John 3:27 To this John replied, "A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.

◄ John 3:27 ►

Parallel Verses

New International Version
To this John replied, "A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.

English Standard Version
John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.

New American Standard Bible
John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven.

King James Bible
John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
John responded, "No one can receive a single thing unless it's given to him from heaven.

International Standard Version
John replied, "No one can receive anything unless it has been given to them from heaven.

American Standard Version
John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it have been given him from heaven.

Douay-Rheims Bible
John answered, and said: A man cannot receive any thing, unless it be given him from heaven.

Darby Bible Translation
John answered and said, A man can receive nothing unless it be given him out of heaven.

Young's Literal Translation
John answered and said, 'A man is not able to receive anything, if it may not have been given him from the heaven;

Cross References

John 6:65
And he said, Therefore said I to you, that no man can come to me, except it were given to him of my Father.

John 10:41
And many resorted to him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spoke of this man were true.

1 Corinthians 4:7
For who makes you to differ from another? and what have you that you did not receive? now if you did receive it, why do you glory, as if you had not received it?

Hebrews 5:4
And no man takes this honor to himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no ficklenss, neither shadow of turning.

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Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

3:22-36 John was fully satisfied with the place and work assigned him; but Jesus came on a more important work. He also knew that Jesus would increase in honour and influence, for of his government and peace there would be no end, while he himself would be less followed. John knew that Jesus came from heaven as the Son of God, while he was a sinful, mortal man, who could only speak about the more plain subjects of religion. The words of Jesus were the words of God; he had the Spirit, not by measure, as the prophets, but in all fulness. Everlasting life could only be had by faith in Him, and might be thus obtained; whereas all those, who believe not in the Son of God, cannot partake of salvation, but the wrath of God for ever rests upon them.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

27-30. A man, &c.—"I do my heaven-prescribed work, and that is enough for me. Would you have me mount into my Master's place? Said I not unto you, I am not the Christ? The Bride is not mine, why should the people stay with me?? Mine it is to point the burdened to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world, to tell them there is Balm in Gilead, and a Physician there. And shall I grudge to see them, in obedience to the call, flying as a cloud, and as doves to their windows? Whose is the Bride but the Bridegroom's? Enough for me to be the Bridegroom's friend, sent by Him to negotiate the match, privileged to bring together the Saviour and those He is come to seek and to save, and rejoicing with joy unspeakable if I may but 'stand and hear the Bridegroom's voice,' witnessing the blessed espousals. Say ye, then, they go from me to Him? Ye bring me glad tidings of great joy. He must increase, but I must decrease; this, my joy, therefore is fulfilled."

A man can receive, &c.—assume nothing, that is, lawfully and with any success; that is, Every man has his work and sphere appointed him from above, Even Christ Himself came under this law (Heb 5:4).