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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 1:19 And this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, "Who are you?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/1-19.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/43_Jhn_01_19.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 1:19 - The Mission of John the Baptist" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, Who are you?" /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad19.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/1-18.htm" title="John 1:18">◄</a> John 1:19 <a href="/john/1-20.htm" title="John 1:20">►</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> Now this was John&#8217s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. <a href="/nlt/john/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” <a href="/esv/john/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” <a href="/bsb/john/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” <a href="/blb/john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And this is the testimony of John when the Jews sent to him priests and Levites from Jerusalem, that they might ask him, "Who are you?" <a href="/kjv/john/1.htm">King James Bible</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="/nkjv/john/1.htm">New King James Version</a> Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” <a href="/nasb_/john/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites to him from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” <a href="/nasb/john/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent to him priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, &#8220Who are you?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/john/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And this is the witness of John, when the Jews sent to him priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” <a href="/lsb/john/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And this is the witness of John, when the Jews sent to him priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” <a href="/amp/john/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> This is the testimony of John [the Baptist] when the Jews sent priests and Levites to him from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” <a href="/csb/john/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> This was John’s testimony when the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you? ” <a href="/hcsb/john/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> This is John&#8217s testimony when the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, &#8220Who are you?&#8221 <a href="/asv/john/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> And this is the witness of John, when the Jews sent unto him from Jerusalem priests and Levites to ask him, Who art thou? <a href="/erv/john/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> And this is the witness of John, when the Jews sent unto him from Jerusalem priests and Levites to ask him, Who art thou? <a href="/gwt/john/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> This was John's answer when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" <a href="/gnt/john/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> The Jewish authorities in Jerusalem sent some priests and Levites to John to ask him, "Who are you?" <a href="/isv/john/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> This was John's testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and descendants of Levi to him from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" <a href="/net/john/1.htm">NET Bible</a> Now this was John's testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" <a href="/nheb/john/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And this is John's testimony, when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" <a href="/wbt/john/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem, to ask him, Who art thou? <a href="/wey/john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> This also is John's testimony, when the Jews sent to him a deputation of Priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him who he was.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/john/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” <a href="/web/john/1.htm">World English Bible</a> This is John’s testimony, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And this is the testimony of John when the Jews sent priests and Levites out of Jerusalem, that they might question him, “Who are you?” <a href="/blb/john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And this is the testimony of John when the Jews sent to him priests and Levites from Jerusalem, that they might ask him, "Who are you?" <a href="/ylt/john/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent out of Jerusalem priests and Levites, that they might question him, 'Who art thou?' <a href="/slt/john/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem that they might ask him, Who art thou?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent from Jerusalem priests and Levites to him, to ask him: Who art thou? <a href="/cpdv/john/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to him, so that they might ask him, “Who are you?” <a href="/nabre/john/1.htm">New American Bible</a> And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites [to him] to ask him, “Who are you?” <a href="/nrsvce/john/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent to him priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who are you? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And this is the testimony of Yohannan when the Judaeans sent Levites and priests to him from Jerusalem in order to ask him: “Who are you?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him: Who are you? <a href="/godbey/john/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> This is the testimony of John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem, that they might ask him, <a href="/haweis/john/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent from Jerusalem priests and Levites, that they should question him, Who art thou? <a href="/mace/john/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem, to ask him, who he was. <a href="/wey/john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> This also is John's testimony, when the Jews sent to him a deputation of Priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him who he was. <a href="/worrell/john/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent forth priests and Levites from Jerusalem, to ask him, "Who are you?" <a href="/worsley/john/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent from Jerusalem priests and Levites to ask him, Who art thou? <a href="/parallel/john/1-19.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=131" 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 Mission of John the Baptist</a> 18No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known. 19<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: hautē (DPro-NFS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">was</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2491.htm" title="2491: Iōannou (N-GMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.">John’s</a> <a href="/greek/3141.htm" title="3141: martyria (N-NFS) -- Witness, evidence, testimony, reputation. From martus; evidence given.">testimony</a> <a href="/greek/3753.htm" title="3753: hote (Adv) -- When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When.">when</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- 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/2453.htm" title="2453: Ioudaioi (Adj-NMP) -- Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.">Jews</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ex (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">of</a> <a href="/greek/2414.htm" title="2414: Hierosolymōn (N-GNP) -- The Greek form of the Hebrew name: Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Hierosolyma">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/greek/649.htm" title="649: apesteilan (V-AIA-3P) -- From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively.">sent</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/2409.htm" title="2409: hiereis (N-AMP) -- A priest, one who offers sacrifice to a god (in Jewish and pagan religions; of Christians only met.). From hieros; a priest.">priests</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3019.htm" title="3019: Leuitas (N-AMP) -- From Leui; a Levite, i.e. Descendant of Levi.">Levites</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/2065.htm" title="2065: erōtēsōsin (V-ASA-3P) -- Apparently from ereo; to interrogate; by implication, to request.">ask</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- 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/5101.htm" title="5101: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">“Who</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ei (V-PIA-2S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">are</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: Sy (PPro-N2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you?”</a> 20He did not refuse to confess, but openly declared, “I am not the Christ.”…<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="/matthew/3-1.htm">Matthew 3:1-3</a> In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea / and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” / This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’” <a href="/mark/1-2.htm">Mark 1:2-4</a> As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way.” / “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’” / John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. <a href="/luke/3-2.htm">Luke 3:2-4</a> during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. / He went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, / as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him. <a href="/john/1-6.htm">John 1:6-8</a> There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John. / He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe. / He himself was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. <a href="/john/1-15.htm">John 1:15</a> John testified concerning Him. He cried out, saying, “This is He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’” <a href="/john/1-23.htm">John 1:23</a> John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet: “I am a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’” <a href="/john/3-28.htm">John 3:28</a> You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.’ <a href="/malachi/3-1.htm">Malachi 3:1</a> “Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts. <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3</a> A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert. <a href="/matthew/11-10.htm">Matthew 11:10-11</a> This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.’ / Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. <a href="/mark/1-7.htm">Mark 1:7-8</a> And he proclaimed: “After me will come One more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. / I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” <a href="/luke/1-76.htm">Luke 1:76</a> And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him, <a href="/luke/7-27.htm">Luke 7:27</a> This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.’ <a href="/john/5-33.htm">John 5:33</a> You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. <a href="/acts/13-24.htm">Acts 13:24-25</a> Before the arrival of Jesus, John preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. / 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.’</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who are you?when.<a href="/john/5-33.htm">John 5:33-36</a> Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth… <a href="/deuteronomy/17-9.htm">Deuteronomy 17:9-11</a> And thou shalt come unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge that shall be in those days, and inquire; and they shall shew thee the sentence of judgment: … <a href="/deuteronomy/24-8.htm">Deuteronomy 24:8</a> Take heed in the plague of leprosy, that thou observe diligently, and do according to all that the priests the Levites shall teach you: as I commanded them, so ye shall observe to do.Who.<a href="/john/10-24.htm">John 10:24</a> Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.<a href="/acts/13-25.htm">Acts 13:25</a> And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.<a href="/acts/19-4.htm">Acts 19:4</a> Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/19-14.htm">Deputation</a> <a href="/luke/24-52.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/luke/23-51.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/john/1-15.htm">John</a> <a href="/luke/20-4.htm">John's</a> <a href="/ezekiel/48-22.htm">Levites</a> <a href="/luke/24-20.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/luke/23-47.htm">Question</a> <a href="/matthew/1-1.htm">Record</a> <a href="/john/1-15.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/john/1-15.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/12-20.htm">Deputation</a> <a href="/john/2-13.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/john/2-6.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/john/1-23.htm">John</a> <a href="/john/1-26.htm">John's</a> <a href="/exodus/6-19.htm">Levites</a> <a href="/john/7-32.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/john/1-22.htm">Question</a> <a href="/john/1-32.htm">Record</a> <a href="/john/1-32.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/john/1-32.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>And this was John’s testimony John the Baptist's role as a witness is central to the Gospel narrative. His testimony is not just a personal account but a divine mission to prepare the way for Jesus. The concept of testimony is significant in Jewish law, where the testimony of two or three witnesses is required to establish a matter (<a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a>). John’s testimony serves as a divine witness to the identity of Jesus as the Messiah.when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites The mention of "the Jews of Jerusalem" indicates the religious authorities, likely the Sanhedrin, who were responsible for maintaining religious order. Priests and Levites were part of the temple hierarchy, with priests performing sacrifices and Levites assisting in temple duties. Their involvement underscores the importance of John’s activities, as they were sent to investigate his growing influence and the implications for Jewish religious life.to ask him, “Who are you?” This question reflects the anticipation of a messianic figure, as many were expecting the arrival of the Messiah or a prophet like Elijah (<a href="/malachi/4-5.htm">Malachi 4:5</a>). The religious leaders were concerned about John’s identity and authority, as his baptism and call to repentance were drawing large crowds. This inquiry sets the stage for John to clarify his role as the forerunner to Christ, emphasizing his mission to point others to Jesus rather than claiming any messianic title for himself.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a> A pivotal prophetic figure who prepared the way for Jesus Christ. Known for his baptism of repentance and his role in identifying Jesus as the Messiah. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_jews_of_jerusalem.htm">The Jews of Jerusalem</a> Refers to the religious leaders and authorities, including the Pharisees and Sadducees, who were concerned about John’s growing influence and message. 3. <a href="/topical/p/priests_and_levites.htm">Priests and Levites</a> Religious officials sent by the Jewish leaders to question John. Priests were responsible for temple sacrifices, while Levites assisted in temple duties. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The central city of Jewish worship and religious authority, where the temple was located. 5. <a href="/topical/t/testimony.htm">Testimony</a> The declaration or witness given by John the Baptist concerning his identity and mission, which ultimately pointed to Jesus Christ.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_our_identity_in_christ.htm">Understanding Our Identity in Christ</a> Just as John knew his role and purpose, believers should seek to understand their identity and calling in Christ. <a href="/topical/b/boldness_in_witnessing.htm">Boldness in Witnessing</a> John’s courage in proclaiming the truth serves as an example for Christians to boldly share their faith. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_spiritual_matters.htm">Discernment in Spiritual Matters</a> The religious leaders’ inquiry into John’s identity reminds us of the importance of discernment and seeking truth in spiritual matters. <a href="/topical/h/humility_in_service.htm">Humility in Service</a> John’s humility in pointing others to Christ rather than seeking his own glory is a model for Christian service. <a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_christ's_coming.htm">Preparation for Christ’s Coming</a> John’s role in preparing the way for Jesus encourages believers to live in readiness for Christ’s return.<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/why_little_evidence_of_john's_baptisms.htm">Luke 3:3 – Why does there seem to be sparse archeological evidence for John’s extensive baptizing activities in the Jordan region? </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 href="/q/was_john_the_baptist_elijah.htm">Was John the Baptist Elijah who was to come? Yes (Matthew II: 14, 17:10-13) No (John 1:19-21)</a> <a href="/q/how_are_john_the_baptist_and_elijah_linked.htm">What is the connection between John the Baptist and Elijah?</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>(19) The narrative is connected with the prologue by the record of John, which is common to both (<a href="/john/1-15.htm" title="John bore witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spoke, He that comes after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.">John 1:15</a>), and opens therefore with "And."The Jews.--This term, originally applied to the members of the tribe of Judah, was extended after the Captivity to the whole nation of which that tribe was the chief part. Used by St. John more than seventy times, it is to be understood generally of the representatives of the nation, and of the inhabitants of Judaea, and of these as opposed to the teaching and work of Christ. He was himself a Jew, but the true idea of Judaism had led him to the Messiah, and the old name is to him but as the husk that had been burst in the growth of life. It remains for them to whom the name was all, and who, trying to cramp life within rigid forms, had crushed out its power.Priests and Levites.--The word "Levite" occurs only twice elsewhere in the New Testament--in the parable of the Good Samaritan (<a href="/luke/10-32.htm" title="And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.">Luke 10:32</a>), and in the description of Joses (<a href="/acts/4-36.htm" title="And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,">Acts 4:36</a>). It is clear from such passages as <a href="/context/2_chronicles/17-7.htm" title="Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.">2Chronicles 17:7-9</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/35-3.htm" title="And said to the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy to the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; it shall not be a burden on your shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel,">2Chronicles 35:3</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/8-7.htm" title="Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.">Nehemiah 8:7</a>, that part of the function of the Levites was to give instruction in the Law, and it is probable that the "scribes" were often identical with them. We have, then, here two divisions of the Sanhedrin, as we have two in the frequent phrase of the other Evangelists, "scribes," and "elders," the scribes (Levites) being common to both, and the three divisions being priests, Levites (scribes), and elders (notables). (Comp. <a href="/john/1-24.htm" title="And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.">John 1:24</a>, and Note on <a href="/matthew/5-20.htm" title="For I say to you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.">Matthew 5:20</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 19-34. - 2. The testimony of the Baptist. Verse 19. - The historic narrative commences with the nineteenth verse of the chapter. The scene is laid after the ministry of John had reached its climax in the baptism of Jesus - an event presupposed and implied, but not described. John's ministry had produced the most amazing excitement among the people. They had flocked to his side and to his baptism, confessing their sins; they had heard his summons to repentance; they had trembled under his threats of judgment; they had received their appropriate message from the inspired seer. His prophetic indignation against their selfishness and greed, their formalism, and their boast of covenanted immunity from the consequences of moral fault, had roused conscience into preternatural activity. The wail of concern and the excitement of alarmed inquiry had as yet only secured from John the promise of another Teacher, of Another, mightier than he, whose fan was in his hand, who would test, divide, save, and punish. When the Christ came himself to this baptism, came confessing the sins of the whole world, came with awful holiness and yet infinite sympathy for the sorrows and perils of the people, to fulfil all righteousness, a new revelation was made to John. The voice from heaven, the symbol of the Holy Spirit which descended and abode upon him, brought John into a new world. He was as one dazed and bewildered by excess of light. The abundance of the revelations became a new test of his own mission, and a new explanation to him of what his purpose in the world had really been. The contrast between the ministry of John as detailed by the synoptists and the Fourth Gospel is explicable so soon as we observe that the latter takes up the career of John where the former had laid it down. Here, consequently, is a chapter in John's history concerning which the synoptists are silent. When the baptism of Jesus was accomplished, and the Spirit had led him away into the wilderness, John stood, much as Elisha might have done (in the very same region) when Elijah went heavenwards in a chariot of fire. But he proceeded to testify new and strange things about his kinsman. The effect of his ministry was, for the time, greatly augmented by the suspense and expectation of some rapidly approaching manifestation. In the midst of the excitement thus produced we learn from this verse: And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent (to him) from Jerusalem priests and Levites, that, etc. The copula "and" shows how the narrative roots itself in the prologue, and points back to the citation already made from John's words. In ver. 15 they were introduced apart from their historical connection as the summation of the highest and most fruitful mission of the Baptist. Now the precise antecedents which give to them special weight are set forth. "This" is the predicate of the sentence. The occasion referred to is when "the Jews" sent their deputation. The evangelist is accused of always using the term, "the Jews," in a sense that is hostile to them, and thus an argument has been framed against the authenticity of the Gospel. It is true that John uses this term far more frequently than the synoptists (Matthew five times, Mark seven times, Luke five times), for it is found more than seventy times in his Gospel; but it is not exclusively used in a depreciatory sense (see <a href="/john/2-13.htm">John 2:13</a>; <a href="/john/3-1.htm">John 3:1</a>; <a href="/john/4-22.htm">John 4:22</a>; <a href="/john/5-1.htm">John 5:1</a>; <a href="/john/18-33.htm">John 18:33</a>). For the most part he uses the term (now denotative of the entire people, though formerly confined to the tribe of Judah) for the theocratic nation which had ceased, when he composed his Gospel, to have any political existence. More than this, in a vast number of texts he rises the term for the authoritative powers of the nation rather than of the people. According to the narrative of each of the Gospels, the theocratic people displayed, by its highest representatives and ruling powers, rancorous hatred and calculated antagonism to the Son of God. (See Introduction for proof that, notwithstanding this separation of the evangelist's mind from them, he must have been a Palestinian Jew himself.) The Jews, the ecclesiastical party, sent a deputation of priests and Levites from Jerusalem, which consisted, as we learn from the twenty-third verse, "of the Pharisees." They came to make a legitimate inquiry from the new prophet. There is no trace of malignity or antagonism in this act. They would learn from his own lips who he was, what character or functions he was sustaining. A similar deputation approached our Lord at a later period, when all their jealousy and hatred had been aroused. There was, however, no better way in which they could learn the facts of the case. The Sanhedrin, or great council of seventy-one members, the elders, high priests (including ex-high priests), and scribes, is variously described. There is no early trace anterior to the time of Antipater and Herod of this body as thus constituted, but it was doubtless formed upon the basis of the older institution of the seventy eiders (<a href="/numbers/11-16.htm">Numbers 11:16</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/8-11.htm">Ezekiel 8:11</a>),or of the γερουσία of the Books of Maccabees (1 Macc. 12:6; 2 Macc. 1:10). It is probable (Hengstenberg) that the Levites here mentioned by John represent those who in the other Gospels are described as "scribes," or students of the Law, belonging to the sacred tribe, though not to the family of Aaron. The absence of any reference to the Levites in Matthew and Mark (<a href="/luke/10-32.htm">Luke 10:32</a>; <a href="/acts/4-36.htm">Acts 4:36</a>), and the frequent occurrence of "scribes," make it probable that the profession of the Law was specially followed by the remnant of the tribe of Levi (but see Schurer, 'Jewish People in Time of Christ,' §§ 24, 25). The deputation came to receive and convey to those that sent them definite replies to certain questions. In <a href="/luke/3-15.htm">Luke 3:15</a> there is said to have been a widespread impression that John the Baptist was supposed to be the Christ of their popular expectation. Such a portentous claim must be sifted by them without delay. They were sent that they should put the question to him; Who art thou? John's profession of a baptizer, and his implied teaching that "Pharisees and Sadducees," the covenanted, sacramental people, needed cleansing and admission by some sacred rite into a fellowship more holy than that of the theocratic nation itself, demanded, immediate examination; and they were justified by the letter of the Law in making the inquiry (<a href="/deuteronomy/18-21.htm">Deuteronomy 18:21</a>). <a href="/commentaries/john/1-19.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>And Καὶ (Kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. this αὕτη (hautē) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. was ἐστὶν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. John’s Ἰωάννου (Iōannou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2491.htm">Strong's 2491: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites. testimony μαρτυρία (martyria) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3141.htm">Strong's 3141: </a> Witness, evidence, testimony, reputation. From martus; evidence given. when ὅτε (hote) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3753.htm">Strong's 3753: </a> When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When. the οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <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. Jews Ἰουδαῖοι (Ioudaioi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2453.htm">Strong's 2453: </a> Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah. of ἐξ (ex) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. Jerusalem Ἱεροσολύμων (Hierosolymōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2414.htm">Strong's 2414: </a> The Greek form of the Hebrew name: Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Hierosolyma sent ἀπέστειλαν (apesteilan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_649.htm">Strong's 649: </a> From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively. priests ἱερεῖς (hiereis) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2409.htm">Strong's 2409: </a> A priest, one who offers sacrifice to a god (in Jewish and pagan religions; of Christians only met.). From hieros; a priest. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. Levites Λευίτας (Leuitas) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3019.htm">Strong's 3019: </a> From Leui; a Levite, i.e. Descendant of Levi. 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. ask ἐρωτήσωσιν (erōtēsōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2065.htm">Strong's 2065: </a> Apparently from ereo; to interrogate; by implication, to request. him, αὐτόν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 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. “Who τίς (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. are εἶ (ei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. you?” Σὺ (Sy) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/1-19.htm">John 1:19 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/1-19.htm">John 1:19 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/1-19.htm">John 1:19 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/1-19.htm">John 1:19 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/1-19.htm">John 1:19 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/1-19.htm">John 1:19 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/1-19.htm">John 1:19 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/1-19.htm">John 1:19 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/1-19.htm">John 1:19 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/1-19.htm">John 1:19 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/1-19.htm">NT Gospels: John 1:19 This is John's testimony when the Jews (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/1-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 1:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 1:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/1-20.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 1:20"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 1:20" /></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>