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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 3:27 John replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/3-27.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/43_Jhn_03_27.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 3:27 - John's Testimony about Jesus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="John replied, A man can receive only what is given him from heaven." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.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/3-26.htm" title="John 3:26">◄</a> John 3:27 <a href="/john/3-28.htm" title="John 3:28">►</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> To this John replied, &#8220A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. <a href="/nlt/john/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. <a href="/esv/john/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. <a href="/bsb/john/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. <a href="/blb/john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> John answered and said, "A man is able to receive not one thing if it is not given to him from heaven. <a href="/kjv/john/3.htm">King James Bible</a> John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. <a href="/nkjv/john/3.htm">New King James Version</a> John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. <a href="/nasb_/john/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> John replied, “A person can receive not even one thing unless it has been given to him from heaven. <a href="/nasb/john/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> John answered and said, &#8220A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven. <a href="/nasb77/john/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing, unless it has been given him from heaven. <a href="/lsb/john/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven. <a href="/amp/john/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> John replied, “A man can receive nothing [he can claim nothing at all] unless it has been granted to him from heaven [for there is no other source than the sovereign will of God]. <a href="/csb/john/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> John responded, “No one can receive anything unless it has been given to him from heaven. <a href="/hcsb/john/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> John responded, &#8220No one can receive a single thing unless it&#8217s given to him from heaven. <a href="/asv/john/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it have been given him from heaven. <a href="/cev/john/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> John replied: No one can do anything unless God in heaven allows it. <a href="/erv/john/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it have been given him from heaven. <a href="/gwt/john/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> John answered, "People can't receive anything unless it has been given to them from heaven. <a href="/gnt/john/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> John answered, "No one can have anything unless God gives it. <a href="/isv/john/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> John replied, "No one can receive anything unless it has been given to them from heaven. <a href="/msb/john/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> John replied, ?A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. <a href="/net/john/3.htm">NET Bible</a> John replied, "No one can receive anything unless it has been given to him from heaven. <a href="/nheb/john/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> John answered, "No one can receive anything, unless it has been given to him from heaven. <a href="/wbt/john/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. <a href="/wey/john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "A man cannot obtain anything," replied John, "unless it has been granted to him from Heaven. <a href="/web/john/3.htm">World English Bible</a> John answered, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> John answered and said, “A man is not able to receive anything if it may not have been given him from Heaven; <a href="/blb/john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> John answered and said, "A man is able to receive not one thing if it is not given to him from heaven. <a href="/ylt/john/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> John answered and said, 'A man is not able to receive anything, if it may not have been given him from the heaven; <a href="/slt/john/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> John answered and said, No man can receive anything except it be given him from heaven.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> John answered, and said: A man cannot receive any thing, unless it be given him from heaven. <a href="/cpdv/john/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> John responded and said: “A man is not able to receive anything, unless it has been given to him from heaven. <a href="/nabre/john/3.htm">New American Bible</a> John answered and said, “No one can receive anything except what has been given him from heaven. <a href="/nrsvce/john/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> John answered, “No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> John answered and said to them, No man can receive anything of his own will, except it is given to him from heaven. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Yohannan answered and said to them: “A man cannot receive anything of his own will unless it is given to him from Heaven.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> John answered and said: A man can receive nothing unless it be given to him from heaven. <a href="/godbey/john/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> John responded and said, No man is able to receive anything, unless it may have been given unto him from heaven. <a href="/haweis/john/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> John answered and said, A man cannot assume any thing, except it be given him from heaven. <a href="/mace/john/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but John made them this answer, a man can have no authority, but what he derives from heaven. <a href="/wey/john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "A man cannot obtain anything," replied John, "unless it has been granted to him from Heaven. <a href="/worrell/john/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing, unless it has been given to him from Heaven. <a href="/worsley/john/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> John answered and said, A man can take nothing upon him, unless it be given him from heaven. <a href="/parallel/john/3-27.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=827" 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> …26So 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.” 27<a href="/greek/2491.htm" title="2491: Iōannēs (N-NMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.">John</a> <a href="/greek/611.htm" title="611: Apekrithē (V-AIP-3S) -- From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.">replied,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say."></a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpos (N-NMS) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">“A man</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: Ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: dynatai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">can</a> <a href="/greek/2983.htm" title="2983: lambanein (V-PNA) -- (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. ">receive</a> <a href="/greek/3761.htm" title="3761: oude (Adv) -- Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.">only what</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: hen (Adj-ANS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one."></a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ē (V-PSA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: dedomenon (V-RPM/P-NNS) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">given</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">him</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.">from</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3772.htm" title="3772: ouranou (N-GMS) -- Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.">heaven.</a> 28You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.’…<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="/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17</a> Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-7.htm">1 Corinthians 4:7</a> For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? <a href="/romans/12-3.htm">Romans 12:3</a> For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-11.htm">1 Corinthians 12:11</a> All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm">1 Corinthians 3:5-7</a> What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role. / I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. / So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. <a href="/matthew/25-15.htm">Matthew 25:15</a> To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. <a href="/ephesians/4-7.htm">Ephesians 4:7</a> Now to each one of us grace has been given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. <a href="/1_peter/4-10.htm">1 Peter 4:10</a> As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. <a href="/acts/17-25.htm">Acts 17:25</a> Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. <a href="/2_corinthians/3-5.htm">2 Corinthians 3:5</a> Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God. <a href="/romans/11-35.htm">Romans 11:35-36</a> “Who has first given to God, that God should repay him?” / For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen. <a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21</a> He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. <a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Proverbs 16:9</a> A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. <a href="/psalms/75-6.htm">Psalm 75:6-7</a> For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, / but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another. <a href="/1_chronicles/29-12.htm">1 Chronicles 29:12</a> Both riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler over all. In Your hands are power and might to exalt and give strength to all.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.A man.<a href="/numbers/16-9.htm">Numbers 16:9-11</a> Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them? … <a href="/numbers/17-5.htm">Numbers 17:5</a> And it shall come to pass, that the man's rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, whereby they murmur against you.<a href="/1_chronicles/28-4.htm">1 Chronicles 28:4,5</a> Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel: … receive.<a href="/hebrews/5-4.htm">Hebrews 5:4,5</a> And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron… from.<a href="/matthew/21-25.htm">Matthew 21:25</a> The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?<a href="/mark/11-30.htm">Mark 11:30,31</a> The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/3-9.htm">Able</a> <a href="/john/3-13.htm">Except</a> <a href="/luke/23-24.htm">Granted</a> <a href="/john/3-13.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/john/3-26.htm">John</a> <a href="/john/3-25.htm">John's</a> <a href="/luke/20-35.htm">Obtain</a> <a href="/john/3-11.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/john/3-8.htm">Unable</a> <a href="/john/3-5.htm">Unless</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/5-30.htm">Able</a> <a href="/john/4-48.htm">Except</a> <a href="/john/5-26.htm">Granted</a> <a href="/john/3-31.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/john/4-1.htm">John</a> <a href="/acts/1-22.htm">John's</a> <a href="/john/5-44.htm">Obtain</a> <a href="/john/5-34.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/john/5-3.htm">Unable</a> <a href="/john/4-48.htm">Unless</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>John replied John the Baptist is the speaker here, responding to a question about his role in relation to Jesus. His response reflects humility and an understanding of his God-given mission. John’s role as the forerunner to Christ is prophesied in <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3</a> and <a href="/malachi/3.htm">Malachi 3:1</a>, emphasizing his purpose in preparing the way for the Messiah.A man can receive This phrase underscores the belief that all gifts, roles, and opportunities are divinely appointed. It reflects the biblical principle that God is sovereign over all things, including the distribution of spiritual gifts and callings, as seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/12-4.htm">1 Corinthians 12:4-11</a>.only what is given him This highlights the concept of divine providence and grace. It suggests that human effort alone cannot achieve spiritual success or authority; rather, it is God who bestows these according to His will. This is echoed in <a href="/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17</a>, which states that every good and perfect gift is from above.from heaven The term "heaven" is often used as a metonym for God, indicating the divine source of all authority and blessing. This reflects the Jewish understanding of God’s sovereignty and the heavenly origin of spiritual authority, as seen in <a href="/daniel/4-26.htm">Daniel 4:26</a>, where the Most High rules over the kingdom of men.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a> A prophet and forerunner of Jesus Christ, known for baptizing Jesus and preaching repentance. In this passage, he is responding to his disciples' concerns about Jesus' growing ministry. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The central figure of Christianity, whose ministry is beginning to surpass that of John the Baptist, prompting John's disciples to question him. 3. <a href="/topical/d/disciples_of_john.htm">Disciples of John</a> Followers of John the Baptist who are concerned about the increasing popularity of Jesus and the implications for John's ministry. 4. <a href="/topical/j/judean_countryside.htm">Judean Countryside</a> The region where John the Baptist was baptizing and where this conversation takes place. 5. <a href="/topical/h/heaven.htm">Heaven</a> Represents the divine source of authority and blessing, emphasizing that all gifts and roles are determined by God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_sovereignty.htm">Divine Sovereignty</a> Recognize that all roles, gifts, and opportunities are given by God. We should humbly accept our place in His plan. <a href="/topical/c/contentment_in_ministry.htm">Contentment in Ministry</a> Like John, we should find contentment in the roles God assigns us, without envy or competition. <a href="/topical/f/focus_on_christ.htm">Focus on Christ</a> Our ultimate goal should be to point others to Jesus, as John did, rather than seeking personal glory. <a href="/topical/g/gratitude_for_god's_provision.htm">Gratitude for God's Provision</a> Cultivate a heart of gratitude for what God has given, understanding that it is by His grace alone. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_timing.htm">Trust in God's Timing</a> Trust that God knows the best timing and placement for our lives and ministries.<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_does_hebrews_10_23_say_on_faith.htm">What defines Biblical Christianity?</a> <a href="/q/heaven_entry_requirement.htm">What is the requirement to go to heaven?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'gift_from_above'_mean.htm">What does "Every good and perfect gift is from above" mean?</a> <a href="/q/did_jesus_know_all_things.htm">Did Jesus know everything? (John 21:17 vs. Mark 13:32)</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>(27) A man can receive nothing . . .--Do these words apply to the Baptist himself, or to Christ? Do they mean "I cannot assume this higher position which you wish to give me, because it is not given me by heaven;" or, "His work, with its influence over men, ought to convince you that His mission is divine "? Expositors have given, now this, now that answer. The immediate connection with <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> points to the latter view as the correct one (but see Alford's Note on the other side). The power that had shown itself in word and work, teaching as none ever taught before, binding men--aye, some of their own brotherhood--to Himself, convincing men whose minds were open to the truth that He was the very Christ--all this could only have been received from heaven. Did they feel the movement around them? Let them recognise it as divine, and seek to be borne with it. (See Note on <a href="/john/6-36.htm" title="But I said to you, That you also have seen me, and believe not.">John 6:36</a>.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 27-32. - (2) The earthly and heavenly commission. Verse 27. - John answered and said, A man can receive nothing - neither office, function, faculty, nor life work, in the kingdom of God - except it has been given him from heaven. The raying is broad, general, comprehensive, sustaining. It is not the glorification of success, but an explanation of the ground of high service. All good service, all high faculty, all holy mission, all sacred duty, are assigned to us by Heaven. "No man taketh this honour unto himself, unless he be called of God." Commentators have ranged themselves into three groups as to the primary application of the words. (1) Those who have limited the mental reference to John himself. "My function is, as I am about to explain, a subordinate one," "I have received that and nothing else from heaven." "I cannot make myself into the Bridegroom of the Church, or the Light of the world, or the Baptizer with the Holy Ghost." "I have received that only which is given and assigned to me by God." (So Bengel, Calvin, Hengstenberg, and at one time Godet.) (2) Those who regard it as being a distinct reference to Christ, and as a vindication of Jesus from the complaint of John's own disciples. The high activity and present position of Jesus is declared by John to have been conferred on Christ "from heaven." He would not, could not, have taken it upon himself apart from the Divine order. (So Godet, Meyer, Watkins, Thorns.) . . . <a href="/commentaries/john/3-27.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>John Ἰωάννης (Iōannēs) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2491.htm">Strong's 2491: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites. replied, Ἀπεκρίθη (Apekrithē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_611.htm">Strong's 611: </a> From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak. “A man ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. can δύναται (dynatai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible. receive λαμβάνειν (lambanein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_2983.htm">Strong's 2983: </a> (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. only what οὐδὲ (oude) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3761.htm">Strong's 3761: </a> Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even. is ᾖ (ē) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd 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. given δεδομένον (dedomenon) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. him αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <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. from ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. heaven. οὐρανοῦ (ouranou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/3-27.htm">John 3:27 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/3-27.htm">John 3:27 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/3-27.htm">John 3:27 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/3-27.htm">John 3:27 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/3-27.htm">John 3:27 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/3-27.htm">John 3:27 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/3-27.htm">John 3:27 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/3-27.htm">John 3:27 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/3-27.htm">John 3:27 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/3-27.htm">John 3:27 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/3-27.htm">NT Gospels: John 3:27 John answered A man can receive nothing (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/3-26.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 3:26"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 3:26" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/3-28.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 3:28"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 3:28" /></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>