John 1:6
What does John 1:6 mean?
A plain-English look at John 1:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 1:6 means
This verse introduces John the Baptist, clearly stating that he was a man sent by God, highlighting his divine commission and prophetic role. His purpose and identity are defined not by his own power but by his divine appointment. This emphasizes that his ministry was ordained and guided by God, preparing the way for the greater revelation of Jesus, the true Light. He is presented as a messenger with a specific, God-given task.
John 1:6 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 · 2000There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John.
KJV
King James Version · 1611There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862There came a man--having been sent from God--whose name <FI>is<Fi> John,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890There was a man sent fromGod, his name John.
Context
After establishing the eternal nature of the Word and the conflict between His light and the world's darkness, this verse introduces a significant historical figure—John the Baptist. His sudden appearance serves as a bridge from the cosmic prologue to the concrete events of salvation history. He is deliberately presented as a witness, distinct from the Light itself, preparing the reader for a clear understanding of his role in relation to the coming Messiah.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 21:25
The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven or from men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why then did ye not believe him?
- Luke 1:61
And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
- John 3:28
Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but, that I am sent before him.
- Acts 13:24
when John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
- Matthew 11:10
This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, Who shall prepare thy way before thee.
- Luke 1:76
Yea and thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High: For thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to make ready his ways;
Sermon ideas from John 1:6
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What John 1:6 teaches us about pre-existence of christ
What John 1:6 teaches us about incarnation
What John 1:6 teaches us about light and life
What John 1:6 teaches us about first disciples
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