The Meaning of John 1:36 Explained

John 1:36

KJV: And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

YLT: and having looked on Jesus walking, he saith, 'Lo, the Lamb of God;'

Darby: And, looking at Jesus as he walked, he says, Behold the Lamb of God.

ASV: and he looked upon Jesus as he walked, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God!

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  looking upon  Jesus  as he walked,  he saith,  Behold  the Lamb  of God! 

What does John 1:36 Mean?

Context Summary

John 1:35-42 - How Jesus Wins Followers
On this third day John again looked eagerly and wistfully on Jesus as He walked. He spoke of Him again as God's Lamb, and there was a significance in His words that was instantly detected by the two disciples-probably John and Andrew-who stood beside him. He intended to transfer their allegiance from himself to the Lord. Henceforth they were to behold Him. So, at least, they understood it. We are told that they followed Jesus. As the preacher watched their retreating figures and realized that His work was done, he had no feeling of jealousy or regret. He was the bridegroom's friend, and rejoiced greatly to hear His voice, John 3:29. Notice how our Lord develops men. He invites them to His familiar friendship-Come and see, and He looks deep down into their hearts, detecting capacities and possibilities that were hidden even from themselves, but which He helps them to realize: Thou shalt be called Cephas, a "rock." [source]

Chapter Summary: 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

Greek Commentary for John 1:36

He looked [εμβλεπσας]
First aorist active participle of εμβλεπω — emblepō antecedent action before λεγει — legei (says). As he walked Present active participle in dative case after εμβλεπσας — emblepsas and like ερχομενον — erchomenon in John 1:29 vividly pictures the rapture of John in this vision of Jesus, so far as we know the third and last glimpse of Jesus by John (the baptism, John 1:29, and here). Saith Historical present, change from ιστηκει — histēkei before. He repeats part of the tribute in John 1:29. [source]
Looking [ἐμβλέψας]
Rev., giving the force of the aorist, and he looked. See on John 1:29. The verb is used by John only here and John 1:42. [source]
As He walked [περιπατοῦντι]
The verb literally means to walk about ( περί ). Here, possibly, walking along. Westcott, “walking away.” See on 1 Peter 5:8; see on Luke 11:44. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 1:36

John 1:42 Beheld []
The same word as in John 1:36, on which see Rev., looked upon. [source]
John 1:29 The Lamb [ὁ ἀμνὸς]
The word occurs in John only here and in John 1:36. Also in Acts 8:32; 1 Peter 1:19. The diminutive ἀρνίον , a little lamb, is found once in the Gospel (John 21:15), often in Revelation, but only of the glorified Redeemer, and nowhere else in the New Testament. In some instances the word may emphasize the gentle and innocent character of Jesus suffering to expiate the sins of men (Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:12; Revelation 13:8); but it is also employed in describing Him as indignant (Revelation 6:16); as victorious (Revelation 17:4); as the object of adoration (Revelation 5:8); and as enthroned (Revelation 5:13; Revelation 7:17). The term, the Lamb of God (note the article), is evidently used here by the Baptist in some sense understood by his hearers, and points to Isaiah 53:7; compare Acts 8:32. The reference is probably to the Paschal lamb, though commentators differ. [source]
John 1:29 On the morrow [τηι επαυριον]
Locative case with ημηραι — hēmērāi (day) understood after the adverb επαυριον — epaurion “Second day of this spiritual diary” (Bernard) from John 1:19. Seeth Jesus coming Dramatic historical present indicative Graphic picture. Behold the Lamb of God Exclamation ιδε — ide like ιδου — idou not verb, and so nominative αμνος — amnos Common idiom in John (John 1:36; John 3:26, etc.). For “the Lamb of God” see 1 Corinthians 5:7 (cf. John 19:36) and 1 Peter 1:19. The passage in Isaiah 53:6. is directly applied to Christ by Philip in Acts 8:32. See also Matthew 8:17; 1 Peter 2:22.; Hebrews 9:28. But the Jews did not look for a suffering Messiah (John 12:34) nor did the disciples at first (Mark 9:32; Luke 24:21). But was it not possible for John, the Forerunner of the Messiah, to have a prophetic insight concerning the Messiah as the Paschal Lamb, already in Isaiah 53:1-12, even if the rabbis did not see it there? Symeon had it dimly (Luke 2:35), but John more clearly. So Westcott rightly. Bernard is unwilling to believe that John the Baptist had more insight on this point than current Judaism. Then why and how did he recognize Jesus as Messiah at all? Certainly the Baptist did not have to be as ignorant as the rabbis. Which taketh away the sin of the world Note singular αμαρτιαν — hamartian not plural αμαρτιας — hamartias (1 John 3:5) where same verb αιρω — airō to bear away, is used. The future work of the Lamb of God here described in present tense as in 1 John 1:7 about the blood of Christ. He is the Lamb of God for the world, not just for Jews. [source]
John 1:32 Bare witness [εμαρτυρησεν]
First aorist active indicative of μαρτυρεω — martureō Another specimen of John‘s witness to the Messiah (John 1:7, John 1:15, John 1:19, John 1:29, John 1:35, John 1:36). I have beheld Perfect middle indicative of τεαομαι — theaomai the realization of the promise of the sign (John 1:33) by which he should recognize the Messiah. As a matter of fact, we know that he so recognized Jesus as Messiah when he came for baptism before the Holy Spirit came (Matthew 3:14.). But this sight of the Spirit descending as a dove upon Jesus at his baptism (Mark 1:10; Matthew 3:16; Luke 3:22) became permanent proof to him. John‘s allusion assumes the Synoptic record. The Semites regarded the dove as a symbol of the Spirit. [source]
John 1:42 Looked upon him [εμβλεπσας αυτωι]
See John 1:36 for same word and form of John‘s eager gaze at Jesus. Luke uses this word of Jesus when Peter denied him (Luke 22:61). He brought him Effective second aorist active indicative of αγο — ago as if Andrew had to overcome some resistance on Simon‘s part. Thou shalt be called Cephas Apparently before Simon spoke. We do not know whether Jesus had seen Simon before or not, but he at once gives him a nickname that will characterize him some day, though not yet, when he makes the noble confession (Matthew 16:17.), and Jesus will say, “Thou art Peter.” Here the future passive indicative of καλεω — kaleō is only prophecy. The Aramaic Χηπας — Cēphās (rock) is only applied to Simon in John except by Paul (1 Corinthians 1:12; Galatians 1:18, etc.). But the Greek Πετρος — Petros is used by all. In the ancient Greek πετρα — petra was used for the massive ledge of rock like Stone Mountain while πετρος — petros was a detached fragment of the ledge, though itself large. This distinction may exist in Matthew 16:17., except that Jesus probably used Aramaic which would not have such a distinction. [source]
1 Peter 1:19 As of a lamb [ως αμνου]
This word occurs in Leviticus 12:8; Numbers 15:11; Deuteronomy 14:4 of the lamb prescribed for the passover sacrifice (Exodus 12:5). John the Baptist applies it to Jesus (John 1:29, John 1:36). It occurs also in Acts 8:32 quoted from Isaiah 53:7. Undoubtedly both the Baptist and Peter have this passage in mind. Elsewhere in the N.T. αρνιον — arnion is used of Christ (Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:12). Jesus is the Paschal Lamb. Peter sees clearly that it was by the blood of Christ that we are redeemed from sin.Without blemish (αμωμου — amōmou). Without (alpha privative) spot (μωμος — mōmos) as the paschal lamb had to be (Leviticus 22:21). So Hebrews 9:14.Without spot Without (alpha privative) stain Genitive case with αιματι — haimati but in unusual position for emphasis and clearness with the participles following. [source]
Revelation 5:6 A Lamb [ἀρνίον]
The diminutive, very frequent in Revelation, and once in the Gospel of John (John 21:15). Nowhere else in the New Testament. Compare Isaiah 53:7; John 1:29, John 1:36. Christ had just been spoken of as a lion. He now appears as a lamb. Some interpreters emphasize the idea of gentleness, others that of sacrifice. [source]
Revelation 5:6 A Lamb [αρνιον]
Elsewhere in the N.T. ο αμνος — ho amnos is used of Christ (John 1:29, John 1:36; Acts 8:32; 1 Peter 1:19 like Isaiah 53:7), but in the Apocalypse το αρνιον — to arnion occurs for the Crucified Christ 29 times in twelve chapters. [source]
Revelation 5:6 In the midst [εν μεσωι]
See Revelation 4:6 for this idiom. It is not quite clear where the Lamb was standing in the vision, whether close to the throne or in the space between the throne and the elders (perhaps implied by “came” in Revelation 5:7, but nearness to the throne is implied by Revelation 14:1; Acts 7:56; Hebrews 10:11).A Lamb (αρνιον — arnion). Elsewhere in the N.T. ο αμνος — ho amnos is used of Christ (John 1:29, John 1:36; Acts 8:32; 1 Peter 1:19 like Isaiah 53:7), but in the Apocalypse το αρνιον — to arnion occurs for the Crucified Christ 29 times in twelve chapters.Standing Second perfect active (intransitive of ιστημι — histēmi) neuter accusative singular (grammatical gender like αρνιον — arnion), though some MSS. read εστηκως — hestēkōs (natural gender masculine and nominative in spite of ειδον — eidon construction according to sense).As though it had been slain (ως εσπαγμενον — hōs esphagmenon). Perfect passive predicate participle of σπαζω — sphazō old word, in N.T. only in Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:9, Revelation 5:12; Revelation 6:4, Revelation 6:9; Revelation 13:3; Revelation 18:24; 1 John 3:12. ως — Hōs (as if) is used because the Lamb is now alive, but (in appearance) with the marks of the sacrifice. The Christ as the Lamb is both sacrifice and Priest (Hebrews 9:12.; Hebrews 10:11).Having Construction according to sense again with masculine nominative participle instead of εχοντα — echonta (masculine accusative singular) or εχον — echon (neuter accusative singular). Seven horns Fulness of power (the All-powerful one) is symbolized by seven.Seven eyes (οπταλμους επτα — ophthalmous hepta). Like Zechariah 3:9; Zechariah 4:10 and denotes here, as there, omniscience. Here they are identified with the seven Spirits of Christ, while in Revelation 1:4 the seven Spirits are clearly the Holy Spirit of God (Revelation 3:1), and blaze like torches (Revelation 4:5), like the eyes of Christ (Revelation 1:14). The Holy Spirit is both Spirit of God and of Christ (Romans 8:9).Sent forth Perfect passive predicate participle of αποστελλω — apostellō masculine plural (agreeing with οι — hoi and οπταλμους — ophthalmous in gender), but some MSS. have απεσταλμενα — apestalmena agreeing with the nearer πνευματα — pneumata f0). [source]

What do the individual words in John 1:36 mean?

And having looked at - Jesus walking he says Behold the Lamb - of God
καὶ ἐμβλέψας τῷ Ἰησοῦ περιπατοῦντι λέγει Ἴδε Ἀμνὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ

ἐμβλέψας  having  looked  at 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ἐμβλέπω  
Sense: to turn one’s eyes on.
τῷ  - 
Parse: Article, Dative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Ἰησοῦ  Jesus 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰησοῦς  
Sense: Joshua was the famous captain of the Israelites, Moses’ successor.
περιπατοῦντι  walking 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: περιπατέω  
Sense: to walk.
λέγει  he  says 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: λέγω 
Sense: to say, to speak.
Ἴδε  Behold 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Imperative Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: ἰδού  
Sense: behold, see, lo.
Ἀμνὸς  Lamb 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ἀμνός  
Sense: a lamb.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Θεοῦ  of  God 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.

What are the major concepts related to John 1:36?

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