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25 A debate started between John’s disciples and a certain Jew about cleansing rituals. 26 They came to John and said, “Rabbi, look! The man who was with you across the Jordan, the one about whom you testified, is baptizing and everyone is flocking to him.”

27 John replied, “No one can receive anything unless it is given from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said that I’m not the Christ but that I’m the one sent before him. 29 The groom is the one who is getting married. The friend of the groom stands close by and, when he hears him, is overjoyed at the groom’s voice. Therefore, my joy is now complete. 30 He must increase and I must decrease.

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25 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing.(A) 26 They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi,(B) that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified(C) about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”

27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’(D) 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom.(E) The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.(F) 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”[a]

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Footnotes

  1. John 3:30 Some interpreters end the quotation with verse 36.