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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 3:28 You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.'</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/3-28.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/43_Jhn_03_28.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 3:28 - John's Testimony about Jesus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.'" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/john/3-28.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/john/3-28.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/john/">John</a> > <a href="/john/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 28</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/john/3-27.htm" title="John 3:27">◄</a> John 3:28 <a href="/john/3-29.htm" title="John 3:29">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/john/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/john/3.htm">New International Version</a> You yourselves can testify that I said, &#8216I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.&#8217 <a href="/nlt/john/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ <a href="/esv/john/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ <a href="/bsb/john/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.’ <a href="/blb/john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> You yourselves bear witness to me that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but I am sent before Him.' <a href="/kjv/john/3.htm">King James Bible</a> Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. <a href="/nkjv/john/3.htm">New King James Version</a> You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’ <a href="/nasb_/john/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’ <a href="/nasb/john/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, &#8216I am not the Christ,&#8217 but, &#8216I have been sent ahead of Him.&#8217 <a href="/nasb77/john/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’ <a href="/lsb/john/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’ <a href="/amp/john/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> You yourselves are my witnesses that I stated, ‘I am not the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed),’ but, ‘I have [only] been sent ahead of Him [as His appointed forerunner and messenger to announce and proclaim His coming].’ <a href="/csb/john/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I’ve been sent ahead of him.’ <a href="/hcsb/john/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> You yourselves can testify that I said, &#8216I am not the Messiah, but I&#8217ve been sent ahead of Him.&#8217 <a href="/asv/john/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but, that I am sent before him. <a href="/cev/john/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You surely remember how I told you that I am not the Messiah. I am only the one sent ahead of him. <a href="/erv/john/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but, that I am sent before him. <a href="/gwt/john/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> You are witnesses that I said, 'I'm not the Messiah, but I've been sent ahead of him.' <a href="/gnt/john/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, 'I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.' <a href="/isv/john/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, 'I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.' <a href="/msb/john/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> You yourselves can testify that I said, ?I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.? <a href="/net/john/3.htm">NET Bible</a> You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but rather, 'I have been sent before him.' <a href="/nheb/john/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> You yourselves bear me witness that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before him.' <a href="/wbt/john/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Ye yourselves bear me testimony, that I said I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. <a href="/wey/john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> You yourselves can bear witness to my having said, 'I am not the Christ,' but 'I am His appointed forerunner.' <a href="/web/john/3.htm">World English Bible</a> You yourselves testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before him.’ <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> you yourselves testify to me that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am having been sent before Him; <a href="/blb/john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> You yourselves bear witness to me that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but I am sent before Him.' <a href="/ylt/john/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> ye yourselves do testify to me that I said, I am not the Christ, but, that I am having been sent before him; <a href="/slt/john/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Ye yourselves testify to me, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> You yourselves do bear me witness, that I said, I am not Christ, but that I am sent before him. <a href="/cpdv/john/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> You yourselves offer testimony for me that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but that I have been sent before him. <a href="/nabre/john/3.htm">New American Bible</a> You yourselves can testify that I said [that] I am not the Messiah, but that I was sent before him. <a href="/nrsvce/john/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.’<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> You yourselves bear me witness that I said, I am not the Christ, but only a messenger to go before him. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> You are bearing me witness that I said I am not The Messiah, but I am the one sent before him.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> You yourselves will testify for me, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. <a href="/godbey/john/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> You are witnessing to me, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before Him. <a href="/haweis/john/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Messiah, but that I am sent before him. <a href="/mace/john/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> you yourselves can bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but was only sent before him: <a href="/wey/john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> You yourselves can bear witness to my having said, 'I am not the Christ,' but 'I am His appointed forerunner.' <a href="/worrell/john/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Ye yourselves bear me testimony, that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but that I have been sent before Him.' <a href="/worsley/john/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Ye your selves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but am sent before Him. <a href="/parallel/john/3-28.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=833" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/3.htm">John's Testimony about Jesus</a> …27John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. 28<a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymeis (PPro-N2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">You</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autoi (PPro-NM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">yourselves</a> <a href="/greek/3140.htm" title="3140: martyreite (V-PIA-2P) -- To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.">can testify</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: moi (PPro-D1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I."></a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipon (V-AIA-1S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">I said,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">‘I</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eimi (V-PIA-1S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">am</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: Ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christos (N-NMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: all’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eimi (V-PIA-1S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">am</a> <a href="/greek/649.htm" title="649: Apestalmenos (V-RPM/P-NMS) -- From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively.">sent</a> <a href="/greek/1715.htm" title="1715: emprosthen (Prep) -- From en and pros; in front of (literally or figuratively) or time).">ahead of</a> <a href="/greek/1565.htm" title="1565: ekeinou (DPro-GMS) -- That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.">Him.’</a> 29The 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/1-19.htm">John 1:19-23</a> And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” / He did not refuse to confess, but openly declared, “I am not the Christ.” / “Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” ... <a href="/john/1-6.htm">John 1:6-8</a> There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John. / He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe. / He himself was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. <a href="/john/1-15.htm">John 1:15</a> John testified concerning Him. He cried out, saying, “This is He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’” <a href="/john/1-26.htm">John 1:26-27</a> “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands One you do not know. / He is the One who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” <a href="/matthew/3-11.htm">Matthew 3:11</a> I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. <a href="/mark/1-7.htm">Mark 1:7-8</a> And he proclaimed: “After me will come One more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. / I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” <a href="/luke/3-15.htm">Luke 3:15-16</a> The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John could be the Christ. / John answered all of them: “I baptize you with water, but One more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. <a href="/malachi/3-1.htm">Malachi 3:1</a> “Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts. <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3</a> A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert. <a href="/matthew/11-10.htm">Matthew 11:10</a> This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.’ <a href="/mark/1-2.htm">Mark 1:2-3</a> As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way.” / “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’” <a href="/luke/1-76.htm">Luke 1:76</a> And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him, <a href="/luke/7-27.htm">Luke 7:27</a> This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.’ <a href="/acts/19-4.htm">Acts 19:4</a> Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” <a href="/john/5-33.htm">John 5:33</a> You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.I said.<a href="/john/1-20.htm">John 1:20,25,27</a> And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ… but.<a href="/john/1-23.htm">John 1:23</a> He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.<a href="/malachi/3-1.htm">Malachi 3:1</a> Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.<a href="/malachi/4-4.htm">Malachi 4:4,5</a> Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/19-32.htm">Ahead</a> <a href="/luke/22-29.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/john/3-26.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/john/1-41.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/luke/1-17.htm">Forerunner</a> <a href="/john/3-26.htm">Testify</a> <a href="/john/3-26.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/john/3-26.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/luke/24-48.htm">Witnesses</a> <a href="/luke/23-28.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/10-4.htm">Ahead</a> <a href="/john/15-16.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/john/5-31.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/john/4-25.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-20.htm">Forerunner</a> <a href="/john/3-32.htm">Testify</a> <a href="/john/3-32.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/john/3-32.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/john/15-27.htm">Witnesses</a> <a href="/john/5-42.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">John 3</div>1. <a href="/john/3-1.htm">Jesus teaches Nicodemus the necessity of being born again,</a> 14. <a href="/john/3-14.htm">of faith in his death,</a> 16. <a href="/john/3-16.htm">the great love of God toward the world,</a> 18. <a href="/john/3-18.htm">and the condemnation for unbelief.</a> 22. <a href="/john/3-22.htm">Jesus baptizes in Judea.</a> 23. <a href="/john/3-23.htm">The baptism, witness, and doctrine of John concerning Jesus.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>You yourselves can testify John the Baptist is addressing his disciples and those who have been following his ministry. This phrase emphasizes the importance of personal witness and testimony, which is a recurring theme in the Gospel of John. The concept of testimony is crucial in establishing the truth of Jesus' identity and mission. In the Jewish legal system, the testimony of two or three witnesses was required to establish a fact (<a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a>), highlighting the importance of credible witnesses in affirming truth.that I said, John the Baptist refers to his previous declarations, underscoring the consistency and reliability of his message. This reflects the prophetic tradition where prophets often reminded the people of their earlier messages to reinforce their divine origin and authority. John’s role as a prophet is to prepare the way for the Messiah, and his consistent message serves to validate his prophetic office.‘I am not the Christ, John the Baptist clearly distinguishes himself from the Messiah, a critical clarification given the expectations of the Jewish people at the time. Many were anticipating a political or military leader who would deliver them from Roman oppression. By denying that he is the Christ, John aligns himself with the prophetic tradition of pointing to someone greater, much like the prophets of the Old Testament who spoke of the coming Messiah (<a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3</a>).but am sent ahead of Him.’ John identifies his role as the forerunner to the Messiah, fulfilling the prophecy of <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3</a>, which speaks of a voice calling in the wilderness to prepare the way for the Lord. This role is further affirmed in <a href="/malachi/3.htm">Malachi 3:1</a>, where a messenger is sent to prepare the way. John's ministry of baptism and repentance is preparatory, setting the stage for Jesus' redemptive work. His mission is divinely ordained, as indicated by the phrase "sent," which implies a commission from God, similar to the sending of prophets in the Old Testament.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a> A pivotal figure in the New Testament, John the Baptist was a prophet who prepared the way for Jesus Christ. He is known for his message of repentance and for baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The central figure of Christianity, Jesus is the Messiah whom John the Baptist was sent to precede. His ministry, death, and resurrection are the foundation of Christian faith. 3. <a href="/topical/d/disciples_of_john.htm">Disciples of John</a> Followers of John the Baptist who were learning from him and were witnesses to his testimony about Jesus. 4. <a href="/topical/j/judean_countryside.htm">Judean Countryside</a> The region where John the Baptist was ministering and baptizing, and where this conversation took place. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_christ.htm">The Christ (Messiah)</a> The anointed one promised in the Old Testament, whom John the Baptist identifies as Jesus, distinguishing himself from the Messiah.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_our_role.htm">Understanding Our Role</a> Just as John the Baptist understood his role in God's plan, we should seek to understand and embrace our unique roles in God's kingdom. We are called to point others to Christ, not to seek glory for ourselves. <a href="/topical/h/humility_in_service.htm">Humility in Service</a> John the Baptist exemplifies humility by acknowledging that he is not the Christ. In our service to God, we should remain humble, recognizing that our purpose is to glorify Jesus, not ourselves. <a href="/topical/w/witnessing_to_the_truth.htm">Witnessing to the Truth</a> John the Baptist's testimony about Jesus serves as a model for us. We are called to bear witness to the truth of who Jesus is and what He has done in our lives. <a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_christ's_coming.htm">Preparation for Christ's Coming</a> Just as John prepared the way for Jesus' first coming, we are called to prepare ourselves and others for His return by living lives of holiness and sharing the gospel.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 3</a> <a href="/q/what_is_realized_eschatology.htm">What is the concept of Realized Eschatology?</a> <a href="/q/do_you_fully_trust_the_lord.htm">What does baptism symbolize in Christian faith?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_fourfold_witness.htm">What is the concept of the Fourfold Witness?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_mary's_family_lineage.htm">What defines the Apostolic Tradition in Christianity?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(28) Ye yourselves bear me witness.--They remembered (<a href="/john/3-26.htm" title="And they came to John, and said to him, Rabbi, he that was with you beyond Jordan, to whom you bore witness, behold, the same baptizes, and all men come to him.">John 3:26</a>) that John had borne witness to Jesus. Did they not remember too what he had said? He had from the first known his own work, and the greater work. Some of his disciples had known it also, and had gone from him to Jesus. This which they see was the necessary result of the truth he had ever declared.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 28. - Ye yourselves (cf. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:9</a> for similar emphatic pronoun) bear me witness - you will do it readily, if I challenge you, for my testimonies were frequent and varied (in fact, the synoptists and the fourth evangelist are equally explicit here) - that I said, I am not the Messiah (<a href="/john/1-20.htm">John 1:20</a>; <a href="/matthew/3-11.htm">Matthew 3:11, 12</a>; <a href="/luke/3-15.htm">Luke 3:15-17</a>). This announcement, made with great publicity at Bethany, was the basis of the present remonstrance; and the words which follow strongly sustain John's reference to the Divine predestination in his own case and that of Jesus (ἀλλ ὅτι may point back to the discourse of John, or may simply indicate transition to the second statement). But that I am one sent (on a special mission) before him. He boldly implies, "This is more than I have already testified concerning 'the Christ;' and my place is not at his side, not following in his train. I am 'a voice;' my work is continuously to break up a way for him. I am here still, making the mountains low, and filling up the valleys for the approach of the great King." A man can receive nothing in the shape of lifework except that which is assigned to him out of heaven. <a href="/commentaries/john/3-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>You ὑμεῖς (hymeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. yourselves αὐτοὶ (autoi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. can testify μαρτυρεῖτε (martyreite) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3140.htm">Strong's 3140: </a> To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. I said, εἶπον (eipon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. ‘I ἐγὼ (egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. am εἰμὶ (eimi) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. not Οὐκ (Ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Christ, Χριστός (Christos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. but ἀλλ’ (all’) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. am εἰμὶ (eimi) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. sent Ἀπεσταλμένος (Apestalmenos) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_649.htm">Strong's 649: </a> From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively. ahead of ἔμπροσθεν (emprosthen) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1715.htm">Strong's 1715: </a> From en and pros; in front of (literally or figuratively) or time). Him.’ ἐκείνου (ekeinou) Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1565.htm">Strong's 1565: </a> That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/3-28.htm">John 3:28 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/3-28.htm">John 3:28 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/3-28.htm">John 3:28 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/3-28.htm">John 3:28 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/3-28.htm">John 3:28 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/3-28.htm">John 3:28 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/3-28.htm">John 3:28 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/3-28.htm">John 3:28 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/3-28.htm">John 3:28 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/3-28.htm">John 3:28 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/3-28.htm">NT Gospels: John 3:28 You yourselves testify that I said 'I (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/3-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 3:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 3:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/3-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 3:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 3:29" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>