King James Bible
"And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God."
John the Baptist testifies as an eyewitness to divine revelation, likely referring to seeing the Spirit descend upon Jesus at his baptism. This personal observation establishes his authority to make the proclamation that follows. The Greek term for 'bare record' implies giving formal, legal testimony—John functions as a witness in a cosmic trial. His role as forerunner culminates in this public declaration of what he has witnessed. This climactic identification reveals Jesus's divine nature and unique relationship with the Father. The title 'Son of God' confirms Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, fulfilling John's prophetic mission to prepare the way.