John 5:35

He was a lamp that was burning and shining, ¹  and you wanted to rejoice greatly for a short time ²  in his light.

John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.

"He was the lamp that was burning and was shining and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.

John shone brightly for a while, and you benefited and rejoiced.

John was a torch, blazing and bright, and you were glad enough to dance for an hour or so in his bright light.

He was a burning and shining light, and for a time you were ready to be happy in his light.

He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.

"He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light.

He was a lamp that was burning and shining, ¹  and you wanted to rejoice greatly for a short time ²  in his light.

¹ sn He was a lamp that was burning and shining. Sir 48:1 states that the word of Elijah was “a flame like a torch.” Because of the connection of John the Baptist with Elijah (see John 1:21 and the note on John’s reply, “I am not”), it was natural for Jesus to apply this description to John.

² tn Grk “for an hour.”