Joh 1:32 | RWP | e4.org | Bare witness ( εμαρτυρησεν ). First aorist active indicative of μαρτυρεω . Another specimen of John's witness to the Messiah ( , , , , , ). I have beheld ( τεθεαμα ). Perfect middle indicative of θεαομα , the realization of the promise of the sign (verse ) by which he should recognize the Messiah. As a matter of fact, we know that he so recognized Jesus as Messiah when he came for baptism before the Holy Spirit came ( .). But this sight of the Spirit descending as a dove upon Jesus at his baptism ( ; ; ) became permanent proof to him. John's allusion assumes the Synoptic record. The Semites regarded the dove as a symbol of the Spirit.

‏ John 1:32

Bare witness ( εμαρτυρησεν ). First aorist active indicative of μαρτυρεω. Another specimen of John's witness to the Messiah (1:7, 15, 19, 29, 35, 36).

I have beheld ( τεθεαμα ). Perfect middle indicative of θεαομα, the realization of the promise of the sign (verse 33) by which he should recognize the Messiah. As a matter of fact, we know that he so recognized Jesus as Messiah when he came for baptism before the Holy Spirit came (Mt 3:14ff.). But this sight of the Spirit descending as a dove upon Jesus at his baptism (Mr 1:10; Mt 3:16; Lu 3:22) became permanent proof to him. John's allusion assumes the Synoptic record. The Semites regarded the dove as a symbol of the Spirit.