Seeth (@ré7ev). Both opdw and Bré7rw denote the physical act of seeing, the former seeing in general, the latter the sengle look. The perception indicated by BAérm is more outward ; the perception of sense as distinguished from mental discern- ment, which is prominent in opdw. <A look told the Baptist that the Mightier One had come. See on ver. 18, and Matt. vii. 3.
Unto (pos). Strictly, towards.
Behold (ide). The imperative in the singular number, though the company of his followers is addressed. This con- struction, however, is not uncommon. See Matt. xxvi. 65; Acts xiii. 46.
The Lamb (6 duvos). The word occurs in John only here and in ver. 86. Also in Acts vili. 32; 1 Pet.i.19. The diminu- tive dpvior, a little lamb, is found once in the Gospel (xxi. 15), often in the Apocalypse, but only of the glorified Redeemer, and nowhere else in the New Testament. In some instances the word may emphasize the gentle and innocent character of Jesus suffering to expiate the sins of men (Apoc. v. 6, 123 xiii. 8); but it is also employed in describing Him as indignant (Apoe. vi. 16) ; as victorious (Apoc. xvii. 4); as the object of adoration (Apoc. v. 8); and as enthroned (Apoc. v.13; vii. 17).
The term, the Lamb of God (note the article), is evidently used here by the Baptist in some sense understood by his hearers, and points to Isa. lili. (7); compare Acts vill. 32. The reference is probably to the Paschal lamb, though com- mentators differ.
Of God. Provided by God for sacrifice.
That taketh away (6 aipwv). Either takes away or takes upon himself, in order to bear: either removal or expiration of sin. The one idea, however, is included in the other. The taking away of the sin is through His bearing it. In Isa. lili. (Sept.), pépw, to bear, and its compound dvadépw (see on 1 Pet.