John 3:30
John 3:30 in Multiple Translations
He must increase; I must decrease.
He must increase, but I must decrease.
He must increase, but I must decrease.
He has to become greater while I become less.
He must become more important, and I must become less important.”
He must increase, but I must decrease.
'Him it behoveth to increase, and me to become less;
He must increase, but I must decrease.
He must increase, but I must decrease.
He must increase, but I must decrease.
It is necessary for Jesus to become more important by making more disciples than I have, and for me to become less important.”
He has to get more and more important. But I am not important, and later I will be like nothing.
Berean Amplified Bible — John 3:30
BAB
Word Study
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John 3:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
GRK
εκεινον
δει
αυξανειν
εμε
δε
ελαττουσθαι
εκεινον
ekeinos
G1565
that
Dem-ASM
δει
dei
G1163
be necessary
Verb-PAI-3S
αυξανειν
auxanō
G837
to grow
Verb-PAN
εμε
egō
G1473
I/we
Pron-1AS
δε
de
G1161
then
Conj
ελαττουσθαι
elattoō
G1642
to make less
Verb-PPN
Greek Word Study
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Greek Word Reference — John 3:30
εκεινον
ekeinos
G1565
"that"
Dem-ASM
This word means 'that one' or 'that thing', as in Luke 18:14. It's used to point out a specific person or object. In the Bible, it helps distinguish between different things or people.
Definition: ἐκεῖνος, -η, -ο (ἐκεῖ), [in LXX chiefly for הַהוּא ,הוּא, and cogn. forms ;] demonstr. pron., that person or thing (ille), implying remoteness as compared with οὗτος (hic); __1. absol., emphatic he, she, it: opposite to οὗτος, Luk.18:14, Jas.4:15; ἡμεῖς, Heb.12:25; ὑμεῖς, Mrk.4:11; ἄλλοι, Jhn.9:9; ἐγώ, Jhn.3:30; to persons named, Mk 16:[10, 13, 20], Jhn.2:21; of one (absent) who is not named, contemptuously (Abbott, JG, §§2385, 2732), Jhn.7:11 9:28; with respect, of Christ, 1Jo.2:6 3:3, al.; referring to a preceding noun, Mrk.16:[10], Jhn.7:45; resumption of a participial subject, Jhn.1:33 9:37 10:1, Rom.14:14, al. (on its reference in Jhn.19:35, see Westc, in l.; Moffatt, Intr., 568; Sanday, Fourth Gospel, 77ff.). __2. As adj., joined, like οὗτος, to a noun with the article: Mat.7:25, Mrk.3:24, Jhn.18:15, al.; esp. of time, past or future: ἐν τ. ἡμέραις ἐ., Mat.3:1, Mrk.1:9, Act.2:18" (LXX), al.; ἐν ἐ. τ. ἡμέρᾳ, esp of the Parousia, Mat.7:22, Luk.6:23, 2Th.1:10, 2Ti.1:12; adverbially, ἐκεινής (sc. ὁδοῦ) = cl. ἐκεινῇ (Bl., §36, 13), that way, Luk.19:4. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 247 NT verses. KJV: he, it, the other (same), selfsame, that (same, very), X their, X them, they, this, those See also: 1 Corinthians 9:25; John 11:53; Hebrews 3:10.
δει
dei
G1163
"be necessary"
Verb-PAI-3S
This means it is necessary or must be done, like when Jesus said it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem in Matthew 16:21.
Definition: δεῖ impersonal (δέω), [in LXX chiefly for infin. with לְ ;] one must, it is necessary: with inf., Mat.26:54, Mrk.13:7, Act.5:29, al.; with accusative and inf., Mat.16:21, Mrk.8:31, Jhn.3:7, Act.25:10, al.; with ellipse of accusative, Mat.23:23; of accusative, and inf., Mrk.13:14, Rom.1:27 8:26; οὐ (μὴ) δεῖ (non licet), ought not, must not: Act.25:24, 2Ti.2:24; impf., ἔδει, of necessity or obligation in past time regarding a past event (Bl., § 63, 4), Mat.18:33, Luk.15:32, Jhn.4:4, Act.27:21, al.; periphr., δέον ἐστίν (as in Attic, χρεών ἐστι = χρή, see: δέον), Act.19:36; id., with ellipse of ἐστίν, 1Pe.1:6 τὰ μὴ δέοντα (= ἃ οὐ δεῖ 1Ti.5:13. SYN.: ὀφείλει, expressing moral obligation, as distinct from δεῖ, denoting logical necessity and χρή, a need which results from the fitness of things (see Tr., Syn., § cvii, 10; Westc. on Heb.2:1, 1Jn.2:6; Hort on Jas.3:10). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 103 NT verses. KJV: behoved, be meet, must (needs), (be) need(-ful), ought, should See also: 1 Corinthians 8:2; John 4:20; 1 Peter 1:6.
αυξανειν
auxanō
G837
"to grow"
Verb-PAN
To grow means to get bigger or increase, like a plant growing in Matthew 13:32 or a person's faith growing in 2 Corinthians 10:15.
Definition: αὐξάνω (and the earlier form αὔξω, Eph.2:21, Col.2:19; MM, see word), [in LXX chiefly for פָּרָה ;] __1. trans., to make to grow: 1Co.3:6-7, 2Co.9:10. Pass., to grow, increase, become greater: Mat.13:32, Mrk.4:8, 2Co.10:15, Col.1:6; τῇ ἐπιγνώσει τ. θεοῦ, Col.1:10; εἰς σωτηρίαν, 1Pe.2:2. __2. In later Gk. (but nowhere in LXX), intrans., to grow, increase: of plants, Mat.6:28, Luk.12:27 13:19; of infants, Luk.1:80 2:40; of a multitude, Act.7:17; of the increase of the Gospel: ὁ λόγος ηὔξανε, Act.6:7 12:24 19:20; of Christ as a leader, Jhn.3:30; of Christian character: εἰς Χριοτόν, Eph.4:15; εἰς ναόν, Eph.2:21; ἐν χάριτι, 2Pe.3:18; τὴν αὔξησιν τ. θεσῦ, Col.2:19 (cf. συν, ὑπερ-αυξάνω).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 23 NT verses. KJV: grow (up), (give the) increase See also: 1 Corinthians 3:6; Colossians 1:10; 1 Peter 2:2.
εμε
egō
G1473
"I/we"
Pron-1AS
This is a pronoun meaning I or me, used by the speaker to refer to themselves. It is often used in the Bible to emphasize the speaker's identity.
Definition: ἐγώ, genitive, etc., ἐμοῦ, ἐμοί, ἐμέ (enclitic μου, μοι, με), pl. ἡμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς, of person(s) pron. I. __(a) The nom. is usually emphatic, when expressed as subjc, as in Mat.3:11, Mrk.1:8, Luk.3:16, al. But often there is no apparent emphasis, as Mat.10:16, Jhn.10:17; ἰδοὺ ἐ. (= Heb. הִנֵּנִי, cf. 1Ki.3:8), Act.9:10; ἐ. (like Heb. אֲנִי), I am, Jhn.1:23 (LXX), Act.7:32 (LXX). __(b) The enclitic forms (see supr.) are used with nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, where there is no emphasis: ἐν τ. πατρί μου, Jhn.14:20; μου τ. λόγους, Mat.7:24; ὀπίσω μου, Mat.3:11; ἰσχυρότερός μου, ib.; λέγει μοι, Rev.5:5; also with the prep. πρός, as Mrk.9:19, al. The full forms (ἐμοῦ, etc.) are used with the other prepositions, as δι᾽ ἐμοῦ, ἐν ἐμοί, εἰς ἐμέ, etc., also for emphasis, as Luk.10:16, Jhn.7:23, Mrk.14:7, al. __(with) The genitive μου and ἡμῶν are often used for the poss. pronouns ἐμός, ἡμέτερος: τ. λαόν μου, Mat.2:6; μου τῂ ἀπιστιᾳ, Mrk.9:24. __(d) τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί ( = Heb. מַה־לִי וָלָךְ, Jdg.11:12, al.), i.e. what have we in common: Mat.8:29, Mrk.1:24, 5:7, Luk.8:28, Jhn.2:4; τί γάρ μοι, 1Co.5:2. __(e) The interchange of ἐγώ and ἡμεῖς, common in π., appears in Pauline Epp. (see M, Pr., 86f., M, Th., 131f.). __(f) κἀγώ (= καὶ ἐγώ), and I, even I, I also: Mat.2:8, Luk.2:48, Jhn.6:56, Rom.3:7, 1Co.7:40, al.; κἀγώ . . . καί, both . . . and, Jhn.7:28. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1872 NT verses. KJV: I, me See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 1 Peter 1:3.
δε
de
G1161
"then"
Conj
This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.
Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.
ελαττουσθαι
elattoō
G1642
"to make less"
Verb-PPN
To make something or someone less important or powerful, as seen in John 3:30 and Hebrews 2:9. This word means to decrease or lower something in rank or influence. It is used to describe a reduction in status or authority.
Definition: ἐλαττόω, -ῶ (ἐλάιττων), [in LXX (where also -σσῶ) chiefly for חָסֵר, and very frequently in Sir ;] to make less: Heb.2:7 (LXX); pass., Jhn.3:30, Heb.2:9.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: decrease, make lower See also: Hebrews 2:7; Hebrews 2:9; John 3:30.
Study Notes — John 3:30
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- John 3:30 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on John 3:30
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 3:30
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 3:30
- Trapp's Commentary on John 3:30
- Ellicott's Commentary on John 3:30
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on John 3:30
- Cambridge Bible on John 3:30
- Barnes' Notes on John 3:30
- Whedon's Commentary on John 3:30
- Sermons on John 3:30
Context — John’s Testimony about Jesus
28You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.’
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.
30He must increase; I must decrease.
31The One who comes from above is above all. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. The One who comes from heaven is above all. 32He testifies to what He has seen and heard, yet no one accepts His testimony.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colossians 1:18 | And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence. |
| 2 | Psalms 72:17–19 | May his name endure forever; may his name continue as long as the sun shines. In him may all nations be blessed; may they call him blessed. Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. And blessed be His glorious name forever; may all the earth be filled with His glory. Amen and amen. |
| 3 | Hebrews 3:2–6 | He was faithful to the One who appointed Him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. For Jesus has been counted worthy of greater glory than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. And every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. Now Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be spoken later. But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope of which we boast. |
| 4 | Isaiah 9:7 | Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this. |
| 5 | Revelation 11:15 | Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices called out in heaven: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.” |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 3:5 | What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role. |
| 7 | Acts 13:36–37 | For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep. His body was buried with his fathers and saw decay. But the One whom God raised from the dead did not see decay. |
| 8 | Daniel 2:34–35 | As you watched, a stone was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay, and crushed them. Then the iron, clay, bronze, silver, and gold were shattered and became like chaff on the threshing floor in summer. The wind carried them away, and not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that had struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth. |
| 9 | Daniel 2:44–45 | In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will shatter all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself stand forever. And just as you saw a stone being cut out of the mountain without human hands, and it shattered the iron, bronze, clay, silver, and gold, so the great God has told the king what will happen in the future. The dream is true, and its interpretation is trustworthy.” |
| 10 | 2 Corinthians 3:7–11 | Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? For if the ministry of condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry of righteousness! Indeed, what was once glorious has no glory now in comparison to the glory that surpasses it. For if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which endures! |
John 3:30 Summary
[John 3:30 means that Jesus should become more important and prominent in our lives, while we become less focused on ourselves. This is a key part of following Jesus, as we learn to surrender our will to His will, and live a life of humility and obedience, as seen in Romans 12:1-2. As we decrease, Jesus can increase in our lives, and we can experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living for Him, as promised in Psalm 37:4. By letting go of our pride and selfishness, we can make room for Jesus to work in and through us, and bring glory to His name.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for Jesus to 'increase' in John 3:30?
This means that Jesus' influence, presence, and glory should become more prominent in our lives, as seen in John 3:30, while our own self-importance and desires decrease, as humility is a key aspect of following Christ, as taught in Matthew 16:24.
How can I apply 'I must decrease' in my daily life?
Applying this verse involves surrendering our will to God's will, letting go of our pride and selfish ambitions, and seeking to glorify Him in all we do, as encouraged in Romans 12:1-2, and living a life of humility and obedience, as seen in Philippians 2:5-8.
Is John 3:30 talking about Jesus or John the Baptist?
In this context, John the Baptist is speaking about Jesus, saying that Jesus must become greater, while he himself becomes less prominent, as John's role was to prepare the way for the Messiah, as stated in Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1.
What is the relationship between humility and following Jesus?
Humility is a crucial aspect of following Jesus, as it involves recognizing our sinfulness and need for a Savior, and submitting to God's will, as seen in Luke 9:23-24, and John 3:30 reminds us that our decrease is necessary for His increase in our lives.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to 'decrease' in order for Jesus to 'increase'?
- How can I practically apply the principle of humility in my relationships and daily interactions?
- What are some ways I can surrender my will to God's will, and let go of my selfish desires?
- In what ways can I glorify God and point others to Jesus, rather than seeking to promote myself?
Gill's Exposition on John 3:30
He must increase,.... Not in stature of body, or in wisdom and understanding of mind, as man, he being come to maturity in these things already; but in fame, credit, and reputation among men; as he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 3:30
He must increase, but I must decrease. He must increase, but I must decrease: - q.d., 'I do my heaven-prescribed work, and that is enough for me. Would you have me mount into my Master's place?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 3:30
He must increase, in honour, and dignity, and reputation in the world; he is the rising sun, (to give you notice of which I was but as the morning star), he must shine every day more and more. But I must decrease; God hath indeed used me as a prophet, yea, more than a prophet, not to foretell Christ alone, but to point him to you. I have had my time, and finished my course, and God hath given me a reputation proportioned to the work he gave me to do, and to the time in which I was to work; but I must every day decay, and grow less and less, as Christ increaseth and groweth more and more.
Trapp's Commentary on John 3:30
30 He must increase, but I must decrease. Ver. 30. He must increase, but, &c.] And this was John’ s great joy. That man hath true light that can be content to be outshined by others; and nothing will more try a man’ s grace than questions of emulation. Ezekiel can commend Daniel his contemporary, matching him with Noah and Job for his power in prayer, Ezekiel 14:14. And Peter highly praiseth Paul’ s epistles, though he had been publicly reproved by him at Antioch, 2 Peter 3:15; Galatians 2:11. Yes., Plato called Aristotle αναγνωστην and νουν, the intelligent reader. And Aristotle is said to have set up an altar in honour of Plato, with this inscription, - " Nulla ferent talem secla futura virum." But Luther sbowed himself so much discontented at the reformation wrought at Wittenberg in his absence, by Carolostadius, because it was done without him, that he doubted not to approve those things, that till then he had disapproved, and to disapprove what before he had approved of. So hard it is for a man willingly and gladly to see his equals lifted over his head in worth and opinion. Self-love makes men unreasonable, and ever teacheth them to turn the glass to see themselves bigger, others lesser, than they are.
Ellicott's Commentary on John 3:30
(30) He must increase, but I must decrease.—The office of the paranymph ceases to exist when the marriage is accomplished. It must be so. So too in the interpretation. His own work was well-nigh done, but he is filled with the joy of having done his work, not with disappointment that it pales before the brightness of the work which is to follow. This is the text of the Forerunner’s life. Well will it be for those followers of Christ whose lives shall be sermons on it!
Adam Clarke's Commentary on John 3:30
Verse 30. He must increase] His present success is but the beginning of a most glorious and universal spread of righteousness, peace, truth, and good will among men. I must decrease.] My baptism and teaching, as pointing out the coming Messiah, must cease; because the Messiah is now come, and has entered publicly on the work of his glorious ministry.
Cambridge Bible on John 3:30
30. must] It is so ordained in the counsels of God. Comp. John 3:7; John 3:14, John 9:4, John 10:16, John 20:9. This joy of the friend of the Bridegroom, in full view of the inevitable wane of his own influence and dignity, is in marked contrast to the jealousy and vexation of his disciples.
Barnes' Notes on John 3:30
He must increase - his authority and influence among the people must grow. his doctrine shall continue to spread until it extends through all the earth. I must decrease - “The purpose of my ministry is to point men to him.
Whedon's Commentary on John 3:30
30. He… increase… decrease—In view of his own subordinate and transient office, John appropriates the thought of 2 Samuel 3:1 : “David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker
Sermons on John 3:30
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Dying to Self (Part 1 of 2) by Keith Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of committing everything to God. He references Luke 12:35-36, where Jesus instructs his followers to be ready and alert for t |
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(John) 05 - the Samaritan Woman by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the passage from John chapter 4, where Jesus speaks to his disciples about the harvest. The disciples saw need, but Jesus saw the potential f |
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John Baptist , the Fire of God - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill passionately preaches about John the Baptist as a fiery messenger of God, emphasizing the need for personal revival and the baptism of the Holy Spirit with fire. |
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(John - Part 17): Lessons on John the Baptists Humble Ministry by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. He encourages the audience to let go of their desires for honor and praise an |
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He Must Become More and More by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the life of John the Baptist and describes him as a great man who became less and less in the eyes of the world. Despite this, John grew spi |
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Christ the Center by David Platt | This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing Christ intimately, trusting Him completely, proclaiming Him boldly, and obeying Him sacrificially. It highlights that the church is |
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Holy Spirit, Church and Nations - Part 2 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the futility of human striving and the deceptive nature of the world. He argues that despite thinking they are free, humans are actually pri |