes physical proximity. Jesus was already walking among them, present in their very company. The irony is profound: the one they sought was within their reach.
• stands (ἕστηκεν, héstēken): A perfect active indicative form of histēmi, meaning to stand, take a stand, or be established. It signifies a completed action with continuing results, implying a stable, present reality. Jesus is not just passing through; He is fixed and established among them.
• one (ὄν, hon - relative pronoun, refers to "one"): The use of "one" (implied, as it is referring back to an understood singular entity) is deliberate. It maintains Jesus' anonymity to the questioners while indicating John's personal, divinely revealed knowledge of Him. John preserves Jesus' mystery before His public unveiling.
• you do not know (ὑμεῖς οὐκ οἴδατε, hymeis ouk oídate): Hymeis ("you") is emphatic, placing responsibility on the questioners. Ouk oídate means "you do not know" in a comprehensive, intuitive, or experiential sense (from oida, referring to intrinsic knowledge). This is a strong accusation of spiritual ignorance despite physical presence and supposed religious understanding. It is a polemic against the spiritual blindness of the religious leadership who were supposed to recognize the Messiah from their scriptures.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "John answered them, saying, 'I baptize with water...'": John clearly distinguishes himself from the one who is coming. His self-identification is defined by his specific act, "baptizing with water," marking its preparatory and ritualistic nature in contrast to a deeper spiritual reality. This serves to manage expectations, turning attention away from himself and towards his role as a precursor.
• "...but among you stands one you do not know.'": This crucial clause shifts focus entirely to Jesus. The contrast implied by "but" (ἀλλά) highlights the dramatic irony and tragedy of the situation: the Messiah, though physically "among you," is fundamentally unknown to those who were diligently seeking His arrival. This lack of knowledge (oida) points to a spiritual blindness and an inability to perceive the divine, even when it is manifest directly in their presence. The emphasis is on His current presence ("stands") among them, yet their lack of true recognition.

John 1 26 Bonus section

(h2)

• The "do not know" (οὐκ οἴδατε) signifies a deep spiritual unknowing, not merely a lack of information, but a failure to experientially recognize or apprehend. This contrasts with John's own later claim of divine revelation for knowing Jesus (Jn 1:33).
• The ironic twist is that the very ones sent to discern divine truth and identity failed to recognize it standing directly among them, while an independent prophet like John was able to proclaim it.
• This verse foreshadows the larger Johannine theme of light versus darkness, where Jesus is the light, but the world, in its darkness, does not comprehend Him (Jn 1:5, 10-11).
• John's humble redirection of attention from himself to the Messiah serves as a model for all ministry – pointing not to oneself, but to Christ.

John 1 26 Commentary

(h2)John 1:26 is a pivotal statement from John the Baptist, setting a profound theological contrast between his role and Jesus' identity. His "baptism with water" served as a preparatory, external cleansing, signaling repentance. Yet, his greater mission was to introduce the Messiah, who was already "among" the very religious leaders questioning John. The phrase "one you do not know" underscores a critical spiritual deficiency: despite outward religious practice and deep anticipation of the Messiah, their hearts and minds were spiritually blind to His actual presence. This highlights a recurring theme in John's Gospel—that recognition of Jesus requires more than physical proximity or academic knowledge of Scripture; it requires spiritual discernment, which the religious establishment largely lacked. This statement directly anticipates Jesus' full revelation and the subsequent rejection He would face from those who, ironically, should have been His most ardent followers. For example, a doctor might walk among many sick people, but only those who diagnose their ailment understand his identity as a healer. Similarly, the Jewish leaders saw a man but didn't diagnose Him as their awaited spiritual healer, the Christ.