John 1:33 kjv

And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

John 1:33 nkjv

I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'

John 1:33 niv

And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'

John 1:33 esv

I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'

John 1:33 nlt

I didn't know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, 'The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'

John 1 verses

John 1 33 Meaning

John 1:33 reveals the divine instruction given to John the Baptist for identifying the Messiah. John states that he did not previously know Jesus as the Christ by human recognition, but God, who sent him to baptize with water, gave him a specific sign: the one upon whom John would see the Holy Spirit descend and remain is the one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit. This verse marks the moment John received definitive revelation about Jesus' unique identity and power, fulfilling prophecy.

John 1 33 Context

John 1:33 is part of John the Baptist's public testimony about Jesus following His baptism. The preceding verses (John 1:19-31) establish John's identity as a prophetic voice sent to prepare the way for the Messiah, denying that he himself is the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet. He continually directs attention away from himself and towards "one among you whom you do not know." This verse specifically recounts the divine revelation given to John that enabled him to identify Jesus. This unique divine instruction differentiates his testimony from mere human observation. Historically, Jews anticipated a Messiah who would bring spiritual renewal and often associated this with the pouring out of the Spirit, building upon Old Testament prophecies. John’s witness confirms that Jesus is this Anointed One, who would fulfill and even surpass those expectations by baptizing with the very Spirit of God.

John 1 33 Word analysis

• And I knew him not (κἀγὼ οὐκ ᾔδειν αὐτόν - kagō ouk ēdein auton): John the Baptist here confesses his human limitation and initial ignorance. This emphasizes that his subsequent identification of Jesus was not based on personal acquaintance, human intuition, or family ties (they were cousins), but on direct divine revelation. It bolsters the credibility of his testimony as originating from God.
• but he that sent me to baptize with water (ὁ πέμψας με βαπτίζειν ἐν ὕδατι - ho pempsas me baptizein en hydati): This refers to God, the Father. It highlights God's sovereignty and precise commissioning of John. John's water baptism was part of God's redemptive plan, a preparatory work for the arrival of the Messiah. His mission was divinely ordained.
• the same said unto me (ἐκεῖνός μοι εἶπεν - ekeinos moi eipen): This signifies a direct, unmistakable divine instruction or prophetic word given to John. It underscores the supernatural nature of the knowledge John received.
• Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending (ἐφʼ ὃν ἂν ἴδῃς τὸ Πνεῦμα καταβαῖνον - eph’ hon an idēs to Pneuma katabainon): This is the precise sign God provided. The "Spirit" (Pneuma) is the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. His visible "descending" in a bodily form like a dove at Jesus' baptism (John 1:32) was the empirical, observable proof.
• and remaining on him (καὶ μένον ἐπʼ αὐτόν - kai menon epʼ auton): This Greek word, menon, meaning "abiding" or "remaining," is highly significant. Unlike Old Testament prophets, kings, or judges who received temporary anointing by the Spirit for specific tasks (e.g., Samson, Saul, Elijah), the Spirit permanently remains on Jesus. This signifies a unique, full, and enduring possession of the Spirit, establishing His continuous, unchallengeable Messianic authority and power, unlike any before or since. It points to His complete equipping for all aspects of His mission, rather than momentary empowering.
• the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost (οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ βαπτίζων ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ - houtos estin ho baptizōn en Pneumati Hagiō): This declares Jesus' ultimate and distinguishing work. While John immersed people in water as a sign of repentance, Jesus would "baptize" or immerse people in the Holy Spirit. This refers to the new covenant outpouring of the Spirit, where believers would be filled with and empowered by God's Spirit, making salvation an inner transformation. It emphasizes Jesus' divine authority and His unique power to impart God's presence and life.
• Words-group Analysis:
  • "I knew him not: but he that sent me... the same said unto me": This phrase emphasizes God's sovereign initiative and John's role as a humble, obedient servant. It removes any suggestion of human favoritism or personal bias in John's witness.
  • "Spirit descending, and remaining on him": This combined phrase defines the visible and enduring sign. The "descending" marked the start of Jesus' public ministry and anointing, while "remaining" highlights the unique and permanent relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit, proving Him to be the prophesied Christ.
  • "baptize with water" vs. "baptizeth with the Holy Ghost": This stark contrast establishes the distinct yet complementary roles of John and Jesus. John prepared the way externally, but Jesus brought the inward spiritual transformation, marking the shift from the old covenant to the new.

John 1 33 Bonus section

• The Nature of Divine Revelation: This verse illustrates how God reveals His truth and His chosen ones to His servants. John's human senses were insufficient; a supernatural sign was required and provided, emphasizing God's direct intervention in human history.
• Triadic Implication: The verse subtly points to the activity of the Trinity: God the Father (the One who sent and spoke), God the Holy Spirit (descending and remaining), and God the Son (Jesus, who baptizes with the Spirit). Each person of the Godhead is active in revealing the Messiah and His mission.
• Messianic Anointing: The descent of the Spirit is Jesus' anointing as Messiah (Christos means "Anointed One"). This anointing empowers Him for His threefold office as Prophet, Priest, and King.
• Connection to John's humility: John's statement "I knew him not" further highlights his own commitment to truth. He was not swayed by popular opinion or personal ties, but only by the clear command and sign from God.

John 1 33 Commentary

John 1:33 serves as a pivotal point in John the Baptist's witness, grounding his revolutionary claim about Jesus in divine revelation rather than human insight. It highlights John's humility and absolute reliance on God for understanding. The specific sign—the Holy Spirit's visible descent and permanent indwelling—was not merely a confirmation of Jesus' identity but also underscored His unique qualifications as Messiah. Unlike previous prophetic empowerments that were often temporary, the Spirit's remaining on Jesus signaled an abiding fullness essential for His Messianic work. This verse powerfully links the identification of the Messiah to His unparalleled ability to immerse people in the Holy Spirit, an ability unique to Jesus. This Holy Spirit baptism points forward to the transformative outpouring on the Day of Pentecost and marks the new era of direct divine empowerment for all believers through Christ, distinguishing it from the water baptism of repentance. It reinforces Jesus as the one who fulfills Old Testament prophecies of a Spirit-anointed Savior and brings true spiritual rebirth.