John 3:31

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.

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}.

“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.

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.

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.

John 3:31 is a powerful declaration affirming the unique identity and supreme authority of Jesus Christ. This verse stands as a profound theological statement, contrasting Christ's divine, heavenly origin with the limitations of human, earthly existence.

Context of John 3:31

This verse immediately follows John the Baptist's testimony concerning Jesus. After his disciples express concern that "all men come to him" (Jesus) (John 3:26), John the Baptist humbly clarifies his role as merely a forerunner, proclaiming that Jesus "must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). Verse 31, therefore, serves as a theological explanation for why Jesus must increase: because He is fundamentally different and superior in His very being and origin, a concept that builds upon the earlier conversation with Nicodemus about being born from above.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Jesus' Divine Origin and Supremacy: The core message is that Jesus "cometh from above" and "is above all." This emphasizes His pre-existent, heavenly nature and His inherent superiority over all creation, including all earthly teachers and prophets. His origin from God gives Him unparalleled authority and insight.
  • Contrast Between Heavenly and Earthly: The verse sharply distinguishes between "He that cometh from above" (Jesus) and "he that is of the earth." Earthly beings are limited by their origin and perspective, speaking "of the earth" – from a human, finite viewpoint. In contrast, Jesus speaks from a divine, eternal perspective.
  • Authority of Heavenly Revelation: Because Jesus originates from heaven, His testimony and teachings carry ultimate truth and authority. What He says is not merely human wisdom but divine revelation, providing the true understanding of God and salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "from above" is anōthen (ἄνωθεν). While it can mean "again" (as in "born again" in John 3:3), in this context, it clearly denotes origin, signifying "from heaven" or "from the very beginning." This underscores Jesus' unique relationship with God the Father, highlighting His divine essence and pre-existence, a concept also strongly presented in the opening verses of John's Gospel, such as John 1:1-3.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

Understanding John 3:31 helps us to recognize the profound difference between Jesus Christ and all other religious figures or human teachers. It calls us to:

  1. Trust His Words Absolutely: Because Jesus comes from heaven and is above all, His teachings are not mere human philosophy but infallible truth. We can fully rely on His words for guidance and salvation.
  2. Acknowledge His Unique Authority: This verse reinforces Jesus' unique position as the Son of God, not just a prophet or good man. His authority extends over all aspects of life, death, and eternity.
  3. Seek Heavenly Wisdom: It reminds us to prioritize spiritual, divine wisdom over purely earthly perspectives, which are inherently limited and often fallible.
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.

  • John 8:23

    And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

  • Matthew 28:18

    And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

  • Romans 9:5

    Whose [are] the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ [came], who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

  • John 6:33

    For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

  • 1 John 4:5

    They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

  • John 3:12

    If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you [of] heavenly things?

  • John 3:13

    And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, [even] the Son of man which is in heaven.

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