John 3:25

John 3:25 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying.
• New International Version (NIV)An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing.
• English Standard Version (ESV)Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification.
• New King James Version (NKJV)Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purification.

Context of John 3:25

23Now John was also baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because the water was plentiful there, and people kept coming to be baptized. 24(For John had not yet been thrown into prison.) Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the issue of ceremonial washing. 26So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Look, Rabbi, the One who was with you beyond the Jordan, the One you testified about—He is baptizing, and everyone is going to Him.” 27John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.

John 3:25 word by word

ἐγένετο οὖν ζήτησις ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν Ἰωάννου μετὰ Ἰουδαίου περὶ καθαρισμοῦ.Read the interlinear

• Thenοὖνoun · therefore/thenG3767
• a disputeζήτησιςzētēsis · controversyG2214
• aroseγίνομαιginomai · to beG1096
• betweenἐκek ex · out fromG1537
• ·ὁho hē to · the/this/whoG3588
• John’sἸωάννηςIōannēs · JohnG2491
• disciplesμαθητήςmathētēs · discipleG3101
• ·μετάmeta · with/afterG3326
• JewἸουδαῖοςIoudaios · JewG2453
• overπερίperi · aboutG4012
• ceremonial washingκαθαρισμόςkatharismos · cleansingG2512

Cross-references for John 3:25

• John 2:6Now six stone water jars had been set there for the Jewish rites of purification. Each could hold from twenty to thirty gallons.
• Matthew 3:11I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
• Mark 7:2and they saw some of His disciples eating with hands that were defiled—that is, unwashed.
• Hebrews 6:2instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
• Hebrews 9:10They consist only in food and drink and special washings—external regulations imposed until the time of reform.
• 1 Peter 3:21And this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Commentaries on John 3:25

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 25John's disciples and the Jews - Instead of , Jews, ABELS. M. BV, nearly 100 others, some versions and fathers, read , a Jew, which Griesbach has admitted into the text. The person here spoken of was probably one who had been baptized by the disciples of our Lord; and the subject of debate seems to have been, whether the baptism of John, or that of Christ, was the most efficacious towards purifying.Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 25A question - Rather a controversy a dispute. John‘s disciples - Those who had been baptized by him, and who attached great efficacy and importance to the teaching of their master. Compare the notes at Acts 19:1-5. And the Jews - Many manuscripts, some of the fathers, and the ancient Syriac version read this in the singular number “with A Jew,” one who, it is commonly supposed, had been baptized by the disciples of Jesus. About purifying - What the precise…Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 22-36Verses 22-36 John was fully satisfied with the place and work assigned him; but Jesus came on a more important work. He also knew that Jesus would increase in honour and influence, for of his government and peace there would be no end, while he himself would be less followed. John knew that Jesus came from heaven as the Son of God, while he was a sinful, mortal man, who could only speak about the more plain subjects of religion. The words of Jesus were…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 22-36John the Baptist says Jesus is truly "from above" (3:31). So, the followers of John need to start following Jesus instead.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 25-2625-26. between some of--rather, "on the part of." and the Jews--rather (according to the best manuscripts), "and a Jew," about purifying--that is, baptizing, the symbolical meaning of washing with water being put (as in Joh 2:6) for the act itself. As John and Jesus were the only teachers who baptized Jews, discussions might easily arise between the Baptist's disciples and such Jews as declined to submit to that rite.Read the comment

Topics related to John 3:25

• John

In the dictionaries

• Born
• Condemn
• Condemnation
• Darkness
• Decrease
• Faith
• Increase
• Love
• Testify
• Truth

Commentaries on John 3

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Calvin’s Commentaries
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Catena Aurea
• Illustrated New Testament
• Burkitt’s Expository Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Family Bible Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• John Lightfoot Commentary
• Luther’s Commentary on Selected Bible Passages
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• The People’s New Testament
• Robertson’s Word Pictures
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• The Fourfold Gospel and Commentary on Acts
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings