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]
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John 3:25-30
New Living Translation
25 A debate broke out between John’s disciples and a certain Jew[a] over ceremonial cleansing. 26 So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.”
27 John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. 28 You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ 29 It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom’s friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. 30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
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- 3:25 Some manuscripts read some Jews.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.