John 1:33

33 Even I didn't recognize him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit coming down and resting is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'

John 1:33 Meaning and Commentary

John 1:33

And I knew him not
That is, before he came to be baptized by him; when it was secretly suggested to him who he was, and the following signal was given him, to confirm him in it:

but he that sent me to baptize with water;
or "in water"; that is, God; for John's mission was from God, as in ( John 1:6 ) , and his baptism from heaven; he had a divine warrant and commission for what he did:

the same said unto me;
either by an articulate voice, or by a divine impulse on his mind, or by the revelation of the Spirit:

upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining on him,
the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost;
that is, the Messiah; (See Gill on Matthew 3:11), (See Gill on Matthew 3:16).

John 1:33 In-Context

31 Even I didn't recognize him, but I came baptizing with water so that he might be made known to Israel."

32 John testified, "I saw the Spirit coming down from heaven like a dove, and it rested on him.

33 Even I didn't recognize him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit coming down and resting is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'

34 I have seen and testified that this one is God's Son."

35 The next day John was standing again with two of his disciples.