John 3:31

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 3:31 serves as a profound theological declaration affirming the absolute supremacy and unique divine origin of Jesus Christ. This verse sharply contrasts Jesus, who descends from heaven and possesses ultimate authority over all, with those of earthly origin, whose perspectives and words are inherently limited by their terrestrial nature. It underscores that Jesus' testimony carries unparalleled truth and authority precisely because He is from above, transcending all human limitations and hierarchies.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows John the Baptist's final public testimony concerning Jesus in [John 3:25-30](/john/3-25-30 "John the Baptist's Testimony"). John's disciples express concern that "all men come to him" ([John 3:26](/john/3-26 "John the Baptist's Disciples' Concern")), indicating a shift in public attention from John to Jesus. In response, John humbly reiterates his role as merely a forerunner, emphasizing that he is not the Christ but was sent ahead of Him. He uses the metaphor of the bridegroom and his friend to illustrate his joy in Jesus' increasing prominence, declaring, "He must increase, but I must decrease" ([John 3:30](/john/3-30 "John the Baptist's Humility")). John 3:31 provides the theological justification for this necessary increase, explaining *why* Jesus must be preeminent: because His very being and origin are fundamentally superior. This passage also echoes and expands upon the earlier dialogue between Jesus and Nicodemus in [John 3:1-21](/john/3-1-21 "Jesus and Nicodemus"), particularly the concept of being "born from above" ([John 3:3](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - Born from Above")), setting the stage for understanding Jesus' own divine origin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the first century Jewish context, there was a strong expectation of prophets and a Messiah. John the Baptist, a widely recognized prophet, was seen by many as a significant figure, possibly even the Messiah. The concept of a divine messenger or prophet was familiar, but the idea of someone "from above" in the sense of divine pre-existence and absolute supremacy was revolutionary and challenged conventional understandings of prophecy and authority. Jewish thought often distinguished between earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom (e.g., wisdom from the Torah or direct revelation), but John 3:31 elevates Jesus beyond even the greatest prophets, placing Him in a unique category as the ultimate divine revealer. The "earthly" perspective would have encompassed human teachers, scribes, and even prophets who, despite their divine calling, remained human and spoke from a limited, albeit inspired, human viewpoint.
* **Key Themes:** John 3:31 contributes significantly to several major themes woven throughout the Gospel of John. Foremost is the theme of **Jesus' Divine Origin and Identity**. The repeated phrase "cometh from above" and "cometh from heaven" directly asserts Jesus' pre-existence and His unique relationship with God the Father, a concept foundational to John's Christology, as seen in the prologue where Jesus is identified as the [Word who was with God and was God](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word in the Beginning"). This leads to the theme of **Jesus' Absolute Supremacy and Authority**. Because He is "above all," His words and actions carry ultimate weight, distinguishing Him from all earthly figures, including John the Baptist, who himself acknowledges this difference in [John 1:26-27](/john/1-26-27 "John the Baptist's Testimony of Jesus' Superiority"). Finally, the verse highlights the **Contrast Between Heavenly and Earthly Revelation**. Earthly beings "speaketh of the earth," conveying limited human understanding, whereas Jesus, from heaven, brings divine, ultimate truth, a distinction crucial for understanding the nature of salvation and true knowledge of God found only through Him, as further developed in passages like [John 6:35-40](/john/6-35-40 "Jesus, the Bread of Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **above (Greek, _ánōthen'_):** Contracted from a primary word, this term signifies "from above," "from the first," or "anew." In John 3:31, its primary meaning is clearly spatial and directional, indicating origin "from heaven" or "from a higher place," emphasizing Jesus' divine source rather than a renewed earthly birth. This aligns with its usage in [John 3:3](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - Born from Above") where it carries a double meaning of "from above" and "again," but here the context specifies the former.
* **above (Greek, _epánō'_):** Derived from "epi" (on, upon) and "anō" (up), this preposition means "up above," "over," or "on." It denotes superiority in terms of place, amount, or, crucially in this context, rank and authority. When applied to Jesus being "above all," it powerfully conveys His preeminence, sovereignty, and unparalleled authority over all creation and all beings, both spiritual and physical.
* **earth (Greek, _gē'_):** This word refers to soil, a region, or the solid part of the terrene globe, including its inhabitants. In John 3:31, "of the earth" and "earthly" are used metaphorically to describe origin, nature, and perspective. It signifies that which is limited, mortal, human, and bound by the constraints of the physical world, contrasting sharply with the divine, eternal, and transcendent nature of Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that cometh from above is above all:"** This clause unequivocally identifies Jesus Christ. The phrase "cometh from above" (ἐρχόμενος ἄνωθεν) points to His unique, divine origin, signifying that He did not originate from this world but from a heavenly realm. The immediate consequence of this divine origin is His absolute supremacy: "is above all" (ἐπάνω πάντων ἐστίν). This declares His inherent superiority and authority over every created being, every earthly system, and every human perspective, including that of John the Baptist and all other prophets or teachers. His origin dictates His rank.
* **"he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth:"** This contrasts Jesus with all human beings, including John the Baptist. "He that is of the earth" (ὁ ὢν ἐκ τῆς γῆς) refers to anyone whose origin is purely human and terrestrial. Such a person "is earthly" (ἐκ τῆς γῆς ἐστίν), meaning their nature, understanding, and perspective are limited by their human and temporal existence. Consequently, they "speaketh of the earth" (ἐκ τῆς γῆς λαλεῖ), meaning their message, while potentially inspired, is filtered through and constrained by human understanding, experience, and the earthly realm. It cannot fully grasp or convey the depths of divine truth in the way that one from heaven can.
* **"he that cometh from heaven is above all."** This final clause serves as a powerful reiteration and emphatic confirmation of the opening statement. By repeating the assertion of Jesus' heavenly origin ("cometh from heaven" - ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἐρχόμενος) and His universal supremacy ("is above all" - ἐπάνω πάντων ἐστίν), the verse underscores the central truth it seeks to convey. The slight variation from "from above" to "from heaven" reinforces the divine, celestial nature of His origin, leaving no ambiguity about the source of His unparalleled authority and knowledge. This repetition emphasizes the profound theological distinction between Jesus and all others.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [John 3:31](/john/3-31 "John 3:31 - He that cometh from above is above all") is **Contrast**. The verse establishes a stark dichotomy between "He that cometh from above" (Jesus) and "he that is of the earth" (humanity). This contrast highlights the fundamental difference in origin, nature, and authority between the divine and the human. Directly related to this is **Antithesis**, where opposing ideas are placed in juxtaposition to emphasize their distinct qualities and the superiority of one over the other. The repeated phrase "is above all" functions as **Emphasis** and **Repetition**, reinforcing Jesus' absolute supremacy and ensuring that the reader grasps the core message. The structure of the verse, moving from the heavenly to the earthly and then back to the heavenly, creates a rhetorical rhythm that powerfully underscores Jesus' unique position.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 3:31 is a cornerstone for understanding the person of Jesus Christ. It asserts His unique Christological status as the Son of God, not merely a prophet or a divinely inspired man, but one whose very being originates from outside the created order. This divine origin is the basis for His absolute authority, His infallible truthfulness, and His unique ability to reveal God to humanity. The verse sets the stage for understanding the nature of divine revelation: true, ultimate truth comes from the one who is "above all" and "from heaven," not from earthly wisdom. It prepares the reader for the profound claims Jesus will make about Himself throughout John's Gospel, reinforcing that His testimony is not merely human opinion but the very word of God.

* [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God") - For Jesus' pre-existence and divine nature.
* [John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Comes Down from Heaven") - For Jesus' descent from heaven to do the Father's will.
* [Colossians 1:15-18](/colossians/1-15-18 "Colossians 1:15-18 - Christ's Supremacy") - For a comprehensive declaration of Christ's supremacy over all creation.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding the profound truth of [John 3:31](/john/3-31 "John 3:31 - He that cometh from above is above all") has transformative implications for our faith and daily lives. It calls us to recognize and submit to Jesus' unparalleled authority, not as one among many spiritual leaders, but as the supreme Lord whose words are the ultimate truth. In a world saturated with diverse opinions and conflicting philosophies, this verse grounds our faith in the unshakeable reality of Christ's divine origin and His position "above all." It compels us to prioritize heavenly wisdom over earthly perspectives, to trust His teachings implicitly, and to align our lives with His divine will. When we acknowledge that Jesus comes from heaven and is above all, our worship deepens, our trust solidifies, and our pursuit of His kingdom becomes the central focus of our existence, knowing that His perspective is the only truly eternal one.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing Jesus' divine origin and supremacy impact your trust in His words and teachings?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be relying on "earthly" wisdom rather than seeking the "heavenly" perspective that comes from Christ?**
* **How does the contrast between Jesus and all earthly figures (including yourself) humble you and elevate your worship of Him?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more fully submit to the authority of the One who "is above all"?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the repetition of "is above all" in John 3:31?**

Answer: The repetition of "is above all" in [John 3:31](/john/3-31 "John 3:31 - He that cometh from above is above all") serves as a powerful rhetorical device to emphasize and underscore the absolute supremacy of Jesus Christ. In ancient rhetoric, repetition was used to highlight key points and ensure their memorability and impact. By stating "He that cometh from above is above all" and then concluding with "he that cometh from heaven is above all," the verse leaves no doubt about Jesus' unparalleled authority and preeminence. It reinforces that His divine origin is the irrefutable basis for His unique position over all creation, all humanity, and all earthly wisdom. This emphasis is crucial for the reader to grasp the profound distinction between Jesus and all other figures, including even the revered John the Baptist, who himself acknowledges Jesus' superiority in [John 3:30](/john/3-30 "John 3:30 - He Must Increase").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 3:31](/john/3-31 "John 3:31 - He that cometh from above is above all") finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' unique role as the divine Son, the ultimate revealer, and the sovereign Lord over all things, whose incarnation and redemptive work are the very essence of God's plan. The "one who comes from above" is the pre-existent [Word who became flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), entering our earthly realm not as a mere prophet, but as God Himself. His being "above all" is not just a statement of rank but a declaration of His cosmic headship and authority, which He wields to accomplish salvation. He is the one through whom [all things were created](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All Things Created Through Him") and in whom [all things hold together](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - All Things Hold Together in Christ"). His descent from heaven, as the [Son of Man who came to seek and to save the lost](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost"), culminates in His atoning death and glorious resurrection, by which [God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - God Exalted Jesus"). Thus, John 3:31 foreshadows the full scope of Christ's redemptive work, demonstrating that only the One who is truly "above all" could accomplish the salvation of a world bound by earthly limitations and sin.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.