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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 3:25 Then a dispute arose between John's disciples and a certain Jew over the issue of ceremonial washing.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/3-25.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/43_Jhn_03_25.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 3:25 - John's Testimony about Jesus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then a dispute arose between John's disciples and a certain Jew over the issue of ceremonial washing." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.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/3-24.htm" title="John 3:24">◄</a> John 3:25 <a href="/john/3-26.htm" title="John 3:26">►</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"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/john/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />An argument developed between some of John&#8217s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/john/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A debate broke out between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over ceremonial cleansing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/john/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Now a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/john/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the issue of ceremonial washing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Then a debate arose among the disciples of John with <i>a certain</i> Jew about purification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/john/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then there arose a question between <i>some</i> of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/john/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then there arose a dispute between <i>some</i> of John’s disciples and the Jews about purification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/john/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then a matter of dispute developed on the part of John’s disciples with a Jew about purification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/john/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Therefore there arose a discussion on the part of John&#8217s disciples with a Jew about purification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/john/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />There arose therefore a discussion on the part of John’s disciples with a Jew about purification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/john/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Therefore there arose a debate between John’s disciples and a Jew about purification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/john/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Therefore there arose a controversy between John’s disciples and a Jew in regard to purification (ceremonial washing).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/john/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a Jew about purification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/john/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then a dispute arose between John&#8217s disciples and a Jew about purification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/john/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />There arose therefore a questioning on the part of John's disciples with a Jew about purifying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/john/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />John's followers got into an argument with a Jewish man about a ceremony of washing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/john/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />There arose therefore a questioning on the part of John's disciples with a Jew about purifying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/john/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Some of John's disciples had an argument with a Jew about purification ceremonies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/john/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Some of John's disciples began arguing with a Jew about the matter of ritual washing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/john/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then a controversy about ritual purification sprang up between a certain Jew and John's disciples, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/john/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then a dispute arose between John?s disciples and a certain Jew over the issue of ceremonial washing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/john/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Now a dispute came about between some of John's disciples and a certain Jew concerning ceremonial washing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/john/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now a dispute arose between John's disciples with a Jew about purification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/john/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews, about purifying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />As the result, a discussion having arisen on the part of John's disciples with a Jew about purification,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/john/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore a dispute arose on the part of John’s disciples with some Jews about purification. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/john/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />there arose then a question from the disciples of John with [some] Jews about purifying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Then a debate arose among the disciples of John with <i>a certain</i> Jew about purification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/john/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> there arose then a question from the disciples of John with some Jews about purifying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/john/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Then was there an investigation of John's disciples with Jesus about purification.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/john/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews concerning purification: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/john/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then a dispute occurred between the disciples of John and the Jews, about purification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/john/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Now a dispute arose between the disciples of John and a Jew about ceremonial washings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/john/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Now a discussion about purification arose between John’s disciples and a Jew.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/john/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Now it happened that a dispute arose between one of John’s disciples and a Jew about the ceremony of purifying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But there was a dispute between one of Yohannan's disciples and a certain Judeaen about purification.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/john/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />There arose, therefore, a dispute between some of John's disciples and a Jew, about purification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/john/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And there was a disputation of the disciples of John, concerning purifying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/john/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Then a dispute arose between the disciples of John and the Jews with regard to purification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/john/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Now there happen'd to be a dispute about baptism between a Jews, and some of John's disciples:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />As the result, a discussion having arisen on the part of John's disciples with a Jew about purification,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/john/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />There arose, therefore, a question, on the part of John's disciples with a Jew, about purification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/john/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Now there arose a dispute between <i>some</i> of the disciples of John, and the Jews, about purifying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/john/3-25.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=806" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/john/3.htm">John's Testimony about Jesus</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">24</span>(For John had not yet been thrown into prison.) <span class="reftext">25</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">Then</a> <a href="/greek/2214.htm" title="2214: zētēsis (N-NFS) -- A question, debate, controversy; a seeking, search. From zeteo; a searching, i.e. A dispute or its theme.">a dispute</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: Egeneto (V-AIM-3S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">arose</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">between</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2491.htm" title="2491: Iōannou (N-GMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.">John’s</a> <a href="/greek/3101.htm" title="3101: mathētōn (N-GMP) -- A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.">disciples</a> <a href="/greek/3326.htm" title="3326: meta (Prep) -- (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2453.htm" title="2453: Ioudaiou (Adj-GMS) -- Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.">a certain Jew</a> <a href="/greek/4012.htm" title="4012: peri (Prep) -- From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.">over the issue of</a> <a href="/greek/2512.htm" title="2512: katharismou (N-GMS) -- From katharizo; a washing off, i.e. ablution, expiation.">ceremonial washing.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">26</span>So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Look, Rabbi, the One who was with you beyond the Jordan, the One you testified about—He is baptizing, and everyone is going to Him.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-19.htm">John 1:19-28</a></span><br />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.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/3-11.htm">Matthew 3:11-14</a></span><br />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. / His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” / At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/1-4.htm">Mark 1:4-8</a></span><br />John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. / People went out to him from all of Jerusalem and the countryside of Judea. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. / John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/3-15.htm">Luke 3:15-18</a></span><br />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. / His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/19-3.htm">Acts 19:3-5</a></span><br />“Into what, then, were you baptized?” Paul asked. “The baptism of John,” they replied. / 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.” / On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-6.htm">John 1:6-8</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-15.htm">John 1:15</a></span><br />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.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-29.htm">John 1:29-34</a></span><br />The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! / This is He of whom I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’ / I myself did not know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that He might be revealed to Israel.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/4-1.htm">John 4:1-3</a></span><br />When Jesus realized that the Pharisees were aware He was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John / (although it was not Jesus who baptized, but His disciples), / He left Judea and returned to Galilee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-2.htm">Matthew 11:2-6</a></span><br />Meanwhile John heard in prison about the works of Christ, and he sent his disciples / to ask Him, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?” / Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/2-18.htm">Mark 2:18-20</a></span><br />Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were often fasting. So people came to Jesus and asked, “Why don’t Your disciples fast like John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees?” / Jesus replied, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while He is with them? As long as He is with them, they cannot fast. / But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/7-18.htm">Luke 7:18-23</a></span><br />Then John’s disciples informed him about all these things. / So John called two of his disciples and sent them to ask the Lord, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?” / When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?’” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-24.htm">Acts 13:24-25</a></span><br />Before the arrival of Jesus, John preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. / As John was completing his course, he said, ‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not that One. But there is One coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/3-1.htm">Malachi 3:1</a></span><br />“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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3-5</a></span><br />A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert. / Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low; the uneven ground will become smooth, and the rugged land a plain. / And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all humanity together will see it.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.</p><p class="hdg">about.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/2-6.htm">John 2:6</a></b></br> And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/3-11.htm">Matthew 3:11</a></b></br> I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and <i>with</i> fire:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/7-2.htm">Mark 7:2-5,8</a></b></br> And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/22-24.htm">Argument</a> <a href="/luke/7-16.htm">Arisen</a> <a href="/mark/7-3.htm">Ceremonial</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-7.htm">Developed</a> <a href="/john/3-22.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/luke/24-15.htm">Discussion</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-23.htm">Jew</a> <a href="/john/3-1.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/john/1-40.htm">John's</a> <a href="/john/2-4.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/john/2-24.htm">Part</a> <a href="/john/2-6.htm">Purification</a> <a href="/john/2-6.htm">Purifying</a> <a href="/john/2-18.htm">Question</a> <a href="/luke/24-15.htm">Questioning</a> <a href="/luke/24-15.htm">Reasoning</a> <a href="/luke/21-13.htm">Result</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/11-2.htm">Argument</a> <a href="/john/7-52.htm">Arisen</a> <a href="/john/11-55.htm">Ceremonial</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-7.htm">Developed</a> <a href="/john/4-1.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/acts/4-15.htm">Discussion</a> <a href="/john/4-9.htm">Jew</a> <a href="/john/4-9.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/john/3-27.htm">John's</a> <a href="/john/9-41.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/john/13-8.htm">Part</a> <a href="/acts/21-24.htm">Purification</a> <a href="/acts/15-9.htm">Purifying</a> <a href="/john/4-52.htm">Question</a> <a href="/john/4-33.htm">Questioning</a> <a href="/acts/17-2.htm">Reasoning</a> <a href="/john/4-38.htm">Result</a><div class="vheading2">John 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/3-1.htm">Jesus teaches Nicodemus the necessity of being born again,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/3-14.htm">of faith in his death,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/3-16.htm">the great love of God toward the world,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/3-18.htm">and the condemnation for unbelief.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/3-22.htm">Jesus baptizes in Judea.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/3-23.htm">The baptism, witness, and doctrine of John concerning Jesus.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>Then a dispute arose</b><br>This phrase indicates a conflict or disagreement, which is a common occurrence in the Gospels as different groups grapple with the teachings of Jesus and John the Baptist. Disputes often arise from misunderstandings or differing interpretations of religious practices and teachings. This particular dispute highlights the tension between the old Jewish traditions and the new teachings being introduced by John and later by Jesus.<p><b>between John’s disciples</b><br>John the Baptist had a significant following, and his disciples were committed to his message of repentance and preparation for the coming Messiah. These disciples were often protective of John's ministry and teachings, which sometimes led to conflicts with other religious groups or followers of Jesus. The loyalty of John's disciples is evident in their concern over practices and teachings that might seem to challenge or undermine John's authority.<p><b>and a certain Jew</b><br>The identity of this "certain Jew" is not specified, but it suggests an individual who was knowledgeable about Jewish customs and possibly held a position of influence or authority. This person could represent the broader Jewish community's perspective, which often questioned or challenged the new movements led by John and Jesus. The term "Jew" here is used to denote someone who adheres to traditional Jewish beliefs and practices.<p><b>over the issue of ceremonial washing</b><br>Ceremonial washing was an important aspect of Jewish religious practice, symbolizing purification and readiness to approach God. This practice is rooted in the Old Testament, where various laws required washing for ritual cleanliness (e.g., <a href="/leviticus/15-11.htm">Leviticus 15:11</a>). The dispute likely centered on the significance and necessity of these washings in light of John's baptism, which was a new form of ritual cleansing symbolizing repentance and preparation for the Messiah. This tension between traditional Jewish purification rites and the new baptismal practice introduced by John reflects the broader theme of transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, which is a central theme in the New Testament.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a></b><br>A prophet who baptized people in preparation for the coming of Jesus. He had disciples who followed his teachings and practices.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/john's_disciples.htm">John's Disciples</a></b><br>Followers of John the Baptist who were involved in the dispute over ceremonial washing.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/a_certain_jew.htm">A Certain Jew</a></b><br>An unnamed individual who engaged in a debate with John's disciples about the practice of ceremonial washing.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/ceremonial_washing.htm">Ceremonial Washing</a></b><br>A Jewish ritual practice for purification, which was a point of contention in this passage.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_rituals_and_traditions.htm">Understanding Rituals and Traditions</a></b><br>Rituals like ceremonial washing were significant in Jewish culture, but they should not overshadow the heart of worship and obedience to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_disputes_in_faith.htm">The Role of Disputes in Faith</a></b><br>Disputes can arise over religious practices, but they should lead us to seek deeper understanding and unity in Christ rather than division.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_transition_from_old_to_new_covenant.htm">The Transition from Old to New Covenant</a></b><br>The discussion of ceremonial washing highlights the transition from the old covenant practices to the new covenant in Jesus, who offers true purification.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/focus_on_christ,_not_rituals.htm">Focus on Christ, Not Rituals</a></b><br>Our focus should be on Christ and His teachings rather than getting caught up in rituals that may distract from the essence of faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/engaging_in_constructive_dialogue.htm">Engaging in Constructive Dialogue</a></b><br>When disputes arise, engage in constructive dialogue that seeks truth and understanding, grounded in Scripture.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_were_the_early_church_fathers.htm">Who were the Early Church Fathers?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_john_13_34_a_'new_commandment'.htm">In John 13:34, why call it a 'new commandment' when the Old Testament already teaches love for others?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_mark_2_23-28's_grain_story_reliable.htm">Mark 2:23-28 - How reliable is the story of disciples picking grain on the Sabbath, given the potential historical and legal disputes that should have arisen?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_was_jesus'_physical_nature.htm">What was the nature of Jesus' physical body?</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>(25) <span class= "bld">Then there arose a question.</span>--For "the Jews," the reading of the better MSS. is, <span class= "ital">a Jew.</span> The question arose on the side of John's disciples. What the exact nature of it was we do not know, and have no means of judging. It was one of the questions which in every age has arisen about external rites, and has too often been accompanied by a neglect of inner principles. This arose in some way from the fact of the disciples of Jesus baptising near to the place where John was baptising, and doubtless was closely connected with these baptisms. The fact is only preserved as an incidental introduction to the remarkable testimony of the Baptist which follows.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 25.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">There arose therefore a</span> <span class="cmt_word">questioning on the part of John's disciples with a Jew</span> <span class="cmt_word">about purifying.</span> Such proximity of two such leaders, teaching and proclaiming the kingdom of heaven, and baptizing into a glorious hope, a Divine future, and a spiritual change, was certain to excite controversy. The word (<span class="greek">ζήτησις</span>) "questioning" is used in <a href="/acts/15-2.htm">Acts 15:2</a> for the dispute at Antioch, and Paul uses the same phrase for dangerous, useless, and angry debate (<a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">1 Timothy 6:4</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">2 Timothy 2:23</a>; <a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Titus 3:9</a>). It was, perhaps, not the first, and certainly it was not the last, of the controversies which raged over the symbolic purification of the Church. John's disciples appear to have taken up arms against some particular <span class="accented">Jew</span>, who was prepared either to question the right of Jesus to baptize, or the essential value of this ordinance. This "Jew" was apparently maintaining a greater potency for the baptism of Jesus than John could claim for his, and was basing his view upon the testimony which John had already borne to Jesus. <span class="accented">Purifying</span> was the great theme of Essenic and Pharisaic profession. It was without doubt one of the great symbolic purposes of the Levitical legislation. The purification of the flesh was, however, in Christ's teaching, a very small part of the claim for purity. Nothing less than a spiritual and radical moral change availed, and our Lord insisted on this to the disparagement of the mere ceremonial. This was the first recorded discussion on the nature and value of baptismal purifying. Would that it had been the last! The question arose among those who had been baptized by John, whether another had any right to administer such an ordinance? Could another receive the confession of sins? Was the baptism of John to terminate now that he had come of whom John himself had said, "This is he that baptizeth with the Holy Spirit" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/john/3-25.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">A dispute</span><br /><span class="grk">ζήτησις</span> <span class="translit">(zētēsis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2214.htm">Strong's 2214: </a> </span><span class="str2">A question, debate, controversy; a seeking, search. From zeteo; a searching, i.e. A dispute or its theme.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">arose</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἐγένετο</span> <span class="translit">(Egeneto)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">between</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκ</span> <span class="translit">(ek)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> </span><span class="str2">From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">John’s</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἰωάννου</span> <span class="translit">(Iōannou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2491.htm">Strong's 2491: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">disciples</span><br /><span class="grk">μαθητῶν</span> <span class="translit">(mathētōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3101.htm">Strong's 3101: </a> </span><span class="str2">A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and]</span><br /><span class="grk">μετὰ</span> <span class="translit">(meta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3326.htm">Strong's 3326: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">[a certain] Jew</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἰουδαίου</span> <span class="translit">(Ioudaiou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2453.htm">Strong's 2453: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">over [the issue of]</span><br /><span class="grk">περὶ</span> <span class="translit">(peri)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4012.htm">Strong's 4012: </a> </span><span class="str2">From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ceremonial washing.</span><br /><span class="grk">καθαρισμοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(katharismou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2512.htm">Strong's 2512: </a> </span><span class="str2">From katharizo; a washing off, i.e. ablution, expiation.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/3-25.htm">John 3:25 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/john/3-25.htm">John 3:25 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/john/3-25.htm">John 3:25 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/john/3-25.htm">John 3:25 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/john/3-25.htm">John 3:25 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/john/3-25.htm">John 3:25 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/3-25.htm">John 3:25 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/3-25.htm">John 3:25 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/john/3-25.htm">John 3:25 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/john/3-25.htm">John 3:25 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/john/3-25.htm">NT Gospels: John 3:25 There arose therefore a questioning (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/3-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 3:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 3:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/3-26.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 3:26"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 3:26" /></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>