John 1:31 kjv — And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

King James Version

"And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water."

— John 1:31, King James Version

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

John 1:31 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

John 1 — Context

28

These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

29

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

30

This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

31

And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

32

And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

33

And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

34

And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

John 1:31 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does John 1:31 say?
John 1:31 in the King James Version reads: “And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.”
Where is John 1:31 in the Bible?
John 1:31 is found in the New Testament, in the book of John, chapter 1, verse 31.
Who wrote John?
John is traditionally attributed to John the Apostle, son of Zebedee. It was written c. AD 85–95.
What is the book of John about?
John's Gospel opens not in Bethlehem but "in the beginning," declaring Jesus to be the eternal Word made flesh. Through seven sign-miracles and seven "I AM" sayings, it presents Jesus as the bread, the light, the way, and the resurrection — that we might believe and have life in his name.
What are the major themes of John?
John explores themes including Word Made Flesh, Belief, Eternal Life, I AM, Love. These themes shape the meaning and context of John 1:31.
What translation should I read John 1:31 in?
John 1:31 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize John 1:31?
John 1:31 reads (KJV): “And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2