John 3:27

John’s Testimony about Jesus · John 3:22–36
Read John 3

Translations

Modern
John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.
Traditional
John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
Literal
John answered and said, “A man is not able to receive one thing unless it shall be given to him from heaven.
Latin
Respondit Joannes, et dixit: Non potest homo accipere quidquam, nisi fuerit ei datum de cælo.

Interlinear

Greek
English
John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.

Notes

John the Baptist spoke because of two concerns:

  1. Some people questioned whether his baptism was from God (see 1:26), and

  2. his disciples were worried because many people were beginning to follow Jesus instead of John (3:26).

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 the Baptist

Events

People

John: The Baptist, a prophet who prepared the way for Jesus

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Jesus Christ John, Gospel of Nicodemus Unpardonable Sin, Unforgivable Sin

Topics

Christian Minister: Character and Attributes of John: Testifies to the Messiahship of Jesus Stewardship