What is the meaning of John 1:15?

* The two F.O.G. Bibles & Commentary below are currently a work in progress.

John testified concerning Him. He cried out, saying, “This is He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’”

Berean Standard Bible (BSB)

John testified about him. He cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me, for he was before me.’”

World English Bible (WEB)

John{G2491} bare witness{G3140}{(G5719)} of{G4012} him{G846}, and{G2532} cried{G2896}{(G5754)}, saying{G3004}{(G5723)}, This{G3778} was he{G2258}{(G5713)} of whom{G3739} I spake{G2036}{(G5627)}, He that cometh{G2064}{(G5740)} after{G3694} me{G3450} is preferred{G1096}{(G5754)} before{G1715} me{G3450}: for{G3754} he was{G2258}{(G5713)} before{G4413} me{G3450}.

Strong's King James

(15) Yochanan (Yah's Favor) testifies about Him and cried out, saying, "This is Him, whom I said, 'He comes after me and has a higher rank than me because He existed before me!'"

The F.O.G*

[15] John testified boldly about Him, calling out to anyone who would listen: "This is the One I've been telling you about! Though He comes after me in time, He far surpasses me in rank and authority, because He existed long before me - He is eternal!"

The F.O.G Paraphrase

John doth testify concerning him, and hath cried, saying, ‘This was he of whom I said, He who after me is coming, hath come before me, for he was before me;’

Young's Literal Translation