Devine Scripture

Mark 1:7

What does Mark 1:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 1:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 1:7 means

John humbly declared the imminent arrival of someone far superior to himself, stating that he was unworthy even to perform the menial task of untying His sandals. This statement powerfully elevates Jesus, even before His official introduction, painting Him as infinitely greater than John, who was himself a highly respected prophet. It demonstrates John's clear understanding of his preparatory role and Jesus' ultimate authority.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to them all, There is one coming after me who is greater than I, whose shoes I am not good enough to undo.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he proclaimed, saying, `He doth come--who is mightier than I--after me, of whom I am not worthy--having stooped down--to loose the latchet of his sandals;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he preached, saying: There cometh after me one mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he preached, saying, There comes he that is mightier than I after me, the thong of whose sandals I am not fit to stoop down and unloose.

Context

Following the description of John's prophetic identity in verse 6, this verse delivers his direct testimony about the Messiah. It creates intense anticipation for the individual John is announcing, carefully distinguishing between his own ministry and the vastly superior one to come. This prepares the reader for the explicit introduction of Jesus.

v.6And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and had a leathern girdle about his loins, and did eat locusts and wild honey.

v.7This passage

v.8I baptized you in water; but he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 13:25

    And as John was fulfilling his course, he said, What suppose ye that I am? I am not he. But behold, there cometh one after me the shoes of whose feet I am not worthy to 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:

  • 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:

  • Matthew 3:14

    But John would have hindered him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

  • Luke 7:6

    And Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself; for I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof:

  • John 1:27

    even he that cometh after me, the latchet of whose shoe I am not worthy to unloose.

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