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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 1:7 He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/1-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/43_Jhn_01_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 1:7 - The Witness of John" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/john/1-6.htm" title="John 1:6">◄</a> John 1:7 <a href="/john/1-8.htm" title="John 1:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/john/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/john/1.htm">New International Version</a> He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. <a href="/nlt/john/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. <a href="/esv/john/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. <a href="/bsb/john/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe. <a href="/blb/john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> He came as a witness, that he might testify concerning the Light, that all might believe through him. <a href="/kjv/john/1.htm">King James Bible</a> The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. <a href="/nkjv/john/1.htm">New King James Version</a> This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. <a href="/nasb_/john/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. <a href="/nasb/john/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. <a href="/nasb77/john/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> He came for a witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him. <a href="/lsb/john/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> He came as a witness, to bear witness about the Light, so that all might believe through him. <a href="/amp/john/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> This man came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe [in Christ, the Light] through him. <a href="/csb/john/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him. <a href="/hcsb/john/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him. <a href="/asv/john/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> The same came for witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him. <a href="/cev/john/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> who came to tell about the light and to lead all people to have faith. <a href="/erv/john/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> The same came for witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him. <a href="/gwt/john/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> John came to declare the truth about the light so that everyone would become believers through his message. <a href="/gnt/john/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> who came to tell people about the light, so that all should hear the message and believe. <a href="/isv/john/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe because of him. <a href="/msb/john/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe. <a href="/net/john/1.htm">NET Bible</a> He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that everyone might believe through him. <a href="/nheb/john/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He came as a witness to testify about the light, that all might believe through him. <a href="/wbt/john/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> The same came for a witness, to bear testimony of the Light, that all men through him might believe. <a href="/wey/john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> He came as a witness, in order that he might give testimony concerning the Light--so that all might believe through him. <a href="/web/john/1.htm">World English Bible</a> The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> this one came for testimony, that he might testify about the Light, that all might believe through him; <a href="/blb/john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> He came as a witness, that he might testify concerning the Light, that all might believe through him. <a href="/ylt/john/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> this one came for testimony, that he might testify about the Light, that all might believe through him; <a href="/slt/john/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> This came for testimony, that he might testify concerning the Light, that all might believe through him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> This man came for a witness, to give testimony of the light, that all men might believe through him. <a href="/cpdv/john/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> He arrived as a witness to offer testimony about the Light, so that all would believe through him. <a href="/nabre/john/1.htm">New American Bible</a> He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. <a href="/nrsvce/john/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> He came as a witness to testify concerning the light, so that every man might believe by means of him. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> He came for a witness, to testify about The Light, that everyone by him would believe.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> This man came as a witness, to testify of the Light, that all through him might believe. <a href="/godbey/john/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> The same came for a witness, that he might bear witness concerning the light, in order that all through him might believe. <a href="/haweis/john/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> He came for a witness, that he might bear testimony concerning the Light, that all men through him might believe. <a href="/mace/john/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> he came as a witness, to represent what he knew of the light, that by his means all might be convinc'd. <a href="/wey/john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> He came as a witness, in order that he might give testimony concerning the Light--so that all might believe through him. <a href="/worrell/john/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> The same came for a testimony, that he might testify concerning the Light, that all might believe through him. <a href="/worsley/john/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> this man came for witness, that he might testify concerning the light, that through him all might believe. <a href="/parallel/john/1-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=34" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/1.htm">The Witness of John</a> 6There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John. 7<a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: houtos (DPro-NMS) -- This; he, she, it. ">He</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: ēlthen (V-AIA-3S) -- To come, go. ">came</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">as</a> <a href="/greek/3141.htm" title="3141: martyrian (N-AFS) -- Witness, evidence, testimony, reputation. From martus; evidence given.">a witness</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">to</a> <a href="/greek/3140.htm" title="3140: martyrēsē (V-ASA-3S) -- To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.">testify</a> <a href="/greek/4012.htm" title="4012: peri (Prep) -- From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.">about</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5457.htm" title="5457: phōtos (N-GNS) -- Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.">Light,</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">so that</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: di’ (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">through</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">him</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pantes (Adj-NMP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">everyone</a> <a href="/greek/4100.htm" title="4100: pisteusōsin (V-ASA-3P) -- From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.">might believe.</a> 8He himself was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/3-19.htm">John 3:19-21</a> And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. / Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. / But whoever practices the truth comes into the Light, so that it may be seen clearly that what he has done has been accomplished in God.” <a href="/john/5-33.htm">John 5:33-35</a> You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. / Even though I do not accept human testimony, I say these things so that you may be saved. / John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light. <a href="/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5-7</a> And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. / If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. / But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. <a href="/1_john/5-6.htm">1 John 5:6-9</a> This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ—not by water alone, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies to this, because the Spirit is the truth. / For there are three that testify: / the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in agreement. ... <a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a> But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” <a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14-16</a> You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-4.htm">2 Corinthians 4:4-6</a> The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. / For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. / For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. <a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8-14</a> For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, / for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. / Test and prove what pleases the Lord. ... <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-5.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:5</a> For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness. <a href="/revelation/1-5.htm">Revelation 1:5</a> and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood, <a href="/isaiah/42-6.htm">Isaiah 42:6-7</a> “I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations, / to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house. <a href="/isaiah/49-6.htm">Isaiah 49:6</a> He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.” <a href="/isaiah/60-1.htm">Isaiah 60:1-3</a> Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. / For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. / Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. <a href="/malachi/4-2.htm">Malachi 4:2</a> “But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and leap like calves from the stall. <a href="/psalms/27-1.htm">Psalm 27:1</a> Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.a witness.<a href="/john/1-19.htm">John 1:19,26,27,32-34,36</a> And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? … <a href="/john/3-26.htm">John 3:26-36</a> And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him… <a href="/john/5-33.htm">John 5:33-35</a> Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth… that.<a href="/john/1-9.htm">John 1:9</a> That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.<a href="/john/3-26.htm">John 3:26</a> And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.<a href="/ephesians/3-9.htm">Ephesians 3:9</a> And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/23-26.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/luke/24-41.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/luke/22-32.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/john/1-5.htm">Light</a> <a href="/luke/20-20.htm">Order</a> <a href="/luke/16-28.htm">Testify</a> <a href="/luke/22-71.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/luke/23-48.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/1-8.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/john/1-12.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/john/1-12.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/john/1-8.htm">Light</a> <a href="/john/3-15.htm">Order</a> <a href="/john/1-8.htm">Testify</a> <a href="/john/1-8.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/john/1-8.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">John 1</div>1. <a href="/john/1-1.htm">The divinity, humanity, office, and incarnation of Jesus Christ.</a> 15. <a href="/john/1-15.htm">The testimony of John.</a> 39. <a href="/john/1-39.htm">The calling of Simon and Andrew, Philip and Nathanael</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>He came as a witness The term "witness" in biblical context refers to someone who provides testimony based on firsthand experience or knowledge. In the Gospel of John, this role is crucial as it establishes the credibility and authority of the message being delivered. John the Baptist is the "he" in this passage, and his role as a witness is to prepare the way for Jesus, the Messiah. This concept of witnessing is deeply rooted in Jewish legal tradition, where the testimony of two or three witnesses was required to establish a matter (<a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a>). John the Baptist's role as a witness fulfills the prophetic expectation found in <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3</a>, which speaks of a voice calling in the wilderness to prepare the way for the Lord.to testify about the Light The "Light" refers to Jesus Christ, who is described as the true Light that gives light to every person (<a href="/john/1-9.htm">John 1:9</a>). Light is a powerful biblical metaphor for truth, purity, and divine revelation. In the cultural context of the time, light was associated with knowledge and life, contrasting with darkness, which symbolized ignorance and death. The testimony about the Light is essential because it reveals the divine nature and mission of Jesus. This testimony aligns with the prophetic imagery found in <a href="/isaiah/9-2.htm">Isaiah 9:2</a>, which speaks of a great light shining on those living in darkness, pointing to the coming of the Messiah.so that through him The phrase "through him" indicates the means by which belief is facilitated. John the Baptist's role is instrumental in pointing others to Christ, serving as a conduit for faith. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God using individuals to accomplish His purposes, as seen in the lives of prophets and apostles. The idea of mediation is also present in the New Testament, where Jesus is described as the mediator between God and humanity (<a href="/1_timothy/2-5.htm">1 Timothy 2:5</a>).everyone might believe The use of "everyone" underscores the universal scope of the Gospel message. The invitation to believe is extended to all people, regardless of their background or status. This inclusivity is a central theme in the New Testament, emphasizing that salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all who believe (<a href="/romans/10-12.htm">Romans 10:12-13</a>). The concept of belief is not merely intellectual assent but involves trust and commitment to Jesus as Lord and Savior. This aligns with the prophetic vision in <a href="/joel/2-32.htm">Joel 2:32</a>, which promises that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a> A pivotal figure in the New Testament, John the Baptist is the "witness" referred to in this verse. He was sent by God to prepare the way for Jesus Christ and to testify about Him as the Light of the world. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_light.htm">The Light</a> This refers to Jesus Christ, who is described as the true Light that gives light to every person. The Light symbolizes truth, purity, and divine revelation. 3. <a href="/topical/b/belief.htm">Belief</a> The purpose of John's testimony was to lead people to believe in Jesus. Belief here is not just intellectual assent but a deep, transformative trust in Jesus as the Messiah.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_a_witness.htm">The Role of a Witness</a> Just as John the Baptist was a witness to the Light, Christians are called to be witnesses to the truth of Jesus Christ in their own lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_testimony.htm">The Importance of Testimony</a> Sharing personal testimonies of faith can lead others to believe in Jesus. Our lives should reflect the Light of Christ to those around us. <a href="/topical/b/belief_as_transformation.htm">Belief as Transformation</a> True belief in Jesus is transformative, affecting every aspect of our lives. It is not merely an intellectual agreement but a heart and life commitment. <a href="/topical/t/the_light_in_darkness.htm">The Light in Darkness</a> In a world filled with darkness, Jesus is the Light that dispels fear, confusion, and sin. Believers are called to walk in this Light and reflect it to others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 1</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_names_of_jesus_christ.htm">What are the names of Jesus Christ?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_comma_johanneum.htm">What is the Comma Johanneum?</a> <a href="/q/key_themes_in_john.htm">What are key themes in the Book of John?</a> <a href="/q/is_there_evidence_for_john_9_18-23.htm">In John 9:18–23, is there any historical or external evidence that confirms the parents’ testimony? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) For a Witness.--Stress is laid upon the work of John as "witness." This was generally the object of his coming. It was specially to "bear witness of the Light." The purpose of testimony is conviction "that all men through him might believe," i.e., through John, through his witness. Compare with this purpose of the Baptist's work the purpose of the Apostle's writing, as he himself expresses it in the closing words of John 20; and also the condition and work of the Apostleship, as laid down by St. Peter at the first meeting after the Resurrection (<a href="/context/acts/1-21.htm" title="Why of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,">Acts 1:21-22</a>). The word "witness," with its cognate forms, is one of the key-notes of the Johannine writings recurring alike in the Gospel the Epistles, and the Apocalypse. This is partly concealed from the general reader by the various renderings "record," "testimony," "witness," for the one Greek root; but he may see by consulting any English concordance under these words, how frequently the thought was in the Apostle's mind. See especially <a href="/revelation/1-2.htm" title="Who bore record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.">Revelation 1:2</a>; <a href="/revelation/1-9.htm" title="I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.">Revelation 1:9</a>, Notes.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 7. - This man came (historic, η΅λθε) for witness, that he might bear witness concerning the Light. The entire prophetic dispensation is thus characterized. That which the Baptist did, Malachi, Isaiah, Elijah, Hosea, Moses, had done in their day. He came, and by penetrating insight and burning word, by flashes of moral revelation and intense earnestness, "bare witness concerning the Light" which was ever shining into the darkness. His aim and theirs was to prevent the forces of darkness from suppressing or absorbing the light. He came to sting the apathy and disturb the self-complacency of the darkness. He came to interpret the fact of the Light which was shining but not apprehended; and so did all the prophetic ministry of which he was the latest and most illustrious exponent. He came to assert the meaning for man of all God's perfections; to call conscience from its death sleep; to draw distinctions of tremendous significance between moral and ceremonial obedience; to exalt obedience above sacrifice, and works meet for repentance above Abrahamic privilege; to warn by lurid threatenings of a fiery wrath and a terrible curse which would fall on the disobedient, though consecrated, people. In this he was but the last of a goodly fellowship of prophets who bore witness to the Light of life which had its being in the Eternal Logos of God. He came, as they all had come, with a view of producing results far greater than, as a matter of fact, they have actually achieved. He came to bear such testimony that all through him, i.e. by the force of his appeal or by the fierce glow thus cast upon the perils and follies of the hour, might believe - might realize the full significance of the Light which they had hitherto refused to accept. The greatness of this expectation corresponds with the hope which the ministry of Jesus failed also to realize (<a href="/matthew/11-9.htm">Matthew 11:9-14</a>). The splendid ministry of this "burning and shining lamp" might, it would seem, have brought all Israel to acknowledge Christ as the Light of the world; but "the darkness apprehended it not." The entire prophetic dispensation, the testimony which the priestly services and sacrifices bore to the evil of sin and to the awfulness of righteousness, as well as the condemnation of the follies and pleasures of the world, involved in John the Baptist's ascetic profession, might have roused all Israel to believe in the Light. He gathered together all the forces of the Mosaic, prophetic, Levitical, Essenic ministries to bear on the people. Everything that Law could do was done to reveal the Light; but "all" did not believe, for "the darkness apprehended it not." <a href="/commentaries/john/1-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>He οὗτος (houtos) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. came ἦλθεν (ēlthen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. as εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. a witness μαρτυρίαν (martyrian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3141.htm">Strong's 3141: </a> Witness, evidence, testimony, reputation. From martus; evidence given. to ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. testify μαρτυρήσῃ (martyrēsē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3140.htm">Strong's 3140: </a> To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify. about περὶ (peri) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4012.htm">Strong's 4012: </a> From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Light, φωτός (phōtos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5457.htm">Strong's 5457: </a> Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness. so that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. through δι’ (di’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. him αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. everyone πάντες (pantes) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. might believe. πιστεύσωσιν (pisteusōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/1-7.htm">John 1:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/1-7.htm">John 1:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/1-7.htm">John 1:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/1-7.htm">John 1:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/1-7.htm">John 1:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/1-7.htm">John 1:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/1-7.htm">John 1:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/1-7.htm">John 1:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/1-7.htm">John 1:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/1-7.htm">John 1:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/1-7.htm">NT Gospels: John 1:7 The same came as a witness that (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/1-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 1:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 1:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/1-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 1:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 1:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>