John the Baptist responds with humility to these lofty expectations: he is not the central figure but the one sent before Christ.
John 1:21 describes the continued interrogation of John the Baptist by the priests and Levites. In it, they persist in asking him about his true identity: “They asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ And he said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ And he answered, ‘No.’” (v.21) By confronting John in this way, they seek to understand whether his ministry and message fulfill the prophecies about Elijah’s future appearance (Malachi 4:5) or the promise of a great prophet to come (Deuteronomy 18:15). John categorically denies he is either, reiterating that he is merely the voice sent to prepare the way for the Messiah.
First, the reference to “Are you Elijah?” (v.21) connects to the Jewish expectation that the prophet Elijah (who ministered in Israel around the 9th century BC under King Ahab) would precede the arrival of the Messiah. Though John was not literally Elijah returned from heaven, Jesus later explained that John came in the “spirit and power” of Elijah (Luke 1:17), symbolically fulfilling that role. Here, however, John clarifies he is not the same person as Elijah, indicating he has a distinct mission that still points people toward repentance and readiness for Christ’s coming.
Next, the question “Are you the Prophet?” (v.21) hearkens back to Moses’ prophecy of a future prophet who would arise and speak God’s words (Deuteronomy 18:15). Many in Israel looked for an individual who might replicate Moses’ leadership and usher in God’s kingdom. John again rejects that title, stressing his role is not final or ultimate but rather transitional—he is preparing the nation to meet the genuine Messiah. In denying both Elijah and “the Prophet,” John emphasizes that he is neither of these prophesied figures but the forerunner who clears the path for the One who is greater.
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John 1:21 meaning
John 1:21 describes the continued interrogation of John the Baptist by the priests and Levites. In it, they persist in asking him about his true identity: “They asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ And he said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ And he answered, ‘No.’” (v.21) By confronting John in this way, they seek to understand whether his ministry and message fulfill the prophecies about Elijah’s future appearance (Malachi 4:5) or the promise of a great prophet to come (Deuteronomy 18:15). John categorically denies he is either, reiterating that he is merely the voice sent to prepare the way for the Messiah.
First, the reference to “Are you Elijah?” (v.21) connects to the Jewish expectation that the prophet Elijah (who ministered in Israel around the 9th century BC under King Ahab) would precede the arrival of the Messiah. Though John was not literally Elijah returned from heaven, Jesus later explained that John came in the “spirit and power” of Elijah (Luke 1:17), symbolically fulfilling that role. Here, however, John clarifies he is not the same person as Elijah, indicating he has a distinct mission that still points people toward repentance and readiness for Christ’s coming.
Next, the question “Are you the Prophet?” (v.21) hearkens back to Moses’ prophecy of a future prophet who would arise and speak God’s words (Deuteronomy 18:15). Many in Israel looked for an individual who might replicate Moses’ leadership and usher in God’s kingdom. John again rejects that title, stressing his role is not final or ultimate but rather transitional—he is preparing the nation to meet the genuine Messiah. In denying both Elijah and “the Prophet,” John emphasizes that he is neither of these prophesied figures but the forerunner who clears the path for the One who is greater.