John 3:26
New International Version
They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”

New Living Translation
So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.”

English Standard Version
And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.”

Berean Standard Bible
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.”

Berean Literal Bible
And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have borne witness, behold He baptizes, and all are coming to Him."

King James Bible
And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.

New King James Version
And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!”

New American Standard Bible
And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing and all the people are coming to Him.”

NASB 1995
And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, He is baptizing and all are coming to Him.”

NASB 1977
And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have borne witness, behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have borne witness, behold, He is baptizing and all are coming to Him.”

Amplified Bible
So they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi (Teacher), the Man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan [at the Jordan River crossing]—and to whom you have testified—look, He is baptizing too, and everyone is going to Him!”

Christian Standard Bible
So they came to John and told him, “Rabbi, the one you testified about, and who was with you across the Jordan, is baptizing—and everyone is going to him.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So they came to John and told him, “Rabbi, the One you testified about, and who was with you across the Jordan, is baptizing—and everyone is flocking to Him.”

American Standard Version
And they came unto John, and said to him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond the Jordan, to whom thou hast borne witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.

Contemporary English Version
They went to John and said, "Rabbi, you spoke about a man when you were with him east of the Jordan. He is now baptizing people, and everyone is going to him."

English Revised Version
And they came unto John, and said to him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou hast borne witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So they went to John and asked him, "Rabbi, do you remember the man you spoke so favorably about when he was with you on the other side of the Jordan River? Well, he's baptizing, and everyone is going to him!"

Good News Translation
So they went to John and told him, "Teacher, you remember the man who was with you on the east side of the Jordan, the one you spoke about? Well, he is baptizing now, and everyone is going to him!"

International Standard Version
so they went to John and told him, "Rabbi, the man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan, the one about whom you testified—look, he's baptizing, and everyone is going to him!"

Majority Standard Bible
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.”

NET Bible
So they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, the one who was with you on the other side of the Jordan River, about whom you testified--see, he is baptizing, and everyone is flocking to him!"

New Heart English Bible
And they came to John, and said to him, "Rabbi, he who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, look, he is baptizing, and everyone is coming to him."

Webster's Bible Translation
And they came to John, and said to him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou didst bear testimony, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.

Weymouth New Testament
they came to John and reported to him, "Rabbi, he who was with you on the other side of the Jordan and to whom you bore testimony is now baptizing, and great numbers of people are resorting to him."

World English Bible
They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, he baptizes, and everyone is coming to him.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you testified, behold, this One is immersing, and all are coming to Him.”

Berean Literal Bible
And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have borne witness, behold He baptizes, and all are coming to Him."

Young's Literal Translation
and they came unto John, and said to him, 'Rabbi, he who was with thee beyond the Jordan, to whom thou didst testify, lo, this one is baptizing, and all are coming unto him.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And they came to John, and said to him, Rabbi, he who was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou hast testified, behold, he immerses, and all come to him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they came to John, and said to him: Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond the Jordan, to whom thou gavest testimony, behold he baptizeth, and all men come to him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they went to John and said to him: “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, about whom you offered testimony: behold, he is baptizing and everyone is going to him.”

New American Bible
So they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing and everyone is coming to him.”

New Revised Standard Version
They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing, and all are going to him.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So they came to John and told him, Teacher, he who was with you at the Jordan crossing, concerning whom you testified, behold, he also is baptizing and a great many are coming to him.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And they came to Yohannan and said to him: “Our Rabbi, he who was with you at the crossing of Jordan, about whom you testified, Behold, he is baptizing and many are coming to him.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And they came to John, and said to him: Rabbi, he who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you bore testimony, behold, he immerses, and all are going to him.

Godbey New Testament
And they came to John, and said to him, Rabbi, He who is with thee beyond the Jordan, to whom thou hast borne witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all are coming to Him.

Haweis New Testament
And they came to John, and said to him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou gavest testimony, lo! this man baptiseth, and all men come to him.

Mace New Testament
who thereupon went to John, and said, master, he that was with you beyond Jordan, to whom you bore testimony, he himself does now baptize likewise, and the people flock to him.

Weymouth New Testament
they came to John and reported to him, "Rabbi, he who was with you on the other side of the Jordan and to whom you bore testimony is now baptizing, and great numbers of people are resorting to him."

Worrell New Testament
And they came to John, and said to him, "Rabbi, He Who was with you beyond the Jordan, to Whom you have borne testimony, behold, He is immersing, and all are coming to Him."

Worsley New Testament
And they came to John, and said unto him, Rabbi, He that was with thee on the other side Jordan, to whom thou barest testimony, behold, He baptizeth and all the people come to Him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
John's Testimony about Jesus
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.” 27John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.…

Cross References
John 1:29-34
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.” ...

John 1:19-28
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.” ...

Matthew 3:11-17
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. ...

Mark 1:7-11
And he proclaimed: “After me will come One more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. / I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” / In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. ...

Luke 3:15-22
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.” ...

John 1:6-8
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.

John 1:35-37
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. / When he saw Jesus walking by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” / And when the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.

John 5:33-36
You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. / Even though I do not accept human testimony, I say these things so that you may be saved. / John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light. ...

John 10:40-42
Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had first been baptizing, and He stayed there. / Many came to Him and said, “Although John never performed a sign, everything he said about this man was true.” / And many in that place believed in Jesus.

Acts 19:3-5
“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.

Malachi 3:1
“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.

Isaiah 40:3-5
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.

Matthew 11:10-11
This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.’ / Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Luke 7:27-28
This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.’ / I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John, yet even the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

John 5:31-32
If I testify about Myself, My testimony is not valid. / There is another who testifies about Me, and I know that His testimony about Me is valid.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

he that.

Numbers 11:26-29
But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp…

Ecclesiastes 4:4
Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.

1 Corinthians 3:3-5
For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? …

to whom.

John 1:7,15,26-36
The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe…

and all.

John 1:7,9
The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe…

John 11:48
If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

John 12:19
The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

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Baptises Baptism Baptizes Baptizeth Baptizing Barest Bear Bore Great John Jordan Numbers Rabbi Reported Side Testified Testify Testimony Witness
John 3
1. Jesus teaches Nicodemus the necessity of being born again,
14. of faith in his death,
16. the great love of God toward the world,
18. and the condemnation for unbelief.
22. Jesus baptizes in Judea.
23. The baptism, witness, and doctrine of John concerning Jesus.














So they came to John
This phrase indicates a group of John's disciples approaching him. The Greek word for "came" (ἦλθον, ēlthon) suggests a deliberate action, emphasizing the intent and urgency of the disciples. Historically, John the Baptist was a prominent figure, and his disciples were deeply committed to his teachings. This approach to John reflects their concern and loyalty, as they seek his guidance in a time of transition.

and said to him
The act of speaking to John signifies a moment of communication and inquiry. The Greek word for "said" (εἶπαν, eipan) is often used in the New Testament to denote important dialogues. This interaction highlights the disciples' respect for John as their teacher and their reliance on his wisdom to address their concerns.

Rabbi
This term, derived from the Hebrew "רַבִּי" (rabbi), means "my teacher" or "my master." It is a title of respect and honor, acknowledging John's authority and role as a spiritual leader. In the Jewish tradition, a rabbi was a revered figure, and this address underscores the disciples' recognition of John's significant influence and their deference to his spiritual insight.

the One who was with you beyond the Jordan
This phrase refers to Jesus, who had been baptized by John in the Jordan River. The geographical reference "beyond the Jordan" situates the event in a specific historical and physical context, emphasizing the significance of the location in Jesus' early ministry. The Jordan River was a site of purification and renewal, symbolizing the transformative nature of Jesus' baptism and the beginning of His public ministry.

whom you testified about
John's testimony about Jesus is a central theme in the Gospel of John. The Greek word for "testified" (μαρτυρέω, martyreō) implies bearing witness or giving evidence. John's role as a witness to Jesus' identity as the Messiah is crucial, as it validates Jesus' divine mission and authority. This testimony is rooted in the prophetic tradition, where prophets were called to declare God's truth to the people.

He is baptizing
The act of baptizing, performed by Jesus and His disciples, signifies the continuation and expansion of the ministry that John began. The Greek word for "baptizing" (βαπτίζω, baptizō) means to immerse or submerge, symbolizing purification and initiation into a new life. This activity marks the growing influence of Jesus' ministry and the fulfillment of John's mission to prepare the way for the Lord.

and everyone is going to Him
This observation by John's disciples highlights the shift in public attention from John to Jesus. The phrase "everyone is going" (πάντες ἔρχονται, pantes erchontai) suggests a widespread movement towards Jesus, indicating His rising prominence and the impact of His message. This transition reflects the divine plan, as Jesus' ministry begins to take center stage, fulfilling the prophecies and expectations of the coming Messiah.

(26) Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan.--John's disciples, with a natural attachment to their master, and without the knowledge of what that master's work really was, are jealous of what seems to them the rival work of Jesus. He had been with John; the Baptist had borne witness to Him. Now He seems to usurp his work, and the throngs which had crowded to the Forerunner go to Him. (Comp. Notes on John 1:8; John 4:2.)

Barest witness.--Better, hast borne witness.

Verse 26. - They (the disciples of John) came to John, and said to him, Rabbi - the title of deep respect (ver. 2), which stood in Jewish reverence high above all civil and military rank, and was here yielded in courtesy to the heroic leader - he who was with thee, apparently in entire mutual understanding with thee, receiving baptism at thy hands, and thus admitting thy right to baptize the people of God - "with thee" as we are "with thee" - beyond Jordan - at Bethany (Bethabara), at a better baptizing - place than this, on a grand historic site, the very scene of the great administration, where the Sanhedrin deferred to thy claims and the multitudes attested the hold thou hadst on their affections - to whom thou hast borne testimonies - the man who received thy homage, but who admitted also thy claims, about whom thou didst utter such strong things of unspeakable import - behold, he is now thy rival in popular esteem; this man is baptizing, and - with a pardonable exaggeration, they add - all men are coming unto him. He is eclipsing thee; he seems to usurp the high and unique position which had been assumed by thyself. Serious questions these, which must lead to a complete disruption among the disciples of John. Before examining the reply of John to the query, it is well to observe that John had been walking in the blinding and bewildering light of new ideas; that the Fourth Gospel brings us into contact with John at the moment where the synoptic narrative draws its portraiture to a conclusion; and yet the Fourth Gospel, quite as firmly as the synoptists, shows that the fresh light which had dawned on John had not induced him to forego the preparatory mission on which his heart was set, and the zeal of which had consumed him. If the perplexity arises - How could John have borne such ample testimony to Jesus and not at once have followed in his train? we reply that the language of John in Matthew 3:14 is just as difficult to reconcile with the message from the prison. Thoma admits that this fact corresponds with the question, "Art thou he that should come, or look we for another?" In like manner, Hebraism itself within the bosom of the Church maintained a place after all its purpose had been fulfilled. The destruction of the temple and of the Jewish state was necessary to abolish the force of the Hebrew tendency to ritualism of place and symbol even in the heart of Christ's disciples. Many of the mighty powers of the world, if they had not possessed an energy and vitality which refused to succumb when their work was really done, would never have done that work at all.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
So
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[John’s disciples] came
ἦλθον (ēlthon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

[him]
Ἰωάννην (Iōannēn)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2491: Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

said,
εἶπαν (eipan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“Look,
ἴδε (ide)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2400: See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!

Rabbi,
Ῥαββί (Rhabbi)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4461: Of Hebrew origin; my master, i.e Rabbi, as an official title of honor.

the [One who]
ὃς (hos)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

was
ἦν (ēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

with
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

you
σοῦ (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

beyond
πέραν (peran)
Preposition
Strong's 4008: Over, on the other side, beyond. Apparently accusative case of an obsolete derivative of peiro; through, i.e. Across.

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Jordan,
Ἰορδάνου (Iordanou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2446: Of Hebrew origin; the Jordanes, a river of Palestine.

the One
(hō)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

you
σὺ (sy)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

testified about—
μεμαρτύρηκας (memartyrēkas)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3140: To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.

He
οὗτος (houtos)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

is baptizing,
βαπτίζει (baptizei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 907: Lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

everyone
πάντες (pantes)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

is going
ἔρχονται (erchontai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

Him.”
αὐτόν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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NT Gospels: John 3:26 They came to John and said (Jhn Jo Jn)
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