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John 1:27
ESV even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie."
NIV He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie."
NASB It is He who comes after me, of whom I am not worthy even to untie the strap of His sandal.'
CSB He is the one coming after me, whose sandal strap I’m not worthy to untie."
NLT Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.'
KJV He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
NKJV It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.”

What does John 1:27 mean?

John the Baptist—not the author of this gospel—gives more details about the person "standing among" the people, unrecognized. This figure is "the One who comes after," meaning the Messiah.

When challenged by the Pharisees about his ministry (John 1:19–26), the Baptist made it clear that he was not the Messiah, only a "voice" preparing for the arrival of that person (Isaiah 40:3). This Messiah is so much greater than the Baptist that he doesn't feel worthy to untie his sandals. In that culture, cleaning another person's feet was considered the work of the lowliest servants. Walking the roads meant having feet caked in mud, dirt, and dung. This not only makes the Baptist's statement dramatic, but it also highlights the significance of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples prior to His death and resurrection (John 13).

Comparing John the Baptist's statement to Jesus' service is a powerful explanation of how much grace God expressed when He sent Christ to us (1 John 4:9).
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