John 1:20

20 He did not refuse to answer, but he declared: "I am not the Messiah."

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. The One and Only Son- the One who is at the Father's side- He has revealed Him.
19 This is John's testimony when the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, "Who are you?"
20 He did not refuse to answer, but he declared: "I am not the Messiah."
21 "What then?" they asked him. "Are you Elijah?" "I am not," he said. "Are you the Prophet?" "No," he answered.
22 "Who are you, then?" they asked. "We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What can you tell us about yourself?"
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