King James Version

What Does John 1:29 Mean?

John 1:29 in the King James Version says “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world...” — study this verse from John chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. taketh away: or, beareth”

John 1:29 · KJV

Context

27

He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

28

These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

29

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. taketh away: or, beareth

30

This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

31

And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
John the Baptist's proclamation 'Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world' represents one of Scripture's most theologically rich statements. The command 'Behold' (ἴδε/ide) is emphatic—look intently, fix your gaze upon this person. The title 'Lamb of God' (ὁ ἀμνὸς τοῦ θεοῦ) contains multiple Old Testament allusions. Primarily, it evokes the Passover lamb (Exodus 12) whose blood protected Israelite households from judgment—Jesus becomes the ultimate Passover sacrifice (1 Corinthians 5:7). It also recalls the daily sacrifices at the Temple, the binding of Isaac where God provided a ram (Genesis 22), and Isaiah's suffering servant who was 'brought as a lamb to the slaughter' (Isaiah 53:7). The genitive 'of God' indicates both ownership (God's lamb) and provision (God provides the lamb), fulfilling Genesis 22:8 where Abraham told Isaac 'God will provide himself a lamb.' The present participle 'which taketh away' (ὁ αἴρων/ho airōn) indicates ongoing action—Jesus continuously bears and removes sin. The verb αἴρω (airō) means both to lift up (bearing) and to take away (removing)—Jesus both bears sin's penalty and removes sin's guilt. The scope is universal: 'the sin of the world' (τὴν ἁμαρτίαν τοῦ κόσμου). The singular 'sin' may indicate sin as a collective reality, the sinful condition of humanity, rather than merely individual sinful acts. The word 'world' (κόσμος/kosmos) emphasizes the global, cosmic scope—not just Israel's sin but humanity's sin universally.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This declaration occurred at the Jordan River where John baptized, likely near Bethany beyond Jordan (John 1:28). John the Baptist had been conducting a revival ministry calling Israel to repentance in preparation for Messiah. His baptism symbolized cleansing from sin and readiness for the coming kingdom. When Jesus appeared to be baptized, John initially resisted (Matthew 3:14), recognizing Jesus' sinlessness. After baptizing Jesus and witnessing the Spirit's descent and the Father's affirmation, John received divine revelation about Jesus' identity and mission. The next day, seeing Jesus approaching, John makes this proclamation. The imagery would have resonated powerfully with Jewish hearers familiar with the sacrificial system. Daily morning and evening sacrifices occurred at the Temple with lambs offered for sin. During Passover, thousands of lambs were slaughtered at the Temple commemorating Israel's exodus deliverance. The Day of Atonement ritual involved transferring Israel's sins to a goat driven into the wilderness. John synthesizes these images, declaring that Jesus fulfills what all these sacrifices foreshadowed. Historically, this verse marked the moment when Jesus' mission was publicly identified as redemptive and sacrificial rather than merely prophetic or kingly. For early Christians facing persecution, this identification of Jesus as the Lamb provided comfort—the same one who died as a lamb would return as the conquering Lion (Revelation 5:5-6).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the title 'Lamb of God' connect Jesus to the Old Testament sacrificial system, and what does this teach about atonement?
  2. What is the significance of the Lamb taking away 'the sin of the world' rather than merely Israel's sin or individual sins?
  3. How does John the Baptist's declaration challenge expectations of Messiah as conquering king rather than sacrificial lamb?
  4. In what ways does understanding Jesus as both the lamb provided by God and the Lamb who is God deepen appreciation for the cross?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
τοῦ1 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

ἐπαύριον2 of 23

“The next day”

G1887

occurring on the succeeding day, i.e., (g2250 being implied) to-morrow

βλέπει3 of 23

“seeth”

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ4 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

Ἰωάννης5 of 23

“John”

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

τοῦ6 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

Ἰησοῦν7 of 23

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἐρχόμενον8 of 23

“coming”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

πρὸς9 of 23

“unto”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτόν10 of 23

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ11 of 23

“and”

G2532

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

λέγει12 of 23

“saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ἴδε13 of 23
G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τοῦ14 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

ἀμνὸς15 of 23

“the Lamb”

G286

a lamb

τοῦ16 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

θεοῦ17 of 23

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

τοῦ18 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

αἴρων19 of 23

“taketh away”

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

τοῦ20 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

ἁμαρτίαν21 of 23

“the sin”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

τοῦ22 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

κόσμου23 of 23

“of the world”

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

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 1:29 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 1:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 53:71 John 2:21 John 3:51 Peter 1:192 Corinthians 5:211 Peter 2:24

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