John 1:33

And I knew him not Or, as before, I also knew Him not. The Baptist again protests, that but for a special revelation he was as ignorant as others that Jesus was the Messiah.

he that sent me The special mission of a Prophet. Comp. John 1:6.

the same said unto me Better, he said unto me: see on John 10:1. Whenthis revelation was made we are not told.

and remaining on him Better, and abiding on Him. It is the same word as is used in John 1:32, and one of which S. John is very fond; but our translators have obscured this fact by capriciously varying the translation, sometimes in the same verse (John 1:39, Joh 4:40; 1 John 2:24; 1 John 3:24). Thus, though most often rendered -abide," it is also rendered -remain" (John 9:41; John 15:11; John 15:16), -dwell" (John 1:39; John 6:56; John 14:10; John 14:17), -continue" (John 2:12; John 8:31), -tarry" (John 4:40; John 21:22-23), -endure" (John 6:27), -be present" (John 14:25). In 1 John 2:24 it is translated in threedifferent ways. See on John 15:9.

which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost See on John 14:26. This phrase, introduced without explanation or comment, assumes that the readers of this Gospel are well aware of this office of the Messiah, i.e. are well-instructed Christians. The word baptizethis appropriate, (1) to mark the analogy and contrast between the office of the Baptist and that of the Messiah; (2) because the gift of the Spirit is constantly represented as an out-pouring. -With," as in John 1:26; John 1:31, is literally -in."