John 3:25

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the issue of ceremonial washing.

American Standard Version (1901)

There arose therefore a questioning on the part of John’s disciples with a Jew about purifying.

Bible in Basic English

Then a question came up between John's disciples and a Jew about washing.

Free Bible Version

An argument developed between John's disciples and a Jew over ceremonial purification.

Geneva Bible 1599

Then there arose a question betweene Iohns disciples and the Iewes, about purifying.

King James (Authorized) Version

¶ Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying.

One Unity Resource Bible

There arose therefore a questioning on the part of John [Yah is gracious]’s disciples with some Jews [Praisers] about purification.

Plain English Version

At that time, the Jewish people had laws about making themselves clean for their ceremonies, and some of John’s followers argued with a Jewish leader about the right way to get clean.

Translation for Translators

Then some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew started arguing about the Jewish rituals of washing things to make them acceptable to God.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Then there arose a dispute between some of John's disciples and a Jew about ceremonial washing.

Noah Webster Bible

Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews, about purifying.

World English Bible

Therefore a dispute arose on the part of John’s disciples with some Jews about purification.

Young's Literal Translation

there arose then a question from the disciples of John with [some] Jews about purifying,

Context

John’s Testimony about Jesus

²⁴(For John had not yet been thrown into prison.) ²⁵Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the issue of ceremonial washing.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.”

Sermons

John the Baptist Willing to Be Excelled - Part 1

Roy Hession

835

The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power

Newman Sze

820

Summary

In this verse, a discussion arises between John the Baptist's disciples and a certain Jew about purification. The focus is on the practice of ritual cleansing, which was significant in Jewish tradition for spiritual purification. This conversation highlights the contrast between external rituals and the internal transformation that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. It underscores the importance of true repentance and spiritual renewal rather than mere outward observances for genuine purification and righteousness before God.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

John's disciples and the Jews - Instead of Ιουδαιων, Jews, ABELS. M. BV, nearly 100 others, some versions and fathers, read Ιουδαιου, a Jew, which Griesbach has admitted into the text. The person here spoken of was probably one who had been baptized by the disciples of our Lord; and the subject of debate seems to have been, whether the baptism of John, or that of Christ, was the most efficacious towards purifying.

John Gill Bible Commentary

And they came unto John,.... The Persic version reads, "he came unto John"; that disciple that had the controversy with the Jew about purifying, who not knowing well how to answer him, and which might be the case of more, applied to John: and said unto him, Rabbi; or "master"; or, "our master"; as the Syriac and Persic versions read, which was a title of great respect, and reverence, and much in use in those times; See Gill on Mat 23:7, Mat 23:8. The Arabic version joins this word to the following clause, and applies it to Christ, rendering it thus, "the master that was with thee beyond Jordan"; which is making them to speak more honourably of Christ than they intended; for though they speak very respectfully to John, yet with much disdain and neglect of Christ; not so much as mentioning his name, or using any term of honour or respect; only saying, he that was with thee beyond Jordan; namely, at Bethabara; who came from Galilee to Jordan, unto John, to be baptized by him, and who was baptized by him; and for some little time continued with him, and attended on his ministry; and as they thought, was a disciple of John's: to whom thou bearest witness; that he was before him, and to be preferred unto him; and that he was the Lamb of God, and even the Son of God; suggesting, that by this testimony of his, Christ had gained all the credit and reputation he had; and that therefore he had done a wrong thing in enlarging so much in the praise and commendation of him: behold the same baptizeth; takes upon him to administer the ordinance of baptism; at least gives orders to administer it; which John's disciples thought was the proper, and peculiar business of their master; and therefore speak of this as an intrusion into his office, and an entering into his province; and an assuming that which only belonged to him: and what gave still more uneasiness, and increased the complaint, was, and all men come to him; that is, "many", as the Syriac and Persic versions render it, even more than came to John; see Joh 4:1. Large multitudes from all parts flocked to hear Christ preach, and great numbers were made disciples by him, and then baptized. That he should baptize, gave them great offence; and that he was so followed, raised their envy; and his being so near to John, might add to their uneasiness. It is a rule with the Jews, that "it is not lawful for a disciple to teach the constitutions, or sentences of the law, before his master; but must be twelve miles distant from him, as the camp of Israel.'' And they say, that "a disciple that teaches before, or in the presence of his master, is guilty of death (r).'' (r) T. Hieros. Sheviith, fol. 37. 3.

John 3:25

John’s Testimony about Jesus

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the issue of ceremonial washing.

American Standard Version (1901)

There arose therefore a questioning on the part of John’s disciples with a Jew about purifying.

Bible in Basic English

Then a question came up between John's disciples and a Jew about washing.

Free Bible Version

An argument developed between John's disciples and a Jew over ceremonial purification.

Geneva Bible 1599

Then there arose a question betweene Iohns disciples and the Iewes, about purifying.

King James (Authorized) Version

¶ Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying.

One Unity Resource Bible

There arose therefore a questioning on the part of John [Yah is gracious]’s disciples with some Jews [Praisers] about purification.

Plain English Version

At that time, the Jewish people had laws about making themselves clean for their ceremonies, and some of John’s followers argued with a Jewish leader about the right way to get clean.

Translation for Translators

Then some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew started arguing about the Jewish rituals of washing things to make them acceptable to God.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Then there arose a dispute between some of John's disciples and a Jew about ceremonial washing.

Noah Webster Bible

Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews, about purifying.

World English Bible

Therefore a dispute arose on the part of John’s disciples with some Jews about purification.

Young's Literal Translation

there arose then a question from the disciples of John with [some] Jews about purifying,

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary

John 3:25

Verse

Context

John’s Testimony about Jesus

Sermons

Summary

Commentary

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary

John 3:25

John’s Testimony about Jesus

John the Baptist Willing to Be Excelled - Part 1

The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary