John 1:20

20 He did not refuse to confess, but openly declared, “I am not the Christ.”

John 1:20 Meaning and Commentary

John 1:20

And he confessed, and denied not
He freely, and without any reserve, declared, and in the plainest and strongest terms professed to the messengers before all the people, that he was not the Messiah; nor did he retract his confession, or draw in his words again, or drop any thing that looked doubtful or suspicious; but confessed, I am not the Christ:
he stood to it, and insisted on it, that he was not that illustrious person; nor had they any reason to entertain such an opinion of him; nor would he have them do so; they might assure themselves he was not Christ.

John 1:20 In-Context

18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known.

19 And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?”

20 He did not refuse to confess, but openly declared, “I am not the Christ.”

21 “Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.”

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