And I knew him not Or, I also knew Him not; I, like you, did not at first know Him to be the Messiah. There is no contradiction between this and Matthew 3:14. (1) -I knew Him not" need not mean -I had no knowledge of Him whatever." (2) John's professing that he needed to be baptized by Jesus does not prove that he had already recognised Jesus as the Messiah, but only as superior to himself.

that he should be made manifest This was the Baptist's second duty. He had (1) to prepare for the Messiah by preaching repentance; (2) to point out the Messiah. The word for -manifest" is one of S. John's favourite words (phaneroun); John 2:11; John 3:21; John 7:4; John 9:3; John 17:6; John 21:1; Joh 21:14; 1 John 1:2; 1Jn 2:19; 1 John 2:28; 1Jn 3:2; 1 John 3:5; 1 John 3:8-9; Revelation 3:18; Revelation 15:4.

therefore am I come Better, for this cause (John 12:18; John 12:27) came I (comp. John 5:16; John 5:18; John 7:22; John 8:47).

baptizing with water In humble contrast to Him Who baptizeth with the Holy Ghost" (John 1:33). - Withwater" is literally - in water" here and John 1:26.

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