Definition: This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this famous verse from John 1:30. It’s often misunderstood, so let’s tackle it piece by piece. Here’s what it means in simple terms: “This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.” "This is he of whom I said..." – This refers to Jesus Christ. John, the author of this passage, was saying something important. "...After me cometh a man which is preferred before me:" – John is comparing Jesus to someone who comes before him. He’s suggesting that Jesus wasn't just any person; he was special and better than any other person who ever lived. "For he was before me." - This is the key part! John says, “He was before me.” This means Jesus existed before time began. He wasn’t created later; he was already God in the beginning. What does this verse tell us about Jesus? The Bible generally interprets this as a powerful statement of Jesus' unique relationship with God and his divine nature. It emphasizes: His Divinity: Jesus is fully God – He is both fully human and fully God. His Position in Time: Because he was before time, he was the first being created. Important Note: This verse is a complex one that has been interpreted differently throughout history. It’s often seen as a foundational statement about Jesus' importance and his special place in the plan of God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with examples? Discuss its significance within the context of the Bible? Answer any specific questions you have about it?