King James Version

What Does John 1:20 Mean?

John 1:20 in the King James Version says “And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. — study this verse from John chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.

John 1:20 · KJV


Context

18

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

19

And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?

20

And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.

21

And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. that prophet: or, a prophet?

22

Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
John the Baptist's emphatic double confession ('confessed, and denied not; but confessed') demonstrates the biblical pattern of faithful witness. His clear denial of being the Christ exhibits humility and proper understanding of his role as forerunner. This threefold repetition emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Christ's supremacy over all ministries, a Reformed principle of sola Christus.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Written around 90-95 AD, John's Gospel addresses communities where John the Baptist's followers may have elevated him too highly. The Pharisees' delegation from Jerusalem reflects official Jewish scrutiny of messianic movements in first-century Judea.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does John the Baptist's example challenge modern tendencies toward self-promotion in ministry?
  2. What does this passage teach about the proper relationship between human servants and Christ's supremacy?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὡμολόγησεν2 of 13

confessed

G3670

to assent, i.e., covenant, acknowledge

καὶ3 of 13

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐκ4 of 13

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἠρνήσατο5 of 13

denied

G720

to contradict, i.e., disavow, reject, abnegate

καὶ6 of 13

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὡμολόγησεν7 of 13

confessed

G3670

to assent, i.e., covenant, acknowledge

ὅτι8 of 13
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐκ9 of 13

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

εἰμὶ10 of 13

am

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

Ἐγὼ11 of 13

I

G1473

i, me

12 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Χριστός13 of 13

the Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 1:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 1:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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