Mark 1:7
New International Version
And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.

New Living Translation
John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals.

English Standard Version
And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.

Berean Standard Bible
And he began to proclaim: “After me will come One more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.

Berean Literal Bible
And he was preaching, saying, "He who comes after me is mightier than I, of whom I am not sufficient, having stooped down, to untie the strap of His sandals.

King James Bible
And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

New King James Version
And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.

New American Standard Bible
And he was preaching, saying, “After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to bend down and untie the straps of His sandals.

NASB 1995
And he was preaching, and saying, “After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals.

NASB 1977
And he was preaching, and saying, “After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals.

Legacy Standard Bible
And he was preaching, saying, “After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the strap of His sandals.

Amplified Bible
And he was preaching, saying, “After me comes He who is mightier [more powerful, more noble] than I, and I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the straps of His sandals [even as His slave].

Christian Standard Bible
He proclaimed, “One who is more powerful than I am is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of his sandals.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He was preaching: “Someone more powerful than I will come after me. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of His sandals.

American Standard Version
And he preached, saying, There cometh after me he that is mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

Contemporary English Version
John also told the people, "Someone more powerful is going to come. And I am not good enough even to stoop down and untie his sandals.

English Revised Version
And he preached, saying, There cometh after me he that is mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He announced, "The one who comes after me is more powerful than I. I am not worthy to bend down and untie his sandal straps.

Good News Translation
He announced to the people, "The man who will come after me is much greater than I am. I am not good enough even to bend down and untie his sandals.

International Standard Version
He kept proclaiming, "The one who is coming after me is stronger than I am, and I am not worthy to bend down and untie his sandal straps.

Majority Standard Bible
And he began to proclaim: “After me will come One more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.

NET Bible
He proclaimed, "One more powerful than I am is coming after me; I am not worthy to bend down and untie the strap of his sandals.

New Heart English Bible
And he preached, saying, "After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and loosen.

Webster's Bible Translation
And preached, saying, There cometh after me one mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

Weymouth New Testament
His announcement was, "There is One coming after me mightier than I--One whose sandal-strap I am unworthy to stoop down and unfasten.

World English Bible
He preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and loosen.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and he proclaimed, saying, “He comes—who is mightier than I—after me, of whom I am not worthy—having stooped down—to loose the strap of His sandals;

Berean Literal Bible
And he was preaching, saying, "He who comes after me is mightier than I, of whom I am not sufficient, having stooped down, to untie the strap of His sandals.

Young's Literal Translation
and he proclaimed, saying, 'He doth come -- who is mightier than I -- after me, of whom I am not worthy -- having stooped down -- to loose the latchet of his sandals;

Smith's Literal Translation
And he proclaimed, saying, The stronger than I comes after me, of whom I am not sufficient, having bent the head, to loose the strings of his shoes.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he preached, saying: There cometh after me one mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he preached, saying: “One stronger than me comes after me. I am not worthy to reach down and loosen the laces of his shoes.

New American Bible
And this is what he proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.

New Revised Standard Version
He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he preached saying, Behold, there is coming after me one who is mightier than myself, even the strings of whose shoes I am not good enough to bend down and untie.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And he was preaching and he said, “Behold, after me shall come he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop and to loose.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
and he preached, saying: There comes after me One mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.

Godbey New Testament
And he proclaimed, saying, I indeed baptized you with water; but One cometh after me more powerful than I; the latchet of His sandals I am not worthy, having stooped down, to loose,

Haweis New Testament
And he preached, saying, One mightier than I is coming after me, the string of whose shoes I am not worthy, stooping down, to unloose.

Mace New Testament
among other things he said, there comes one after me, who is superiour to me, I am not worthy to stoop down and untie his shoes.

Weymouth New Testament
His announcement was, "There is One coming after me mightier than I--One whose sandal-strap I am unworthy to stoop down and unfasten.

Worrell New Testament
And he preached, saying, "There cometh after me One Who is mightier than I, the latchet of Whose shoes I am not worthy, stooping down, to loose.

Worsley New Testament
saying, There cometh after me one mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop and unloose.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Mission of John the Baptist
6John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 7And he began to proclaim: “After me will come One more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”…

Cross References
Matthew 3:11
I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Luke 3:16
John answered all of them: “I baptize you with water, but One more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

John 1:26-27
“I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands One you do not know. / He is the One who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”

Acts 13:25
As John was completing his course, he said, ‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not that One. But there is One coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’

Isaiah 40:3
A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert.

Malachi 3:1
“Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts.

John 1:15
John testified concerning Him. He cried out, saying, “This is He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’”

John 1:30
This is He of whom I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’

Acts 19:4
Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”

Matthew 11:10
This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.’

Luke 7:27
This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.’

John 3:28
You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.’

Matthew 3:3
This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”

Luke 1:17
And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

John 1:23
John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet: “I am a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”


Treasury of Scripture

And preached, saying, There comes one mightier than I after me, the lace of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

Matthew 3:11,14
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: …

Luke 3:16
John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

Luke 7:6,7
Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: …

Jump to Previous
Announcement Enough Fit Good Greater Loosen Message Mightier Powerful Preached Preaching Proclaimed Sandals Sandal-Strap Shoes Stoop Thong Thongs Undo Unfasten Unloose Untie Unworthy Worthy
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Announcement Enough Fit Good Greater Loosen Message Mightier Powerful Preached Preaching Proclaimed Sandals Sandal-Strap Shoes Stoop Thong Thongs Undo Unfasten Unloose Untie Unworthy Worthy
Mark 1
1. The office of John the Baptist.
9. Jesus is baptized;
12. tempted;
14. he preaches;
16. calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John;
23. heals one that had a demon;
29. Peter's mother in law;
32. many diseased persons;
40. and cleanses the leper.














And he proclaimed
The Greek word for "proclaimed" is "κηρύσσω" (kērussō), which means to herald or announce publicly. In the context of the New Testament, it often refers to the proclamation of divine truth. John the Baptist's role as a herald is significant; he is the forerunner of Christ, preparing the way for the Messiah. His proclamation is not just a message but a divine announcement that demands attention and response.

After me
This phrase indicates a sequence and a transition. John the Baptist acknowledges his role as the precursor to someone greater. Historically, this reflects the Jewish expectation of a coming Messiah, a figure who would follow the prophets and fulfill God's promises. John's ministry is a bridge between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, pointing to the imminent arrival of Jesus.

will come
The Greek verb "ἔρχεται" (erchetai) is in the present tense, suggesting immediacy and certainty. This reflects the anticipation and urgency of the coming of the Messiah. The use of this verb emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

one more powerful than I
The word "powerful" is translated from the Greek "ἰσχυρότερός" (ischuroteros), meaning stronger or mightier. John acknowledges the superiority of Jesus, not just in terms of physical strength but in spiritual authority and divine mission. This humility is a hallmark of John's ministry, recognizing that his purpose is to point others to Christ.

the straps of whose sandals
In ancient times, sandals were the most basic footwear, and untying them was considered a menial task, often performed by the lowest servant. This imagery highlights the humility of John the Baptist and the exalted status of Jesus. It underscores the idea that even the most humble act of service to Jesus is a privilege beyond John's worthiness.

I am not worthy
The Greek word "ἱκανός" (hikanos) means sufficient or adequate. John's statement reflects a deep sense of humility and recognition of Jesus' divine nature. In a broader theological context, it speaks to the human condition and the need for grace, as no one is worthy of God's favor apart from His mercy.

to stoop down and untie
This phrase emphasizes the act of service and humility. The physical act of stooping down is symbolic of lowering oneself, an act of submission and reverence. In the cultural context, it signifies John's acknowledgment of Jesus' divine authority and his own role as a servant.

(7) There cometh one mightier than I.--See Note on Matthew 3:11; but note the slight difference--not, as there, "whose shoes I am not worthy to bear," but "the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose." Latchet," a word now obsolete, was the "thong" or "lace" with which shoes or sandals were fastened. To stoop down and loosen the sandals was commonly the act of the servant who afterwards carried them, but it expressed more vividly what we should call the menial character of the office, and therefore, we may believe, was chosen by St. Mark. (See Introduction.)

Verse 7. - The latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. This was the menial office of the slave, whose business it was to take off? and put on the shoes of his master, stooping down with all humility and respect for this purpose. Thus John confessed that he was the servant of Christ, and that Christ was his Lord. In a mystical sense the shoes denote the humanity of Christ, which by its union with the Word became of the highest dignity and majesty. St. Bernard says, "The majesty of the Word was shod with the sandal of our humanity."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

he began to proclaim:
ἐκήρυσσεν (ekēryssen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2784: To proclaim, herald, preach. Of uncertain affinity; to herald, especially divine truth.

“After
ὀπίσω (opisō)
Preposition
Strong's 3694: Behind, after; back, backwards. From the same as opisthen with enclitic of direction; to the back, i.e. Aback.

me
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

will come
Ἔρχεται (Erchetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

One
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

more powerful
ἰσχυρότερός (ischyroteros)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative
Strong's 2478: Strong (originally and generally of physical strength); mighty, powerful, vehement, sure. From ischus; forcible.

than I,
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

straps
ἱμάντα (himanta)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2438: Perhaps from the same as hama; a strap, i.e. the tie or the lash.

of
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

whose
οὗ (hou)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

sandals
ὑποδημάτων (hypodēmatōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 5266: A sandal; anything bound under. From hupodeo; something bound under the feet, i.e. A shoe or sandal.

I am
εἰμὶ (eimi)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

worthy
ἱκανὸς (hikanos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2425: From hiko; competent, i.e. Ample or fit.

to stoop down
κύψας (kypsas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2955: To bend, stoop down, bow the head. Probably from the base of kuma; to bend forward.

[and] untie.
λῦσαι (lysai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 3089: A primary verb; to 'loosen'.


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NT Gospels: Mark 1:7 He preached saying After me comes he (Mar Mk Mr)
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