John 1:27
What does John 1:27 mean?
A plain-English look at John 1:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 1:27 means
John continues to elaborate on the preeminence of the Christ, asserting his own utter unworthiness even to perform the most menial task for Him, like unloosing His sandal strap. This stark comparison highlights the vast infinite gap between John, the greatest of prophets, and Jesus, the divine Messiah. It further magnifies Christ's exalted status and underscores John's profound humility and absolute devotion to preparing the way for the Lord.
John 1:27 in context
John 1 — The Word Made Flesh
John lifts the curtain higher than any other Gospel. Before there was a Bethlehem, there was the Word — with God, who was God, by whom all things were made. The same Word who was the agent of creation became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. John the Baptist points him out as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world; the first disciples follow him; Nathanael confesses him as the Son of God and King of Israel. The eternal becomes near enough to touch.
- Pre-existence of Christ
- Incarnation
- Light and life
- First disciples
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000even he that cometh after me, the latchet of whose shoe I am not worthy to unloose.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901even he that cometh after me, the latchet of whose shoe I am not worthy to unloose.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949It is he who is coming after me; I am not good enough to undo his shoes.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862of whom I am not worthy that I may loose the cord of his sandal.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The same is he that shall come after me, who is preferred before me: the latchet of whose shoe I am not worthy to loose.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890he who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to unloose.
Context
Building on his declaration in verse 26 about the presence of a greater one among them, John here further magnifies the Messiah's supreme dignity by declaring his own extreme unworthiness. This statement deepens the contrast between John and Jesus, emphasizing the Messiah's unparalleled authority and divine nature. It serves to heighten the anticipation for the revelation of this superior figure, setting the stage for Jesus' actual appearance later in the chapter.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 1:15
John beareth witness of him, and crieth, saying, This was he of whom I said, He that cometh after me is become before me: for he was before me.
- Mark 1:7
And he preached, saying, There cometh after me he that is mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.
- Luke 3:16
John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but there cometh he that is mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire:
- John 1:30
This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man who is become before me: for he was before me.
- Acts 19:4
And Paul said, John baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people that they should believe on him that should come after him, that is, on Jesus.
- Matthew 3:11
I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire:
Sermon ideas from John 1:27
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What John 1:27 teaches us about pre-existence of christ
What John 1:27 teaches us about incarnation
What John 1:27 teaches us about light and life
What John 1:27 teaches us about first disciples
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