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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadCambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - John 5:35 - 5:35
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35. ἐκεῖνος κ.τ.λ. The A.V. is here grievously wrong, ignoring the Greek article twice over, and also the meaning of the words; and thus obscuring the marked difference between the Baptist and the Messiah: better, he was the lamp which is kindled and (so) shineth. Christ is the Light; John is only the lamp kindled at the Light, and shining only after being so kindled, having no light but what is derived. Λύχνος is again rendered ‘light’ Mat 6:22, but ‘candle’ Mat 5:15; Mar 4:21; Luk 8:16; Luk 11:33; Luk 11:36; Luk 15:8; Rev 18:23; Rev 22:5. ‘Lamp’ would be best in all places. No O.T. prophecy speaks of the Baptist under this figure. David is so called 2Sa 21:17 (see margin), and Elijah (Sir 48:1); and S. Augustine applies ἡτοίμασα τῷ Χριστῷ μου λύχνον, paravi lucernam Christo Meo (Psa 132:18), to the Baptist. The imperfects in this verse seem to imply that John’s career is closed; he is in prison, if not dead.
ἠθελ. ἀγαλλ. Like children, they were glad to disport themselves in the blaze, instead of seriously considering its meaning. And even that only for a season: their pilgrimages to the banks of the Jordan had soon ended; when John began to preach repentance they left him, sated with the novelty and offended at his doctrine.—For another charge of frivolity and fickleness against them in reference to John comp. Mat 11:16-19.