John 1:8 kjv

He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

John 1:8 nkjv

He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

John 1:8 niv

He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

John 1:8 esv

He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

John 1:8 nlt

John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light.

John 1 verses

John 1 8 Meaning

John chapter 1 verse 8 serves to clarify the identity and purpose of John the Baptist. It distinctly states that he was not the divine Light itself, which is a reference to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who embodies divine revelation and salvation. Instead, John's sole commission and function were to bear witness concerning this true Light, preparing the way and guiding people to believe in Him. This verse establishes a clear distinction between the forerunner and the Messiah.

John 1 8 Context

John 1:8 is part of the Prologue (Jn 1:1-18) of the Gospel of John, a theological introduction setting the stage for Jesus' identity as the divine Logos (Word), the Creator, and the Light. This verse immediately follows the introduction of John the Baptist as "a man sent from God" (Jn 1:6) whose purpose was to bear witness to the Light (Jn 1:7). The historical context reveals that John the Baptist had a significant following, and some of his disciples might have considered him to be the Messiah. The Gospel writer directly addresses and refutes this potential misunderstanding, making it clear from the outset that John was merely a foreteller, not the ultimate fulfillment. This pre-emptive clarification solidifies Jesus' unique and supreme identity as "that Light" (Jn 1:8).

John 1 8 Word analysis

• He: The Greek word here is ekeinos (ἐκεῖνος), which means "that one," "that man." It is a demonstrative pronoun that, in this context, strongly points to John the Baptist, setting him apart from "that Light." It implies a definite person already introduced and highlights distinction.
• was not: The Greek phrase ouk ēn (οὐκ ἦν) combines a strong negative particle ouk with the imperfect tense of the verb "to be." This signifies a firm, absolute denial of John's identity as the Light. The imperfect tense also suggests an ongoing state – John was never the Light and continued not to be. This negates any existing or potential misconceptions.
• that Light: The Greek to phōs (τὸ φῶς), refers back to the "Light" mentioned in Jn 1:4-5, 7, and explicitly clarified as the "true Light" in Jn 1:9. The definite article "the" (τὸ) denotes a specific, unique, and supreme Light. Theologically, this "Light" represents divine revelation, truth, life, and the very presence of God embodied in Jesus Christ (the Logos). It contrasts sharply with spiritual darkness.
• but: The Greek word alla (ἀλλά) is a strong adversative conjunction, indicating a sharp contrast or contradiction to what precedes it. It forcefully shifts the statement from what John was not to what he was.
• was sent: The Greek term apestalmenos (ἀπεσταλμένος) is a perfect passive participle, indicating a completed action with lasting results. It signifies a divine commission – John's mission was orchestrated by God Himself. This underscores the intentionality and divine origin of John's prophetic role. His purpose was not self-derived but divinely appointed.
• to bear witness: The Greek hina marturēsē (ἵνα μαρτυρήσῃ) is a purpose clause, expressing the exact reason for John's sending. Martureō (μαρτυρέω) means "to bear witness, to testify, to give evidence." This word is pivotal in John's Gospel, appearing frequently to underscore the reliability and truth of Jesus' identity through the testimonies given by John the Baptist, Jesus Himself, the works of Jesus, the Father, and the Scriptures. It speaks of providing reliable, first-hand accounts.
• of that Light: Repetition of peri tou phōtos (περὶ τοῦ φωτός), "concerning the Light." This reinforces the sole object and focus of John's entire ministry. His mission was not about himself, but entirely centered on proclaiming and revealing the true Light, Jesus Christ, to the world.

John 1 8 Bonus section

The strategic placement of John 1:8 (and 1:6-7) within the prologue immediately introduces John the Baptist not as an afterthought but as an integral part of God's redemptive plan. By placing this clarification so early, the Evangelist aims to resolve any confusion about John's identity, especially for those familiar with John the Baptist's influential movement. This careful distinction safeguards the unique supremacy of Jesus as the incarnate Word and the divine Light, ensuring that the reader correctly understands the core message of the Gospel from the very beginning.

John 1 8 Commentary

John 1:8 serves as a critical clarifying statement in the Gospel's prologue. It unequivocally separates John the Baptist's role from the supreme identity of Jesus Christ. John's entire existence and divinely ordained mission were to point to another, greater figure—the True Light that gives life and revelation to humanity. This verse directly counters any misperception or misguided veneration of John, establishing him strictly as a fore-runner and a witness whose function was solely to illuminate the path to Christ. It exemplifies humility and fidelity to a God-given calling, demonstrating that even a prophet as great as John was ultimately a servant redirecting all glory to the Lamb of God, the ultimate source of all light and life.