John 3:25

Modern

Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the issue of ceremonial washing.

Traditional

Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying.

Literal

Then a debate arose from the disciples of John with a Jew about purification.

Latin

Facta est autem quæstio ex discipulis Joannis cum Judæis de purificatione.

Greek

English

Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the issue of ceremonial washing.

John the Baptist says Jesus is truly "from above" (3:31). So, the followers of John need to start following Jesus instead.

Theme notes and profiles

John 2:6
Now six stone water jars had been set there for the Jewish rites of purification. Each could hold from twenty to thirty gallons.
Matthew 3:11
I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Hebrews 6:2
…instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
Hebrews 9:23
So it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
1 Peter 3:21
And this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
Hebrews 9:10
They consist only in food and drink and special washings—external regulations imposed until the time of reform.
Hebrews 9:13–14
For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean,
Mark 7:8
You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men.”
Mark 7:2–5
…and they saw some of His disciples eating with hands that were defiled—that is, unwashed.

John: The Baptist, a prophet who prepared the way for Jesus Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province