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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - John 5:35 - 5:35
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
He (ekeinos). “That one” (John of Joh 5:33). Common demonstrative (that one) in John to point out the subject. Used in Joh 1:8 of the Baptist as here. John was now in prison and so Christ uses ēn (was). His active ministry is over.
The lamp (ho luchnos). The lamp in the room (Mar 4:21). Old word for lamp or candle as in Mat 5:15. Used of Christ (the Lamb) as the Lamp of the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:23). Lampas (Mat 25:1, Mat 25:3, etc.) is a torch whose wick is fed with oil. The Baptist was not the Light (to phōs, Joh 1:8), but a lamp shining in the darkness. “When the Light comes, the lamp is no longer needed” (Bernard). “Non Lux iste, sed lucerna.” Jesus by his own claim is the Light of the World (Joh 8:12; Joh 9:5; Joh 12:46). And yet all believers are in a sense “the light of the world” (Mat 5:14) since the world gets the Light of Christ through us.
That burneth (ho kaiomenos). See Mat 5:15 for this verb used with luchnos (lighting a candle or lamp). The lamp that is lit and is burning (present passive participle of kaiō, and so is consumed).
And shineth (kai phainōn). See Joh 1:4 for this verb used of the Logos shining in the darkness. Cf. 1Jo 2:8. John was giving light as he burned for those in darkness like these Jews.
And ye were willing (humeis de ēthelēsate). “But ye became willing.” Ingressive aorist active indicative of thelō. Reference again to Joh 1:19. Cf. also for the temporary popularity of the Baptist Mar 1:5; Mat 3:5; Mat 11:7; Mat 21:26. The Jews were attracted to John “like moths to a candle” (Bernard).
To rejoice (agalliathēnai). First aorist passive infinitive of agalliaomai, late word for agallomai for which see Mat 5:12. “They were attracted by his brightness, not by his warmth” (Bengel). Even so the brightness of John’s shining did not really enlighten their minds. “The interest in the Baptist was a frivolous, superficial, and short-lived excitement” (Vincent). It was only “for an hour” (pros hōran) when they turned against him.