John 3:29

He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

He that hath {G2192} the bride {G3565} is {G2076} the bridegroom {G3566}: but {G1161} the friend {G5384} of the bridegroom {G3566}, which {G3588} standeth {G2476} and {G2532} heareth {G191} him {G846}, rejoiceth {G5463} greatly {G5479} because {G1223} of the bridegroom's {G3566} voice {G5456}: this {G3778} my {G1699} joy {G5479} therefore {G3767} is fulfilled {G4137}.

The bridegroom is the one who has the bride; but the bridegroom’s friend, who stands and listens to him, is overjoyed at the sound of the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine is now complete.

The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom stands and listens for him, and is overjoyed to hear the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.

He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, that standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is made full.

John 3:29 (KJV) offers a profound insight into John the Baptist's humble and pivotal role in preparing the way for Jesus Christ, using the vivid imagery of a wedding.

Context

This verse comes amidst a conversation where John the Baptist's disciples express concern that Jesus is gaining more followers and baptizing more people than John. In response, John clarifies his mission, emphasizing that he is not the Messiah but merely a forerunner sent to announce His coming. His explanation here highlights his deep understanding of Jesus's supremacy and his own subordinate, yet joyful, position.

Key Themes

  • The Supremacy of Jesus as the Bridegroom: John unequivocally identifies Jesus as the true "Bridegroom," the one to whom the "bride" (representing God's people, the Church) rightfully belongs. This metaphor speaks to an intimate, covenantal relationship, much like that described in Ephesians 5:25-27 where Christ loves the Church and gives Himself for her.
  • John the Baptist's Humble Role: John describes himself as the "friend of the bridegroom." This was a significant role in ancient Jewish weddings, akin to a best man, whose primary duty was to arrange the wedding, prepare the way for the groom, and ensure the successful union of the couple. Once the groom arrived and the wedding commenced, the friend's role was complete. John's self-description perfectly illustrates his preparatory ministry, fulfilling the prophecy of Malachi 3:1 and Matthew 3:3.
  • Joy in Christ's Success: John states, "rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled." His joy is not tied to his own popularity or influence, but to the success and exaltation of Jesus. Hearing the "bridegroom's voice" signifies the arrival and active ministry of Christ, bringing John's mission to its glorious culmination. This selfless joy stands in stark contrast to the jealousy of his disciples.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "friend of the bridegroom" is ho philos tou nymphonos. This term was not merely a casual friend but denoted a specific, honorable role with defined responsibilities, underscoring John's deliberate and divinely appointed function to usher in the Messiah. John's "rejoiceth greatly" (Greek: charai chairei) emphasizes an intense, overflowing joy, not just a mild happiness.

Reflection and Application

John 3:29 serves as a powerful model of humility and selfless service. It challenges us to reflect on the source of our own joy and purpose. Are we seeking our own recognition, or do we genuinely rejoice when Christ is exalted, even if it means our own decrease? John's example teaches us to find fulfillment not in our own accomplishments, but in faithfully playing our part in God's grand plan, pointing others to the true Bridegroom. As John himself declared in the very next verse, "He must increase, but I must decrease." This verse invites us to embrace a similar posture, ensuring that all glory belongs to Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hosea 2:19

    And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.

  • Ephesians 5:25

    Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

  • Ephesians 5:27

    That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

  • Isaiah 54:5

    For thy Maker [is] thine husband; the LORD of hosts [is] his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

  • Ezekiel 16:8

    Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time [was] the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine.

  • Matthew 9:15

    And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

  • Revelation 21:9

    ¶ And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.

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