Bible Commentary

He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. 29. John explains by a figure his subordination to the Messiah. He that hath the bride ] Here only in this Gospel does … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 3:29”

Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. 28. Ye yourselves ] Though you are so indignant on my account. bear me witness, that I said ] They had appealed to his testimony ( Joh 3:26); he turns it against them. before him … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 3:28”

John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. 27. A man can receive nothing, &c.] Comp. Joh 19:11. The meaning of John’s declaration is given in two ways: (1) ‘Jesus could not have this great success, unless it were granted Him from Heaven. This ought to satisfy … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 3:27”

And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all [men] come to him. 26. to whom thou barest witness ] Rather, to whom thou hast borne witness. This was the monstrous thing in their eyes; that … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 3:26”

Then there arose a question between [some] of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying. 25. Then there arose ] Better, there arose therefore; i.e. in consequence of John’s baptizing at Aenon. a question ] Or, questioning. between some of John’s disciples and the Jews ] Better, on the part of John’s disciples with a … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 3:25”

For John was not yet cast into prison. 24. This corrects the impression, naturally derived from the Synoptists, that Christ’s public ministry did not commence till after the imprisonment of the Baptist. The whole of these first three chapters and part of the fourth must be placed before Mat 4:12, where there are great gaps … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 3:24”

And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. 23. John also was baptizing ] Not as a rival to the Messiah, but still in preparation for Him. Although John knew that the Messiah had come, yet He had not yet taken … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 3:23”

After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. 22 36. The Baptism and Final Testimony of John 22, 23. We have here a mark of authenticity similar to Joh 2:12. These passages “it is impossible to regard as embodiments of dogma. It … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 3:22”

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. 21. doeth truth ] Or, as in 1Jn 1:6, doeth the truth, the opposite of ‘doing’ or ‘making a lie,’ Rev 21:27; Rev 22:15. It is moral rather than intellectual truth that is … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 3:21”

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 20. doeth evil ] The Greek word for ‘doeth’ is not the same as that in the next verse; but it is not quite certain that any distinction of meaning is intended, although Joh 5:29 … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 3:20”