John 1:7 kjv

The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

John 1:7 nkjv

This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.

John 1:7 niv

He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.

John 1:7 esv

He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.

John 1:7 nlt

to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony.

John 1 verses

John 1 7 Meaning

John chapter 1, verse 7 reveals the divinely appointed purpose of John the Baptist. He was sent specifically to bear witness—to provide testimony and evidence—concerning the Light. This Light is none other than Jesus Christ, the Logos who is the source of life and truth. John's ultimate goal in giving this witness was that all people, through hearing and accepting his testimony, might come to believe in this Light. His role was not to be the Light, but to point to the Light, thus preparing hearts for faith in Christ.

John 1 7 Context

This verse is part of the Johannine prologue (John 1:1-18), a profound theological overture to the entire Gospel. After introducing Jesus as the eternal Word (Logos), the creator of all things, the source of life and light, and explaining how the darkness could not comprehend or overcome this Light (Jn 1:1-5), the narrative immediately introduces John the Baptist.

Historically and culturally, there was a widespread expectation of the Messiah in Israel during this period. John the Baptist himself was a prominent figure, attracting large crowds and revered by many as a prophet, even as the Messiah by some (e.g., Lk 3:15, Acts 19:1-4). The Gospel of John carefully delineates John the Baptist's role, asserting that he was not the Light or the Messiah, but merely a messenger sent by God to testify about the Light. This precision served to correct any contemporary misunderstanding or elevation of John beyond his intended purpose. It sets the stage for the definitive revelation of Jesus Christ as the pre-existent, incarnate God who brings grace and truth to all.

John 1 7 Word analysis

• The same (Greek: οὗτος, houtos): Refers directly back to "a man sent from God, whose name was John" (v.6). This immediately establishes continuity and affirms John the Baptist as the divinely appointed figure to fulfill the role described. It connects his personal identity to his specific mission.
• came (Greek: ἦλθεν, elthen): This Aorist active indicative verb signifies a deliberate, purposeful arrival, indicating divine intentionality. John did not just happen to appear; he was sent with a clear mission. His presence and ministry were not accidental but part of God's overarching plan.
• for a witness (Greek: εἰς μαρτυρίαν, eis martyrian): The preposition eis denotes purpose or direction. Martyria means "testimony" or "witness." This phrase profoundly states John's core function: his entire reason for existence in this public role was to provide undeniable testimony. It signifies both the act of bearing witness and the content of his message. John was essentially an ambassador for the Light.
• to bear witness of the Light (Greek: ἵνα μαρτυρήσῃ περὶ τοῦ φωτός, hina marturēsē peri tou phōtos):
  • to bear witness (ἵνα μαρτυρήσῃ): This hina clause specifies the purpose for which John came. The repetition of the root martys (witness) emphasizes the absolute centrality of his unique role. It's his fundamental, singular calling.
  • of the Light (περὶ τοῦ φωτός): This preposition peri means "concerning" or "about." The "Light" refers unambiguously to Jesus Christ (Jn 1:4-5, 1:9), in stark contrast to the preceding "darkness" (Jn 1:5). John's message was entirely Christ-centric; he diverted no attention to himself.
• that all men through him (Greek: ἵνα πάντες δι᾽ αὐτοῦ, hina pantes di' autou):
  • that all men (ἵνα πάντες): Another hina clause introducing the ultimate purpose of John's witness. The use of pantes ("all") underscores the universal scope of the gospel. The invitation to believe in Jesus is for every individual, transcending ethnic, social, or geographical boundaries. This echoes prophetic themes of Gentiles coming to God's light (Isa 49:6).
  • through him (δι᾽ αὐτοῦ): This phrase is crucial. The preposition dia (through) with the genitive case highlights John as the means or instrument. It clarifies that belief comes through his testimony, not through John himself as a savior or a source of faith. He was the messenger, not the message. His mediation was simply his role in pointing people to the true Mediator.
• might believe (Greek: πιστεύσωσιν, pisteusōsin): This Aorist subjunctive verb denotes the desired outcome or potential action. It is the culmination of John's mission. "Believe" in John's Gospel signifies more than intellectual assent; it implies trust, reliance, and commitment to the person of Jesus Christ. This belief is the gateway to eternal life and receiving adoption as God's children (Jn 1:12).

John 1 7 Bonus section

• The stark contrast between John (a man) and the Light (God, the Word) highlights Jesus' unique divinity from the outset of the Gospel. John is a witness of the Light, while Jesus is the Light.
• This verse establishes a foundational principle for Christian ministry and evangelism: the primary goal of any message about Jesus is to bring people to personal belief and trust in Him. The witness's purpose is not to gain followers for themselves, but for Christ.
• The repetitive use of the word "witness" (root martys) in this prologue and throughout John's Gospel (e.g., John 1:19, 5:33-36) emphasizes the crucial role of testimony and empirical evidence in John's presentation of Jesus. The credibility of witnesses validates Jesus' claims.

John 1 7 Commentary

John 1:7 encapsulates the pivotal yet subordinate role of John the Baptist in God's redemptive plan. His calling was specific: to serve as an undeniable witness to Jesus Christ, who is introduced as "the Light." This divine commissioning underscores that John was not the Light, nor was he the ultimate answer; his ministry was preparatory. His task was to shine a spotlight not on himself, but on the true source of spiritual illumination. The grand objective of this prophetic witness was universally expansive: "that all men through him might believe." John’s clear and unwavering testimony provided the necessary prelude, guiding individuals to turn their gaze towards Christ, enabling them to make an informed decision of faith. This verse thus presents a profound model for all who are called to witness: to faithfully point others to Jesus Christ, not to seek personal acclaim, but to facilitate a saving encounter with the living Light.