God & Savior

John 3:22-36

22After this, Jesus and His disciples went into the Judean countryside, where He spent some time with them and baptized. 23Now John was also baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because the water was plentiful there, and people kept coming to be baptized. 24(For John had not yet been thrown into prison.) 25Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the issue of ceremonial washing. 26So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Look, Rabbi, the One who was with you beyond the Jordan, the One you testified about—He is baptizing, and everyone is going to Him.” 27John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. 28You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.’ 29The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom stands and listens for him, and is overjoyed to hear the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30He must increase; I must decrease. 31The One who comes from above is above all. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. The One who comes from heaven is above all. 32He testifies to what He has seen and heard, yet no one accepts His testimony. 33Whoever accepts His testimony has certified that God is truthful. 34For the One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. 35The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in His hands. 36Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever rejects the Son will not see life. Instead, the wrath of God remains on him.”
John 3:22-36
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Study notes

Verse 22

Jesus and His disciples go out into the Judean countryside, where He spends time with them and baptizes.

Explanation

The scene moves from Jerusalem to the countryside of Judea. John later clarifies that Jesus' disciples did the baptizing, not Jesus Himself (4:2).

Original language
  • Ἰουδαίαν (Ioudaian): Jewish
    Greek · Adjective, accusative, singular, feminine · Strong's G2453 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Judean.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:22, word 12

  • διέτριβεν (dietriben): to remain
    Greek · Verb, imperfect, active, indicative, 3rd person singular · Strong's G1304 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Was staying or spending time.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:22, word 16

  • ἐβάπτιζεν (ebaptizen): to baptize
    Greek · Verb, imperfect, active, indicative, 3rd person singular · Strong's G0907 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Was baptizing.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:22, word 20

Places
  • Judea
    Named in this verse · Location: unknown

    Named here as the countryside where Jesus stayed with His disciples.

    The southern region around Jerusalem.

Cross-references
  • John 4:1-2 · Surrounding passage

    John explains that Jesus' disciples did the baptizing.

Connected events
  • John the Baptist's last testimony about Jesus
    This verse is part of it

    This verse is part of John's testimony.

    John 3:22-36

Sources

Verse 23

John the Baptist is also baptizing at Aenon near Salim, where there is plenty of water, and people keep coming.

Explanation

John the Baptist is still active at the same time as Jesus. The place is chosen because the water there is plentiful. People keep coming to be baptized by him.

Original language
  • Αἰνὼν (Ainōn): Aenon
    Greek · Noun, dative, singular, feminine · Strong's G0137 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Aenon.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:23, word 8

  • Σαλείμ (Saleim): Salim
    Greek · Noun, genitive, singular, neuter · Strong's G4530 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Salim.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:23, word 11

  • ὕδατα (hudata): water
    Greek · Noun, nominative, plural, neuter · Strong's G5204 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Waters.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:23, word 13

  • πολλὰ (polla): much
    Greek · Adjective, nominative, plural, neuter · Strong's G4183 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Many or plentiful.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:23, word 14

Places
  • Aenon near Salim
    Named in this verse · Location: unknown

    Named here as the place where John was baptizing. Location uncertain.

    A place with plentiful water; its exact location is uncertain.

Cross-references
  • John 1:28 · Related verse

    John baptized earlier at Bethany beyond the Jordan.

Connected events
  • John the Baptist's last testimony about Jesus
    This verse is part of it

    This verse is part of John's testimony.

    John 3:22-36

Sources

Verse 24

John notes that this was before John the Baptist was put in prison.

Explanation

This short note places the events in time: John the Baptist was still free and working. The other Gospels describe his arrest (Mark 6:17-18).

Original language
  • οὔπω (oupō): not yet
    Greek · Adverb, nominative · Strong's G3768 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Not yet.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:24, word 1

  • φυλακὴν (phulakēn): prison/watch
    Greek · Noun, accusative, singular, feminine · Strong's G5438G · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Prison.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:24, word 7

Cross-references
  • Mark 6:17-18 · Related verse

    Herod has John arrested and put in prison.

  • Matthew 4:12 · Related verse

    Jesus hears that John has been put in prison.

Connected events
  • John the Baptist's last testimony about Jesus
    This verse is part of it

    This verse is part of John's testimony.

    John 3:22-36

Sources

Verse 25

A dispute arises between John's disciples and a certain Jewish man about ceremonial washing.

Explanation

The disagreement is about purification, the ritual washing practised in Jewish life (compare 2:6). The verse does not say what exactly was disputed, but it leads John's disciples to raise the question of Jesus' baptizing.

Original language
  • ζήτησις (zētēsis): controversy
    Greek · Noun, nominative, singular, feminine · Strong's G2214 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    A debate or dispute.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:25, word 3

  • καθαρισμοῦ (katharismou): cleansing
    Greek · Noun, genitive, singular, masculine · Strong's G2512 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Purification or ceremonial washing.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:25, word 11

Cross-references
  • John 2:6 · Related verse

    Stone water jars used for Jewish ceremonial washing.

Connected events
  • John the Baptist's last testimony about Jesus
    This verse is part of it

    This verse is part of John's testimony.

    John 3:22-36

Sources

Verse 26

John's disciples tell him that the one he testified about is now baptizing, and everyone is going to Him.

Explanation

John's disciples sound concerned that Jesus is drawing the crowds away. They describe Jesus as the one who was with John beyond the Jordan and about whom John testified (1:29-34).

Original language
  • ῥαββί (rhabbi): Rabbi
    Greek · Noun, vocative, singular, masculine · Strong's G4461 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Rabbi: teacher.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:26, word 9

  • Ἰορδάνου (Iordanou): Jordan
    Greek · Noun, genitive, singular, masculine · Strong's G2446 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Jordan.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:26, word 16

  • μεμαρτύρηκας (memarturēkas): to testify
    Greek · Verb, perfect, active, indicative, 2nd person singular · Strong's G3140 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Have testified.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:26, word 19

  • πάντες (pantes): all
    Greek · Adjective, nominative, plural, masculine · Strong's G3956 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    All or everyone.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:26, word 24

Places
  • Jordan River
    Named in this verse · Location: unknown

    Named as the place where John earlier testified about Jesus.

Cross-references
  • John 1:29-34 · Surrounding passage

    John's earlier testimony that Jesus is the Lamb of God.

  • John 1:28 · Related verse

    Where John was baptizing, beyond the Jordan.

Connected events
  • John the Baptist's last testimony about Jesus
    This verse is part of it

    This verse is part of John's testimony.

    John 3:22-36

Sources

Verse 27

John replies that a person can only receive what is given from heaven.

Explanation

John does not compete with Jesus. Whatever role each one has is given by God. Jesus' success is therefore not a threat to John but something God has given.

Original language
  • λαμβάνειν (lambanein): to take
    Greek · Verb, present, active, infinitive · Strong's G2983 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    To receive.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:27, word 8

  • δεδομένον (dedomenon): to give
    Greek · Verb, perfect, passive, participle, nominative, singular, neuter · Strong's G1325 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Given.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:27, word 14

  • οὐρανοῦ (ouranou): heaven
    Greek · Noun, genitive, singular, masculine · Strong's G3772 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Heaven.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:27, word 18

Cross-references
Connected events
  • John the Baptist's last testimony about Jesus
    This verse is part of it

    This verse is part of John's testimony.

    John 3:22-36

Sources

Verse 28

John reminds his disciples that he said he was not the Christ but was sent ahead of Him.

Explanation

John points back to his earlier words (1:20, 23). He was never the Messiah. His role was to go ahead and prepare the way.

Original language
  • χριστός (christos): Christ
    Greek · Noun, nominative, singular, masculine · Strong's G5547 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Christ: the anointed one, the Messiah.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:28, word 12

  • ἀπεσταλμένος (apestalmenos): to send
    Greek · Verb, perfect, passive, participle, nominative, singular, masculine · Strong's G0649 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Sent.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:28, word 15

Cross-references
  • John 1:20 · Surrounding passage

    John confessed, "I am not the Christ."

  • Malachi 3:1 · Background

    God promises to send His messenger ahead to prepare the way.

Connected events
  • John the Baptist's last testimony about Jesus
    This verse is part of it

    This verse is part of John's testimony.

    John 3:22-36

Sources

Verse 29

John compares himself to the bridegroom's friend, who rejoices to hear the bridegroom's voice.

Explanation

At a wedding the bride belongs to the bridegroom. His friend helps and is glad when the bridegroom arrives. John sees Jesus as the bridegroom and himself as the friend. So the crowds going to Jesus fill him with joy, not jealousy.

The Old Testament pictures God as the husband of His people (Isaiah 62:5; Hosea 2:19-20).

Original language
  • νύμφην (numphēn): bride
    Greek · Noun, accusative, singular, feminine · Strong's G3565 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Bride.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:29, word 4

  • νυμφίος (numphios): bridegroom
    Greek · Noun, nominative, singular, masculine · Strong's G3566 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Bridegroom.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:29, word 5

  • φίλος (philos): friendly/friend
    Greek · Adjective, nominative, singular, masculine · Strong's G5384 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Friend.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:29, word 9

  • χαρᾷ (chara): joy
    Greek · Noun, dative, singular, feminine · Strong's G5479 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Joy.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:29, word 17

  • πεπλήρωται (peplērōtai): to fulfill
    Greek · Verb, perfect, passive, indicative, 3rd person singular · Strong's G4137 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Has been fulfilled or made complete.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:29, word 30

Cross-references
  • Isaiah 62:5 · Background

    As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so God rejoices over His people.

  • Mark 2:19-20 · Related verse

    Jesus calls Himself the bridegroom.

  • Revelation 19:7 · Same theme

    The wedding of the Lamb.

Connected events
  • John the Baptist's last testimony about Jesus
    This verse is part of it

    This verse is part of John's testimony.

    John 3:22-36

Sources

Verse 30

John says Jesus must become greater and he must become less.

Explanation

These are John the Baptist's last recorded words about Jesus in this Gospel. He gladly accepts a smaller place so that Jesus is seen more clearly. The word "must" shows he sees this as God's plan.

Theology

True service points away from oneself to Christ.

Original language
  • δεῖ (dei): be necessary
    Greek · Verb, present, active, indicative, 3rd person singular · Strong's G1163 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    It is necessary: "must".

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:30, word 2

  • αὐξάνειν (auxanein): to grow
    Greek · Verb, present, active, infinitive · Strong's G0837 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    To increase or grow.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:30, word 3

  • ἐλαττοῦσθαι (elattousthai): to make less
    Greek · Verb, present, middle or passive, infinitive · Strong's G1642 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    To decrease or become less.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:30, word 6

Cross-references
  • John 1:15 · Related verse

    He who comes after me has surpassed me.

  • Philippians 1:18 · Same theme

    Paul rejoices that Christ is proclaimed.

Connected events
  • John the Baptist's last testimony about Jesus
    This verse is part of it

    This verse is part of John's testimony.

    John 3:22-36

Sources

Verse 31

The One who comes from heaven is above all, while one who is from the earth speaks as one from the earth.

Explanation

Readers differ on whether John the Baptist is still speaking here or whether the Gospel writer is commenting. Either way, the point is the contrast between the One from above and everyone from the earth, including John the Baptist himself.

Original language
  • ἄνωθεν (anōthen): from above/again
    Greek · Adverb · Strong's G0509 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    From above (the same word as "again" in 3:3).

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:31, word 2

  • ἐπάνω (epanō): above
    Greek · Preposition · Strong's G1883 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Above or over.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:31, word 4

  • γῆς (gēs): earth
    Greek · Noun, genitive, singular, feminine · Strong's G1093G · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Earth.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:31, word 11

Cross-references
  • John 3:13 · Surrounding passage

    The One who came down from heaven.

  • John 8:23 · Related verse

    You are from below; I am from above.

Connected events
  • John the Baptist's last testimony about Jesus
    This verse is part of it

    This verse is part of John's testimony.

    John 3:22-36

Sources

Verse 32

He speaks of what He has seen and heard, yet no one accepts His testimony.

Explanation

This echoes Jesus' own words in verse 11. "No one" is a broad statement of rejection, and the next verse shows there are exceptions.

Original language
  • ἑώρακεν (he'ōraken): to see
    Greek · Verb, perfect, active, indicative, 3rd person singular · Strong's G3708 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Has seen.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:32, word 2

  • μαρτυρεῖ (marturei): to testify
    Greek · Verb, present, active, indicative, 3rd person singular · Strong's G3140 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Testifies.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:32, word 6

  • λαμβάνει (lambanei): to take
    Greek · Verb, present, active, indicative, 3rd person singular · Strong's G2983 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Receives or accepts.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:32, word 12

Cross-references
  • John 3:11 · Surrounding passage

    Jesus says the same to Nicodemus.

  • John 1:11-12 · Same theme

    His own did not receive Him, but some did.

Connected events
  • John the Baptist's last testimony about Jesus
    This verse is part of it

    This verse is part of John's testimony.

    John 3:22-36

Sources

Verse 33

Whoever accepts His testimony confirms that God is truthful.

Explanation

To "certify" is literally to set a seal on something, as a sign of agreement. Believing Jesus' testimony is agreeing with God, because Jesus speaks God's words (3:34).

Original language
  • λαβὼν (labōn): to take
    Greek · Verb, 2nd aorist, active, participle, nominative, singular, masculine · Strong's G2983 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Having received.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:33, word 2

  • ἐσφράγισεν (esphragisen): to seal
    Greek · Verb, aorist, active, indicative, 3rd person singular · Strong's G4972 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Has set his seal: certified or confirmed.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:33, word 6

  • ἀληθής (alēthēs): true
    Greek · Adjective, nominative, singular, masculine · Strong's G0227 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    True or truthful.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:33, word 10

Cross-references
  • 1 John 5:10 · Same theme

    Whoever does not believe God has made Him a liar.

  • John 6:27 · Related verse

    God the Father has set His seal on the Son.

Connected events
  • John the Baptist's last testimony about Jesus
    This verse is part of it

    This verse is part of John's testimony.

    John 3:22-36

Sources

Verse 34

The One God sent speaks God's words, because God gives the Spirit without limit.

Explanation

Jesus speaks God's words because God has given the Spirit fully, without measure. The Spirit came on Jesus at His baptism (1:32-33).

Original language
  • ἀπέστειλεν (apesteilen): to send
    Greek · Verb, aorist, active, indicative, 3rd person singular · Strong's G0649 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Sent.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:34, word 3

  • ῥήματα (rhēmata): declaration
    Greek · Noun, accusative, plural, neuter · Strong's G4487 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Words or sayings.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:34, word 7

  • μέτρου (metrou): measure
    Greek · Noun, genitive, singular, neuter · Strong's G3358 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Measure: "not by measure" means without limit.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:34, word 14

  • πνεῦμα (pneuma): spirit/breath
    Greek · Noun, accusative, singular, neuter · Strong's G4151G · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Spirit.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:34, word 17

Cross-references
  • John 1:32-33 · Surrounding passage

    John saw the Spirit come down and remain on Jesus.

  • Isaiah 11:2 · Background

    The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him.

  • John 7:16 · Same theme

    My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me.

Connected events
  • John the Baptist's last testimony about Jesus
    This verse is part of it

    This verse is part of John's testimony.

    John 3:22-36

Sources

Verse 35

The Father loves the Son and has put everything into His hands.

Explanation

The Son's authority comes from the Father's love. Everything has been given into His hands, which is why the response to Him decides a person's life (3:36).

Original language
  • πατὴρ (patēr): father
    Greek · Noun, nominative, singular, masculine · Strong's G3962 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Father.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:35, word 2

  • ἀγαπᾷ (agapa): to love
    Greek · Verb, present, active, indicative, 3rd person singular · Strong's G0025 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Loves.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:35, word 3

  • δέδωκεν (dedōken): to give
    Greek · Verb, perfect, active, indicative, 3rd person singular · Strong's G1325 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Has given.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:35, word 8

  • χειρὶ (cheiri): hand
    Greek · Noun, dative, singular, feminine · Strong's G5495 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Hand.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:35, word 11

Cross-references
  • John 5:20 · Same theme

    The Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does.

  • John 13:3 · Related verse

    Jesus knew the Father had put all things under His power.

  • Matthew 28:18 · Same theme

    All authority has been given to Me.

Connected events
  • John the Baptist's last testimony about Jesus
    This verse is part of it

    This verse is part of John's testimony.

    John 3:22-36

Sources

Verse 36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever rejects the Son will not see life, and God's wrath remains on him.

Explanation

The chapter ends with the same two paths as verse 18. Believing in the Son means having eternal life now. The opposite of believing is described as rejecting, or refusing to obey, the Son. That person "will not see life".

Theology

Faith and obedience belong together in John: refusing to believe is also refusing to obey (compare 3:19-20).

Original language
  • πιστεύων (pisteuōn): to trust (in)
    Greek · Verb, present, active, participle, nominative, singular, masculine · Strong's G4100 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Believing.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:36, word 2

  • ἔχει (echei): to have/be
    Greek · Verb, present, active, indicative, 3rd person singular · Strong's G2192 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Has: present tense, eternal life is a present possession.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:36, word 6

  • ἀπειθῶν (apeithōn): to disobey
    Greek · Verb, present, active, participle, nominative, singular, masculine · Strong's G0544 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Not obeying, or refusing to believe.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:36, word 11

  • ὀργὴ (orgē): wrath
    Greek · Noun, nominative, singular, feminine · Strong's G3709 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Wrath: God's settled opposition to sin.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:36, word 19

  • μένει (menei): to stay
    Greek · Verb, present, active, indicative, 3rd person singular · Strong's G3306 · text: NA28 (as recorded in TAGNT)

    Remains or abides.

    Source: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, Cambridge), TAGNT: Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament, STEPBible-Data commit ed476a8, John 3:36, word 22

Cross-references
  • John 3:18 · Surrounding passage

    The same two outcomes earlier in the chapter.

  • John 5:24 · Same theme

    Whoever believes has eternal life and has passed from death to life.

  • 1 John 5:12 · Same theme

    Whoever has the Son has life.

Connected events
  • John the Baptist's last testimony about Jesus
    This verse is part of it

    This verse is part of John's testimony.

    John 3:22-36

Sources

Original language and places

Reference data from open datasets, shown as published by their sources. Word-by-word English is a literal guide, not a translation.

This passage is long, so the word-by-word list is on each verse's own page.

Verse 22

Places named in this verse

Verse 23

Places named in this verse

Verse 26

Places named in this verse
  • Prepared by the God & Savior team. Not yet reviewed by an editor.
  • Places: OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding Data, CC BY 4.0. Coordinates from OpenStreetMap (ODbL) are left out. Source (version 7eb18a5)