John 1:20 - Forerunner Commentary

John 1:20

18 ^aNo one has seen God at any time. ^bThe only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

19 Now this is ^athe testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”

20 ^aHe confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.”

21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you ^athe Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”

22 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?”

23 He said: ^a“I am
^b‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
“Make straight the way of the Lord,” ’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

Verse Comparison: John 1:20

American Standard Version
And he confessed, and denied not; and he confessed, I am not the Christ.

Amplified® Bible
He confessed (admitted the truth) and did not try to conceal it, but acknowledged, I am not the Christ!

Contemporary English Version
(SEE 1:19)

Darby English Version
And he acknowledged and denied not, and acknowledged, I am not the Christ.

Good News Bible
John did not refuse to answer, but spoke out openly and clearly, saying: "I am not the Messiah."

International Standard Version
He spoke openly and did not deny it, but confessed, "I am not the Christ."

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

New American Standard Bible
And he confessed and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ."

New International Version
He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Christ."

New King James Version
He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.”

N.A.S.B. in E-Prime
And he confessed and did not deny, but confessed, "I do not hold the office of the Christ."

Young's Literal Translation
and he confessed and did not deny, and confessed -- `I am not the Christ.'

New English Translation
He confessed – he did not deny but confessed – “I am not the Christ!”¹