John 1:27

27 He comes after me, but he is not in second place to me. I'm not even worthy to hold his coat for him."

John 1:27 Meaning and Commentary

John 1:27

He it is who coming after me
Both into the world, and into the ministry of the word; for John was before Christ, in both these respects, though greatly behind him in others, and therefore he adds, is preferred before me:
being not only of a more excellent nature, the Son of God, and of an higher extract, the Lord from heaven; but in an higher office, and having greater gifts, and the Spirit of God without measure on him; and also being more followed by the people; for John decreased, but he increased: or rather the words may be rendered, who was before me; being the eternal Son of God, whose goings forth were of old, from everlasting; who was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was; the firstborn, or first bringer forth of every creature; and therefore must be before all things, which are created by him; (See Gill on John 1:15). Whose shoes latchet I am not worthy to unloose;
which was one of the meanest services done by a servant to his master; (See Gill on Matthew 3:11).

John 1:27 In-Context

25 Now they had a question of their own: "If you're neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet, why do you baptize?"

26 John answered, "I only baptize using water. A person you don't recognize has taken his stand in your midst.

27 He comes after me, but he is not in second place to me. I'm not even worthy to hold his coat for him."

28 These conversations took place in Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing at the time.

29 The very next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and yelled out,