Bible Strands
John 1:26
“I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands One you do not know.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — John addresses a group pressing him on his authority to baptize, responding directly to their question about whether he is the Messiah, Elijah, or the Prophet. He speaks at the moment they demand the basis for his ritual practice.
The words — βαπτίζω (baptizō) literally means to immerse or dip, defining the physical action John performs. ἀπεκρίθη αὐτοῖς (apekrithē autois) translates to "he answered them," marking a direct reply to the preceding inquiry.
The thread — The distinction between water baptism and a superior coming rite appears in Luke 3:16 and Acts 1:5, where John contrasts his practice with the future baptism of the Spirit. The motif of unrecognized divine presence runs through John 1:10, which states the world failed to recognize its Creator.
Why it lands — The text requires a reader to acknowledge the boundaries of John’s ministry and recognize that the true object of worship is already present among them. It demands immediate attention to the One standing in their midst rather than focusing on the baptizer or the ritual itself.
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
John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;
Cross-references
- Luke 3:16 John answered all of them: “I baptize you with water, but One more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
- John 1:10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him.
- Acts 1:5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
- Matthew 3:11 I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
- Mark 1:8 I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
- John 8:19 “Where is Your Father?” they asked Him. “You do not know Me or My Father,” Jesus answered. “If you knew Me, you would know My Father as well.”
- Acts 11:16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
- John 17:3 Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.
- John 17:25 Righteous Father, although the world has not known You, I know You, and they know that You sent Me.
- 1 John 3:1 Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.