Bible Strands
John 1:19
And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — John the Baptist addresses priests and Levites dispatched by the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem. This exchange occurs immediately after the text establishes the Son’s revelation of the Father and directly precedes John’s explicit denial of being the Christ.
The words — The passage centers on αὕτη (hautē) as "this" and μαρτυρία (marturia) as "testimony," constructing the declaration "this is the testimony." These terms establish the upcoming dialogue as a formal witness rather than a personal claim.
The thread — The identity inquiry mirrors the crowd’s speculation in Luke 3:15 and the direct demand recorded in John 10:24. Paul later clarifies that John’s function was to direct listeners to the One coming after him, as stated in Acts 19:4.
Why it lands — The text records a direct question about identity followed by a structured witness. It requires readers to recognize that religious authority demands precise answers about messianic claims and that John’s role was strictly preparatory.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
Cross-references
- Luke 3:15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John could be the Christ.
- John 10:24 So the Jews gathered around Him and demanded, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
- Acts 19:4 Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”
- John 5:33 You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth.
- Acts 13:25 As John was completing his course, he said, ‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not that One. But there is One coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’
- Matthew 21:23 When Jesus returned to the temple courts and began to teach, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to Him. “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You this authority?”
- John 2:18 On account of this, the Jews demanded, “What sign can You show us to prove Your authority to do these things?”
- John 5:10 so the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “This is the Sabbath! It is unlawful for you to carry your mat.”
- Deuteronomy 17:9 You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. Inquire of them, and they will give you a verdict in the case.
- Deuteronomy 24:8 In cases of infectious skin diseases, be careful to diligently follow everything the Levitical priests instruct you. Be careful to do as I have commanded them.