John 3:31

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible:

“He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the earth is from the earth and talks from an earthly point of view; he who comes from heaven is above all.

Berean Standard Bible:

The One who comes from above is above all. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. The One who comes from heaven is above all.

American Standard Version:

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

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

He that cometh^{G2064} from above^{G509} is^{G2076} above^{G1883} all^{G3956}: he that is^{G5607} of^{G1537} the earth^{G1093} is^{G2076} earthly^{{G1537}{G1093}}, and^{G2532} speaketh^{G2980} of^{G1537} the earth^{G1093}: he that cometh^{G2064} from^{G1537} heaven^{G3772} is^{G2076} above^{G1883} all^{G3956}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:

BibleHub.com BibleRef.com

Commentary for John 3:31

John 3:31 is a verse that captures a foundational theme in the Gospel of John, which is the contrast between the heavenly and the earthly realms, and the divine origin of Jesus Christ. This verse is part of the discourse between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, who came to Jesus at night to inquire about the kingdom of God.

In the broader context, Jesus has been explaining the necessity of being born again, or born from above, to see and enter the kingdom of God. Verse 3:31 specifically emphasizes the superiority and uniqueness of Jesus, who is described as the one "that cometh from above," meaning He originates from the divine, heavenly realm. This statement underscores Jesus' divine nature and preeminence over all things earthly. He is not merely a teacher or prophet; He is of heavenly origin and therefore above all earthly authorities and limitations.

The verse also draws a distinction between Jesus and other religious figures of the time, many of whom were "of the earth" and whose teachings and perspectives were limited to earthly concerns. In contrast, Jesus, being from heaven, speaks with heavenly authority and brings a message that transcends temporal and earthly matters. This assertion would have been radical in the historical context of Second Temple Judaism, where religious leaders were typically the earthly authority on divine matters.

Moreover, this verse foreshadows the theme of Jesus' ascension and exaltation, which is central to Christian theology. It speaks to the idea that Jesus, having come from above, will return to his exalted position in heaven after his earthly mission is accomplished.

In summary, John 3:31 succinctly presents the divine origin and authority of Jesus Christ, distinguishing him from earthly teachers and leaders. It encapsulates the theological assertion of Jesus' heavenly nature and superiority over the world, which is a cornerstone of Christian belief and was a provocative claim in the religious and cultural milieu of first-century Palestine.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G2064
   There are 604 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἔρχομαι
   Transliteration: érchomai
   Pronunciation: el'-tho
   Description: middle voice of a primary verb (used only in the present and imperfect tenses, the others being supplied by a kindred (middle voice) , or (active) , which do not otherwise occur); to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively):--accompany, appear, bring, come, enter, fall out, go, grow, X light, X next, pass, resort, be set.
   
2. Strong's Number: G509
   There are 116 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἄνωθεν
   Transliteration: ánōthen
   Pronunciation: an'-o-then
   Description: from ἄνω; from above; by analogy, from the first; by implication, anew:--from above, again, from the beginning (very first), the top.
   
3. Strong's Number: G2076
   There are 812 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐστί
   Transliteration: estí
   Pronunciation: es-tee'
   Description: third person singular present indicative of εἰμί; he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are:--are, be(-long), call, X can(-not), come, consisteth, X dure for a while, + follow, X have, (that) is (to say), make, meaneth, X must needs, + profit, + remaineth, + wrestle.
   
4. Strong's Number: G1883
   There are 18 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐπάνω
   Transliteration: epánō
   Pronunciation: ep-an'-o
   Description: from ἐπί and ἄνω; up above, i.e. over or on (of place, amount, rank, etc.):--above, more than, (up-)on, over.
   
5. Strong's Number: G3956
   There are 1075 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πᾶς
   Transliteration: pâs
   Pronunciation: pas
   Description: including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole:--all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.
   
6. Strong's Number: G5607
   There are 154 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὤν
   Transliteration: ṓn
   Pronunciation: on
   Description: present participle of εἰμί; being:--be, come, have.
   
7. Strong's Number: G1537
   There are 761 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐκ
   Transliteration: ek
   Pronunciation: ex
   Description: a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote):--after, among, X are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, …ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with(-out). Often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion.
   
8. Strong's Number: G1093
   There are 226 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: γῆ
   Transliteration: gē
   Pronunciation: ghay
   Description: contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application):--country, earth(-ly), ground, land, world.
   
9. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
10. Strong's Number: G2980
    There are 271 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: λαλέω
    Transliteration: laléō
    Pronunciation: lal-eh'-o
    Description: a prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. utter words:--preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter. Compare λέγω.
    
11. Strong's Number: G3772
    There are 264 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: οὐρανός
    Transliteration: ouranós
    Pronunciation: oo-ran-os'
    Description: perhaps from the same as ὄρος (through the idea of elevation); the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel (Christianity):--air, heaven(-ly), sky.