Read the Bible
KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

John 3:23–32

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
¶ And John also was baptizing in Ænon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
For John was not yet cast into prison.
¶ Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying.
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.
John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.
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.
He must increase, but I must decrease.
He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.
Share
Email linkOpen a new message in your email app
Read chapter
More
Report an issueTell us about a text or study problem

PASSAGE SELECTION

Build from either side

10 selected · 0 available

Choose up to 10 verses in this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.

10-verse limit− Remove John 3:23
10-verse limit− Remove John 3:32

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

50 Essential passages are open for comparison.

Reference depth

From verse 23

  1. Mark 1:4–5Rank 1 from verse 23
    Open

    4John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

    5And there went out unto him all the land of Judæa, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

  2. 1 Samuel 9:4Rank 2 from verse 23
    Open

    4And he passed through mount Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalisha, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shalim, and there they were not: and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found them not.

  3. Ezekiel 43:2Rank 3 from verse 23
    Open

    2And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.

  4. Luke 3:7Rank 4 from verse 23
    Open

    7Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

  5. Matthew 3:5–6Rank 5 from verse 23
    Open

    5Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judæa, and all the region round about Jordan,

    6And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

From verse 24

  1. Matthew 4:12Rank 1 from verse 24
    Open

    12¶ Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;

  2. Matthew 14:3Rank 2 from verse 24
    Open

    3¶ For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife.

  3. Mark 6:17Rank 3 from verse 24
    Open

    17For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: for he had married her.

  4. Luke 3:19–20Rank 4 from verse 24
    Open

    19But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,

    20Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.

  5. Luke 9:7–9Rank 5 from verse 24
    Open

    7¶ Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;

    8And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.

    9And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

From verse 25

  1. John 2:6Rank 1 from verse 25
    Open

    6And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.

  2. Matthew 3:11Rank 2 from verse 25
    Open

    11I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

  3. Hebrews 6:2Rank 3 from verse 25
    Open

    2Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

  4. 1 Peter 3:21Rank 4 from verse 25
    Open

    21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

  5. Hebrews 9:10Rank 5 from verse 25
    Open

    10Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

From verse 26

  1. John 1:7Rank 1 from verse 26
    Open

    7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

  2. Galatians 6:12–13Rank 2 from verse 26
    Open

    12As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.

    13For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

  3. James 3:14–18Rank 3 from verse 26
    Open

    14But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

    15This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

    16For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

    17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

    18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

  4. John 1:15Rank 4 from verse 26
    Open

    15¶ John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

  5. John 12:19Rank 5 from verse 26
    Open

    19The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

From verse 27

  1. James 1:17Rank 1 from verse 27
    Open

    17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

  2. 1 Corinthians 4:7Rank 2 from verse 27
    Open

    7For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

  3. 1 Corinthians 15:10Rank 3 from verse 27
    Open

    10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

  4. 1 Peter 4:10–11Rank 4 from verse 27
    Open

    10As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

    11If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

  5. 1 Corinthians 2:12–14Rank 5 from verse 27
    Open

    12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

    13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

    14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

From verse 28

  1. John 1:20Rank 1 from verse 28
    Open

    20And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.

  2. John 1:23Rank 2 from verse 28
    Open

    23He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.

  3. Luke 1:16–17Rank 3 from verse 28
    Open

    16And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

    17And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

  4. Matthew 3:11–12Rank 4 from verse 28
    Open

    11I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

    12Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

  5. John 1:25Rank 5 from verse 28
    Open

    25And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?

From verse 29

  1. Ephesians 5:25–27Rank 1 from verse 29
    Open

    25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

    26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

    27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

  2. Hosea 2:19Rank 2 from verse 29
    Open

    19And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.

  3. Isaiah 54:5Rank 3 from verse 29
    Open

    5For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

  4. Matthew 9:15Rank 4 from verse 29
    Open

    15And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

  5. Ezekiel 16:8Rank 5 from verse 29
    Open

    8Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord God, and thou becamest mine.

From verse 30

  1. Colossians 1:18Rank 1 from verse 30
    Open

    18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

  2. Psalms 72:17–19Rank 2 from verse 30
    Open

    17His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.

    18Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.

    19And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.

  3. Hebrews 3:2–6Rank 3 from verse 30
    Open

    2Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.

    3For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.

    4For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.

    5And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;

    6But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

  4. Isaiah 9:7Rank 4 from verse 30
    Open

    7Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

  5. 1 Corinthians 3:5Rank 5 from verse 30
    Open

    5Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

From verse 31

  1. John 8:23Rank 1 from verse 31
    Open

    23And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

  2. Matthew 28:18Rank 2 from verse 31
    Open

    18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

  3. Romans 9:5Rank 3 from verse 31
    Open

    5Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

  4. John 6:33Rank 4 from verse 31
    Open

    33For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

  5. 1 John 4:5Rank 5 from verse 31
    Open

    5They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

From verse 32

  1. John 3:11Rank 1 from verse 32
    Open

    11Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

  2. John 1:11Rank 2 from verse 32
    Open

    11He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

  3. John 15:15Rank 3 from verse 32
    Open

    15Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

  4. John 8:26Rank 4 from verse 32
    Open

    26I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.

  5. John 5:20Rank 5 from verse 32
    Open

    20For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

John 3:23

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

Non

↗

The personal name of Jehoshua's father.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

water

↗

Sense 1: The common liquid necessary for life. Sense 2: As a verb, to supply with water, irrigate, or cause to drink.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

John 3:24

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

yet

↗

1. Up to or at the present or stated time; still. 2. At some future time. 3. Nevertheless; however. 4. In addition; further.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

cast

↗

1. To throw, send, put, lay, or direct a person or thing into, upon, around, toward, or away from a place, or into a stated condition. 2. To put away, reject, expel, remove, overthrow, or bring down. 3. To put forth or use a lot for choosing, dividing, or assigning. 4. To form an object by pouring molten material into a mould. 5. To shed, drop, or bring forth young, fruit, leaves, or flowers. 6. To raise, form, or prepare a bank, mount, trench, or way. 7. In "cast ... in his teeth," to reproach or charge something against him. 8. As a noun, the distance something may be thrown.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

John 3:25

COMBINED MEANING

arose

↗

1. Rose, stood up, got up, or moved upward from a lower, lying, seated, fallen, or inactive position. 2. Began, emerged, appeared, came into being, or came forward. 3. Took action, intervened, or undertook the stated work. 4. Rose from death; returned to life.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

about

↗

1. Around or near in place, position, or movement; on every side, in a circuit, from place to place, or turned from one direction or state toward another. 2. Approximately in number, measure, distance, or time. 3. Concerning, occupied with, or engaged in a matter. 4. On the point of, intending, or attempting an action.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

purifying

↗

Making pure or clean; the act or process of cleansing from pollution, ceremonially, physically, or morally.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

John 3:26

COMBINED MEANING

Rabbi

↗

A title meaning Master.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

whom

↗

The objective form of who, referring to the person or persons acted upon or related to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

thou

↗

The singular second-person subject pronoun, meaning you when directly addressing one person, being, or individually treated addressee.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

witness

↗

Sense 1: A person or thing that attests, testifies, records, or supplies evidence; also testimony, record, or the act of bearing testimony. Sense 2: To see in person, testify, attest, or give evidence.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

behold

↗

1. Used as an attention word or command directing someone to look at or take notice of the person, thing, statement, or event presented: look; see; take notice. 2. As a verb, to look upon, see, observe, or witness.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

John 3:27

COMBINED MEANING

answered

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of answer, meaning to reply, respond, or give account.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

man

↗

1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

except

↗

Sense 1: Unless; with the exclusion of; apart from. Sense 2: To exclude or leave out. Sense 3: To object or take exception.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

heaven

↗

Sense 1: The firmament or expanse above the earth, including the sky and the region of the sun, moon, stars, clouds, rain, and flying creatures. Sense 2: The realm above spoken of as God's throne and dwelling place, and as the place of angels, heavenly beings, and the righteous. Sense 3: By metonymy, God, heavenly authority or source, or those who dwell there.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

John 3:28

COMBINED MEANING

ye

↗

The second-person plural subject pronoun, referring to the persons being addressed as those who are, do, or receive the stated predicate.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

bear

↗

Sense 1: To carry, support, convey, endure, sustain, or be answerable for. Sense 2: To produce or bring forth offspring, fruit, or another result. Sense 3: In ‘bear witness’ or ‘bear record,’ to testify or give witness. Sense 4: A large wild animal.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

witness

↗

Sense 1: A person or thing that attests, testifies, records, or supplies evidence; also testimony, record, or the act of bearing testimony. Sense 2: To see in person, testify, attest, or give evidence.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

Christ

↗

The Anointed One; the same title as Messias.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Cawdrey 1604 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

before

↗

Earlier than in time; in front of; in the presence of; or prior in order or rank.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

John 3:29

COMBINED MEANING

bride

↗

Sense 1: A woman newly married or espoused. Sense 2: Figuratively, one presented as a bride or wife.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

friend

↗

One joined to another by affection, goodwill, or alliance; to support or befriend.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

which

↗

1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

standeth

↗

Third-person singular present form of stand, meaning to be upright, rise, stop, remain, endure, take or keep a position, be established, withstand, or present oneself before another.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

joy

↗

Sense 1: Gladness, delight, or rejoicing. Sense 2: To rejoice, delight, or be glad.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

fulfilled

↗

Filled up, completed, accomplished, performed, satisfied, expired, or brought fully to the appointed result, measure, time, or realization.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

John 3:30

COMBINED MEANING

increase

↗

Sense 1: Growth, produce, yield, offspring, gain, or enlargement. Sense 2: To grow, multiply, add to, enlarge, or intensify.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

John 3:31

COMBINED MEANING

earth

↗

Sense 1: The world in distinction from heaven. Sense 2: Dry land, ground, soil, or dust. Sense 3: A land, region, or its inhabitants.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

earthly

↗

Pertaining to the earth or present world; material or worldly rather than heavenly.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

heaven

↗

Sense 1: The firmament or expanse above the earth, including the sky and the region of the sun, moon, stars, clouds, rain, and flying creatures. Sense 2: The realm above spoken of as God's throne and dwelling place, and as the place of angels, heavenly beings, and the righteous. Sense 3: By metonymy, God, heavenly authority or source, or those who dwell there.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

John 3:32

COMBINED MEANING

heard

↗

Sense 1: Perceived by the ear. Sense 2: Received or learned by report. Sense 3: Listened to, regarded, or heeded. Sense 4: Favourably attended to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

man

↗

1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

testimony

↗

Sense 1: A witness, declaration, evidence, record, or solemn statement. Sense 2: The written law given as a covenant witness.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

FOLLOW THE THEME

Related Concepts

Choose a connected KJV word or phrase to find where it appears in scripture.

READ BEFORE AND AFTER

Surrounding Verses

Nearby Scripture remains separate from the selected passage until you add it.

22¶ After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judæa; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.

23¶ And John also was baptizing in Ænon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

Selected passage

24For John was not yet cast into prison.

Selected passage

25¶ Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying.

Selected passage

26And 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.

Selected passage

27John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

Selected passage

28Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.

Selected passage

29He 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.

Selected passage

30He must increase, but I must decrease.

Selected passage

31He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.

Selected passage

32And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.

Selected passage

33He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.

LOCAL PASTOR DIRECTORY

Find a Pastor Near You

Enter a U.S. ZIP code to find nearby pastors committed to holding fast the faithful word.

Your ZIP is processed in this browser from local data. It is not sent to a ZIP lookup service or to a church. ZIP coordinates from GeoNames, licensed under CC BY 4.0.