John 1:29
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
King James Version (KJV)
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This verse takes place by the Jordan, where John the Baptist had been baptizing. As Jesus approaches, John identifies him to the crowd, marking the beginning of Jesus' public recognition.
What Does John 1:29 Mean?
John 1:29 captures the moment John the Baptist points to Jesus and announces, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." In a single sentence, the forerunner sums up who Jesus is and what he came to do, turning every eye away from himself and toward the one he was sent to proclaim.
The title "Lamb of God" is rich with meaning for anyone who knew the Scriptures. It recalls the Passover lamb whose blood spared God's people, and the lambs offered in the temple as sacrifices for sin. By calling Jesus the Lamb, John signals that Jesus is the true sacrifice toward which all those earlier offerings pointed. The phrase "which taketh away the sin of the world" describes his mission: he lifts away and carries off the burden of sin. And the scope is vast -- not the sin of one nation only, but "the sin of the world." The word "Behold" is an invitation to look, to fix attention on Jesus. John's whole ministry comes to its purpose here: to make people see the Lamb God himself has provided to take away what no one could remove on their own.
In the Original Language
The Greek "amnos tou theou" means "Lamb of God," evoking the sacrificial lambs of Israel's worship. The verb "airo" (taketh away) means to lift up and carry off, describing the removal of sin's burden.
Cross References
“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.”
- Isaiah 53:7
“But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:”
- 1 Peter 1:19
“Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.”
- Revelation 5:12
Application
When sin weighs on you, look where John pointed: to the Lamb of God who lifts away what you cannot carry. His sacrifice reaches the sin of the whole world, including yours.