John 1:27

  1. Home
  2. KJV Bible
  3. John 1
  4. John 1:27

Old Testament

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

New Testament

Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation

Chapter

John 1 John 2 John 3 John 4 John 5 John 6 John 7 John 8 John 9 John 10 John 11 John 12 John 13 John 14 John 15 John 16 John 17 John 18 John 19 John 20 John 21

Verse

John 1:1 John 1:2 John 1:3 John 1:4 John 1:5 John 1:6 John 1:7 John 1:8 John 1:9 John 1:10 John 1:11 John 1:12 John 1:13 John 1:14 John 1:15 John 1:16 John 1:17 John 1:18 John 1:19 John 1:20 John 1:21 John 1:22 John 1:23 John 1:24 John 1:25 John 1:26 John 1:27 John 1:28 John 1:29 John 1:30 John 1:31 John 1:32 John 1:33 John 1:34 John 1:35 John 1:36 John 1:37 John 1:38 John 1:39 John 1:40 John 1:41 John 1:42 John 1:43 John 1:44 John 1:45 John 1:46 John 1:47 John 1:48 John 1:49 John 1:50 John 1:51

John 1:27 KJV

He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

Previous Verse
« John 1:26
Next Verse
John 1:28 »

John 1:27 Bible Commentary

Commentary on John 1:27

Verse: "It is he who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose." (John 1:27)

Introduction

This verse is a significant declaration made by John the Baptist regarding the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. John’s acknowledgment of Christ's superior status provides insight into the nature of their relationship as well as the theological implications for his audience. The public domain commentaries from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke will guide our exploration of this text.

Contextual Overview

The broader context of John 1 reveals the themes of light, revelation, and the identity of Jesus. John the Baptist's role is to prepare the way for the Lord, and in this identity, he recognizes his own limitations in comparison to Jesus.

Insights from Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry emphasizes the humility embraced by John the Baptist. He notes that John's admission of being unworthy to untie Jesus' sandal straps indicates a profound respect and recognition of Christ's divine authority.

  • Humility of John: Henry asserts that John's humble position serves as a model for believers. Embracing our limitations allows for a clearer understanding of God's greatness.
  • The Nature of Christ: The statement about Jesus being "preferred before me" highlights the pre-existence of Christ and his eternal nature. John acknowledges that Jesus existed before him, reinforcing the preeminence of Christ over all creation.

Insights from Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes elaborates on the significance of the roles of the Baptist and Jesus. He delves into the implications of John's acknowledgment of Jesus as the one greater than himself.

  • Descending Hierarchy: Barnes notes that John recognizes a descending order of authority. As the forerunner, John's ministry builds up to the revelation of Christ, who is the ultimate source of salvation.
  • Cultural Context: In Jewish tradition, the act of untying sandals was reserved for the lowest servants. Thus, John's claim of unworthiness serves as a powerful statement on the magnitude of Christ's holiness.

Insights from Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke provides a detailed examination of John’s declaration and its implications for early Christian thought. His commentary underscores the theological importance of this statement.

  • Messianic Fulfillment: Clarke points out that John’s acknowledgment of Jesus as superior reflects a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah. This declaration serves as a bridge from the Old to the New Covenant.
  • Worship and Acknowledgment: Clarke emphasizes that true worship involves recognizing the sovereignty and superiority of Christ. John's humility sets the stage for the call to worship Christ fully and unreservedly.

Theological Reflections

The theological implications of John 1:27 extend far beyond individual acknowledgment; they resonate with broader themes of grace, redemption, and the nature of God’s revelation to humanity.

  • Grace and Humility: Believers are called to approach Christ with the same humility that John exhibited. It is through recognizing our own unworthiness that we can truly appreciate the grace bestowed upon us through Christ’s sacrifice.
  • Christ’s Supremacy: The reiteration of Christ’s preeminence serves as a reminder for pastors and theologians to maintain a Christ-centered focus in their preaching and teaching. All ministry must lead to an exaltation of Christ.

Conclusion

John 1:27 serves as a profound reminder of the need for humility in the face of divine greatness. The collective insights from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke urge readers to reflect on the nature of their relationship with Christ. As spiritual leaders, students, and scholars engage with this text, they are inspired to emulate John the Baptist—preparing the way for Christ through lives marked by humility and devotion.

John 1 (KJV) Verse Selection

John 1:1 John 1:2 John 1:3 John 1:4 John 1:5 John 1:6 John 1:7 John 1:8 John 1:9 John 1:10 John 1:11 John 1:12 John 1:13 John 1:14 John 1:15 John 1:16 John 1:17 John 1:18 John 1:19 John 1:20 John 1:21 John 1:22 John 1:23 John 1:24 John 1:25 John 1:26 John 1:27 John 1:28 John 1:29 John 1:30 John 1:31 John 1:32 John 1:33 John 1:34 John 1:35 John 1:36 John 1:37 John 1:38 John 1:39 John 1:40 John 1:41 John 1:42 John 1:43 John 1:44 John 1:45 John 1:46 John 1:47 John 1:48 John 1:49 John 1:50 John 1:51

KJV Bible Books

KJV Bible Books and Chapters »