John 3:34

For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure [unto him].

For {G1063} he whom {G3739} God {G2316} hath sent {G649} speaketh {G2980} the words {G4487} of God {G2316}: for {G1063} God {G2316} giveth {G1325} not {G3756} the Spirit {G4151} by {G1537} measure {G3358} unto him.

because the one whom God sent speaks God’s words. For God does not give him the Spirit in limited degree —

For the One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.

For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for he giveth not the Spirit by measure.

Commentary

John 3:34 (KJV) is a profound declaration by John the Baptist, testifying to the unique and unparalleled nature of Jesus Christ. It underscores Jesus' divine commission and the absolute fullness of the Holy Spirit dwelling within Him, enabling Him to speak God's very words without any limitation.

Context

This verse comes directly after John the Baptist's disciples express concern that "all men come to him" (Jesus) (John 3:26). John responds by humbly pointing away from himself and towards Jesus, clarifying that he is merely the "friend of the bridegroom" (John 3:29) and that Jesus "must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). John 3:34 serves as a foundational reason for Jesus' supremacy: He is the one sent from God, bearing God's complete message and empowered by the Spirit without limit.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority of Jesus: The phrase "he whom God hath sent" highlights Jesus' unique origin and mission. Unlike prophets who were sent with specific messages, Jesus Himself is the ultimate Messenger, inherently possessing God's authority and truth. This concept is central to understanding Jesus' identity throughout John's Gospel (see John 5:23).
  • Jesus as the Embodiment of God's Word: "Speaketh the words of God" affirms that Jesus' teachings and pronouncements are not merely human wisdom but are direct, unadulterated revelations from the Father. His words are God's words, providing life and truth (John 6:63).
  • The Fullness of the Spirit in Jesus: The powerful declaration "God giveth not the Spirit by measure [unto him]" is unique to Jesus. It emphasizes that the Holy Spirit resides in Jesus in His fullness, without any limitation or partiality. Unlike prophets or kings who received the Spirit for specific tasks or periods, Jesus' anointing was complete and perpetual, enabling His perfect ministry and divine nature.

Linguistic Insight

The crucial phrase "by measure" (Greek: ek metrou) signifies "out of measure" or "with limitation." The KJV's addition of "[unto him]" clarifies that it is Jesus who receives the Spirit without measure. This contrasts with the way the Spirit was given to Old Testament prophets, who received a portion or a specific anointing for a particular task. For Jesus, there was no limit, no quantity, no partiality; the Spirit resided in Him completely and continuously, empowering His every word and deed.

Significance and Application

John 3:34 profoundly shapes our understanding of Jesus. It assures us that Jesus is the ultimate and complete revelation of God. Because He was sent by God and speaks God's words, and because He possesses the Spirit without measure, His teachings are entirely trustworthy and authoritative. For believers, this verse reinforces the truth that in Christ, we encounter the fullness of God. It encourages us to listen to and obey Jesus' words, knowing they are divine truth. While we do not receive the Spirit "without measure" as Jesus did, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit for ministry and life (Acts 1:8), reflecting a portion of the divine enablement that perfectly resided in Christ.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 10:38 (14 votes)

    How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

  • John 15:26 (12 votes)

    But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

  • Matthew 12:18 (10 votes)

    Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.

  • Isaiah 11:2 (9 votes)

    And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

  • Isaiah 11:5 (9 votes)

    And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

  • Colossians 2:9 (8 votes)

    For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

  • John 5:26 (8 votes)

    For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;