Commentaries:
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John 1:19-21
When John the Baptist replied, he knew in advance what they were thinking because he knew what the Jews believed in regard to Elijah. This is why he answered, "I am not Elijah." In other words, since he was preaching and doing certain things, they expected that he was Elijah. The definite article is left out: "No. I am not Elijah."
The reason he answers this way is because he probably did not know at this time that he was the Elijah of Malachi 4:5, so he answered honestly the only way he could: "No, I am not the resurrected Elijah."
John W. Ritenbaugh
Prophets and Prophecy (Part Three)Related Topics: Elijah as Type of John the Baptist | Elijah of Malachi | Elijah, Types of | John the Baptist | John the Baptist as Elijah | Spirit and Power of Elijah
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What Does John 1:19 Mean?
John the Baptist knew in advance what the Jews were thinking because he knew their beliefs about Elijah. This is why he answered I am not Elijah. Since he was preaching and doing certain things they expected that he was Elijah. He left out the definite article saying no I am not Elijah because he probably did not know at this time that he was the Elijah of Malachi 4:5 so he answered honestly the only way he could no I am not the resurrected Elijah.