John 1:7
What does John 1:7 mean?
A plain-English look at John 1:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 1:7 means
This verse explicitly states the purpose of John the Baptist's mission: to bear witness to the Light. His ministry was entirely focused on testifying about the true Light, which is the Word. The ultimate goal of his witness was that through his testimony, people would come to believe in the Light. John's role was preparatory and directional, pointing away from himself and towards the coming Christ, aiming to foster faith in Him.
John 1:7 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 · 2000The same came for witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The same came for witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He came for witness, to give witness about the light, so that all men might have faith through him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862this one came for testimony, that he might testify about the Light, that all might believe through him;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752This man came for a witness, to give testimony of the light, that all men might believe through him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He came for witness, that he might witness concerning the light, that all might believe through him.
Context
This verse elaborates on the reason for John the Baptist's appearance, directly following his introduction in verse 6. It clarifies that his role was not to be the Light but to direct attention to it, establishing his subordinate yet crucial position in God's redemptive plan. This clarification is vital for preventing any confusion about John's identity, firmly positioning him as a forerunner and witness, thereby reinforcing the supreme importance of the Light he came to announce.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 5:33
Ye have sent unto John, and he hath borne witness unto the truth.
- Titus 2:11
For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
- John 1:26
John answered them, saying, I baptize in water: in the midst of you standeth one whom ye know not,
- 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.
- John 1:32
And John bare witness, saying, I have beheld the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven; and it abode upon him.
- John 1:36
and he looked upon Jesus as he walked, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God!
Sermon ideas from John 1:7
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What John 1:7 teaches us about pre-existence of christ
What John 1:7 teaches us about incarnation
What John 1:7 teaches us about light and life
What John 1:7 teaches us about first disciples
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