John 3:25-30

English Standard Version

²⁵ Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over ^(A)purification. ²⁶ And they came to John and said to him, ^(B)“Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, ^(C)to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and ^(D)all are going to him.” ²⁷ John answered, ^(E)“A person cannot receive even one thing ^(F)unless it is given him ^(G)from heaven. ²⁸ You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ^(H)‘I am not the Christ, but ^(I)I have been sent before him.’ ^29 (J)The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. ^(K)The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, ^(L)rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. ^30 (M)He must increase, but I must decrease.”^[a]