King James Version

What Does John 1:33 Mean?

John 1:33 in the King James Version says “And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spiri... — study this verse from John chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

John 1:33 · KJV


Context

31

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

32

And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

33

And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

34

And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

35

Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God gave John a specific sign: the one on whom the Spirit descends and remains is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. This contrasts John's water baptism (preparatory, external) with Christ's Spirit baptism (regenerating, internal). The Reformed understanding sees Spirit baptism as the application of redemption, incorporating believers into Christ's body and sealing them for salvation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The promise of Spirit baptism fulfills Old Testament prophecies (Joel 2:28-29, Ezekiel 36:26-27) and John the Baptist's own predictions. This would be realized at Pentecost (Acts 2) and in every subsequent conversion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Spirit baptism differ from and transcend water baptism in its efficacy?
  2. What does it mean that Christ is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit, and how have you experienced this?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 32 words
κἀγὼ1 of 32

And I

G2504

so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.

οὐκ2 of 32

not

G3756

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

ἴδῃς3 of 32

knew

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

αὐτόν4 of 32

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

ἀλλ'5 of 32

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

6 of 32
G3588

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

πέμψας7 of 32

he that sent

G3992

to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term

με8 of 32

me

G3165

me

βαπτίζων9 of 32

he which baptizeth

G907

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

ἐν10 of 32

with

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ὕδατι11 of 32

water

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

ἐκεῖνός12 of 32

the same

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

μοι13 of 32

unto me

G3427

to me

εἶπεν14 of 32

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ἐπ'15 of 32

Upon

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ὃν16 of 32

whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἂν17 of 32
G302

whatsoever

ἴδῃς18 of 32

knew

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

τὸ19 of 32
G3588

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

πνεύματι20 of 32

Ghost

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

καταβαῖνον21 of 32

descending

G2597

to descend (literally or figuratively)

καὶ22 of 32

and

G2532

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

μένον23 of 32

remaining

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

ἐπ'24 of 32

Upon

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

αὐτόν25 of 32

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

οὗτός26 of 32

the same

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐστιν27 of 32

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

28 of 32
G3588

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

βαπτίζων29 of 32

he which baptizeth

G907

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

ἐν30 of 32

with

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πνεύματι31 of 32

Ghost

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἁγίῳ32 of 32

the Holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)


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 1:33 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 1:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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