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◄ John 1:22►

New International Version
Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

New Living Translation
“Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?”

English Standard Version
So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

Berean Standard Bible
So they said to him, “Who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore they said to him, "Who are you, that we might give an answer to those having sent us? What do you say about yourself?"

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

New King James Version
Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?”

New American Standard Bible
Then they said to him, “Who are you?Tell us, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

NASB 1995
Then they said to him, “Who are you, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?”

NASB 1977
They said then to him, “Who are you, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?”

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore, they said to him, “Who are you, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?”

Amplified Bible
Then they said to him, “Who are you?Tell us, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

Christian Standard Bible
“Who are you, then? ” they asked. “We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What can you tell us about yourself? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Who are you, then?” they asked. “We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What can you tell us about yourself?”

American Standard Version
They said therefore unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?

Contemporary English Version
Finally, they said, "Who are you then? We have to give an answer to the ones who sent us. Tell us who you are!"

English Revised Version
They said therefore unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So they asked him, "Who are you? Tell us so that we can take an answer back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"

Good News Translation
"Then tell us who you are," they said. "We have to take an answer back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"

International Standard Version
"Who are you?" they asked him. "We must give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"

NET Bible
Then they said to him, "Who are you? Tell us so that we can give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"

New Heart English Bible
They said therefore to him, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"

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

Weymouth New Testament
So they pressed the question. "Who are you?" they said--"that we may take an answer to those who sent us. What account do you give of yourself?"

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
So they said to him, “Who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

World English Bible
They said therefore to him, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those sending us? What do you say concerning yourself?”

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore they said to him, "Who are you, that we might give an answer to those having sent us? What do you say about yourself?"

Young's Literal Translation
They said then to him, 'Who art thou, that we may give an answer to those sending us? what dost thou say concerning thyself?'

Smith's Literal Translation
Then said they to him, Who art thou? that we might give answer to them having sent us. What sayest thou for thyself?

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
They said therefore unto him: Who art thou, that we may give an answer to them that sent us? What sayest thou of thyself?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, they said to him: “Who are you, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?”

New American Bible
So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?”

New Revised Standard Version
Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Then they said to him, Who are you? so that we may give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say concerning yourself?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And they said to him, “And who are you? Tell us that we may give a statement to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
They then said to him: Who are you? that we may give an answer to those who sent us; what say you of yourself?

Godbey New Testament
And he responded, No. Then they said to him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to those having sent us. What do you say concerning yourself?

Haweis New Testament
Then said they to him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to those who sent us: What description givest thou of thyself?

Mace New Testament
said they to him, who then art thou? that we may give an answer to those that sent us: what sayst thou of thy self?

Weymouth New Testament
So they pressed the question. "Who are you?" they said--"that we may take an answer to those who sent us. What account do you give of yourself?"

Worrell New Testament
They said therefore, to him, "Who are you? that we may give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say concerning yourself?"

Worsley New Testament
Therefore said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us: What dost thou say of thy self?

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Mission of John the Baptist
…21“Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.”22So they said to him,“Who are you?We need an answer for those who sent us.What do you say about yourself?”23John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet: “I am a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’ ”…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Isaiah 40:3
A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert.

Malachi 3:1
“Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts.

Matthew 3:3
This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”

Mark 1:3
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”

Luke 3:4
as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.

John 1:19-21
And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” / He did not refuse to confess, but openly declared, “I am not the Christ.” / “Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.”

John 1:23
John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet: “I am a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”

John 1:25
asked him, “Why then do you baptize, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”

John 5:33
You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth.

John 8:25
“Who are You?” they asked. “Just what I have been telling you from the beginning,” Jesus replied.

Matthew 11:9-11
What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. / This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.’ / Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Mark 11:29-30
“I will ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. / John’s baptism—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me!”

Luke 7:26-28
What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. / This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.’ / I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John, yet even the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

Acts 13:25
As John was completing his course, he said, ‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not that One. But there is One coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’

Acts 19:4
Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”

Treasury of Scripture

Then said they to him, Who are you? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What say you of yourself?

that.

2 Samuel 24:13
So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be three days' pestilence in thy land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.

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John 1

1.The divinity, humanity, office, and incarnation of Jesus Christ.
15.The testimony of John.
39.The calling of Simon and Andrew, Philip and Nathanael

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

So they said to him, “Who are you?
This question is posed by the priests and Levites sent from Jerusalem to John the Baptist. It reflects the religious leaders' concern about John's identity and authority. In the context of first-century Judea, many were anticipating the arrival of the Messiah, and John's ministry of baptism and repentance had stirred significant interest. The question echoes the broader theme of identity and authority found throughout the Gospel of John, where Jesus' identity is progressively revealed.

We need an answer for those who sent us.
The religious leaders were under pressure to report back to the Sanhedrin, the ruling council in Jerusalem. This reflects the hierarchical structure of Jewish religious authority at the time, where the Sanhedrin held significant power and influence. The need for an answer underscores the urgency and importance of John's activities, which were seen as potentially messianic or prophetic, thus requiring official scrutiny.

What do you say about yourself?”
This question invites John the Baptist to clarify his role and mission. It highlights the theme of testimony, which is central to the Gospel of John. John the Baptist's response, which follows in the subsequent verses, emphasizes his role as a forerunner to Christ, fulfilling the prophecy ofIsaiah 40:3. This question also sets the stage for John's declaration of Jesus as the Lamb of God, pointing to the fulfillment of Old Testament sacrificial imagery and messianic prophecy.

Persons / Places / Events

1.John the Baptist
A key prophetic figure who prepared the way for Jesus Christ. Known for his baptism of repentance and his role in identifying Jesus as the Messiah.

2.The Priests and Levites
Religious leaders sent from Jerusalem to question John the Baptist about his identity and authority. They were concerned with maintaining religious order and authority.

3.Jerusalem
The central city of Jewish worship and religious authority, from where the priests and Levites were sent.

4.The Wilderness
The setting where John the Baptist conducted his ministry, symbolizing a place of spiritual preparation and encounter with God.

5.The Pharisees
A religious sect known for strict adherence to the Law. They were often in opposition to Jesus and His teachings, and they were part of the group questioning John.

Teaching Points

Identity in Christ
Just as John the Baptist knew his role and identity in God's plan, believers are called to understand and embrace their identity in Christ.

Witnessing with Humility
John the Baptist's response to the religious leaders was marked by humility and clarity. Christians are encouraged to witness about Christ with the same humility and confidence.

Preparation for Christ's Coming
John the Baptist's ministry was about preparing hearts for Jesus. Believers today are called to prepare their hearts and the hearts of others for Christ's return.

Answering Questions of Faith
Like John, Christians should be ready to give an answer for their faith, rooted in Scripture and personal testimony.

Role of Prophecy
Understanding the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the New Testament strengthens faith and provides a deeper understanding of God's redemptive plan.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of John 1:22?

2.How does John 1:22 challenge us to clarify our identity in Christ?

3.Why is it important to know "what you say about yourself"?

4.How can John 1:22 inspire us to witness boldly for Jesus today?

5.What Old Testament prophecies connect to John the Baptist's role in John 1:22?

6.How can we prepare to answer questions about our faith like John did?

7.What is the significance of John 1:22 in understanding John the Baptist's role?

8.How does John 1:22 challenge our perception of identity and purpose?

9.Why did the priests and Levites question John in John 1:22?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 1?

11.Matthew 5:22 - How does equating anger with murder align with other biblical texts where anger seems acceptable (e.g., John 2:15)?

12.In John 9:18-23, is there any historical or external evidence that confirms the parents' testimony?

13.How does James 4:2-3 reconcile the promise of answered prayer with the many unanswered prayers observed in reality?

14.Will you come, Lord Jesus?

What Does John 1:22 Mean

So they said to him,

The delegation of priests and Levites has already pressed John the Baptist about whether he is the Christ, Elijah, or “the Prophet” (John 1:19–21). Their persistence shows official concern from Jerusalem over his ministry in the wilderness, echoing how religious leaders later scrutinize Jesus (John 2:18;John 5:33). Because every word of Scripture is accurate and purposeful, this opening phrase reminds us:

• John’s preaching drew attention that could not be ignored, much like Elijah before Ahab (1 Kings 18:17) and later Paul before Agrippa (Acts 25:23–24).

• God often positions faithful witnesses to confront complacent religion with the call to repentance (Malachi 3:1).

“Who are you?”

Their blunt question reflects a deep uneasiness. They sense prophetic authority but cannot categorize him. Scripture records similar moments:

• Pharaoh demanded Moses’ credentials (Exodus 5:2).

• The Sanhedrin pressed Peter and John, “By what power or what name did you do this?” (Acts 4:7).

• Jesus’ own identity would become the central issue of His earthly ministry (John 8:25).

Because Scripture is literal and true, these encounters highlight the world’s perennial challenge: dealing with God’s messengers forces a decision (John 3:19–21).

We need an answer for those who sent us.

Their motivation is institutional. They are accountable to the religious hierarchy, not to God’s revelation through the prophet standing before them. Cross references emphasize this contrast:

• Saul feared the people’s opinion more than God’s command (1 Samuel 15:24).

• The healed blind man’s parents deferred to the authorities “for fear of the Jews” (John 9:22).

• Later, Pilate sought to satisfy the crowd rather than uphold justice (Mark 15:15).

These examples underscore how human systems, when untethered from submission to God, value reports over repentance.

What do you say about yourself?

Having exhausted labels, they invite John to define his own ministry. John’s forthcoming answer—“I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness” (John 1:23, quotingIsaiah 40:3)—shows Scripture fulfilling Scripture, a literal alignment that bolsters confidence in prophetic accuracy. Related passages reinforce this pattern:

• Isaiah’s prophecy framed Cyrus’s rise long before his birth (Isaiah 44:28–45:1).

• Jesus readIsaiah 61:1–2 and declared, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21).

• Peter pointed toJoel 2 on Pentecost as a present reality (Acts 2:16).

Every time God’s servants identify themselves by the Word rather than personal ambition, the focus remains on the coming Messiah, not the messenger (John 3:30).

summary

John 1:22 records a four-fold interrogation that exposes hearts. The delegation’s need for tidy categories contrasts with John’s God-given identity rooted in prophecy. Scripture faithfully documents this exchange to show that authentic ministry answers to God’s Word, not human approval, and that every earnest question about identity ultimately prepares the way for Christ, “the true Light who gives light to every man” (John 1:9).

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(22)That we may give an answer.--He has given the "No" to all the ideas they had formed of him. There is nothing left to them but to draw the definite statement from himself, or to return to their senders empty handed.

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 22, 23. -

(2)He defines his position, positively.Verse 22. -They said therefore (note the demonstrative force ofοϋν)to him (as a consequence of his repeated threefold negative),Who art thou? Explain yourself,that we may give an answer to those who sent us (see note,John 20:21, on the two verbsἀποστέλλω andπέμπω);What sayest thou concerning thyself? Our suppositions about thee are all repudiated one by one, hast thou any information to render to the supreme court of judicature?

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

So
οὖν(oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767:Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

they said
Εἶπαν(Eipan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

to him,
αὐτῷ(autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

“Who
Τίς(Tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5101:Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

are you?
εἶ(ei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

We need
δῶμεν(dōmen)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1325:To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

an answer
ἀπόκρισιν(apokrisin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 612:An answer, reply. From apokrinomai; a response.

for those
τοῖς(tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

who sent
πέμψασιν(pempsasin)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3992:To send, transmit, permit to go, put forth.

us.
ἡμᾶς(hēmas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

What
τί(ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101:Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

do you say
λέγεις(legeis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

about
περὶ(peri)
Preposition
Strong's 4012:From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.

yourself?”
σεαυτοῦ(seautou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4572:Of yourself.

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NT Gospels: John 1:22 They said therefore to him Who (Jhn Jo Jn)