Translations
Modern
Then He told them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.
Traditional
And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
Literal
And He was saying to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.
Latin
Et dicebat eis: Vos de deorsum estis, ego de supernis sum. Vos de mundo hoc estis, ego non sum de hoc mundo.
Original
Greek
English
Then He told them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.
Notes
Jesus told his listeners that they were from below, while he was from above (3:31; see study note on 3:3).
From below refers to human life limited to this world. From above refers to heaven and to God’s realm.
Because they were thinking only in earthly terms, they could not understand what Jesus meant. His origin and authority came from God.
Theme notes and profiles
Events
Parallels
Glossary
Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) John, Gospel of Peter, the Apostle World
Topics
Depravity of Man: General Scriptures Concerning Jesus, the Christ: Eternity of Jesus, the Christ: Kingdom of Its Nature Not of This World