John 3:30

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

Translations

Modern
He must increase; I must decrease.
Traditional
He must increase, but I must decrease.
Literal
It is necessary for Him to increase, but for me to decrease.
Latin
Illum oportet crescere, me autem minui.

Original

Greek
English
He must increase; I must decrease.

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

Glossary

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

Topics

Becoming More Like Christ Church Leadership Humility: Exemplified Jesus, the Christ: Prophecies Concerning Universality of the Kingdom of John: Testifies to the Messiahship of Jesus Putting God First Self