John 3:25
John 3:25 in Multiple Translations
Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the issue of ceremonial washing.
¶ Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying.
There arose therefore a questioning on the part of John’s disciples with a Jew about purifying.
Then a question came up between John's disciples and a Jew about washing.
An argument developed between John's disciples and a Jew over ceremonial purification.
Then there arose a question betweene Iohns disciples and the Iewes, about purifying.
there arose then a question from the disciples of John with [some] Jews about purifying,
Therefore a dispute arose on the part of John’s disciples with some Jews about purification.
Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews, about purifying.
And there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews concerning purification:
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.
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.
Berean Amplified Bible — John 3:25
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John 3:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — John 3:25
Study Notes — John 3:25
- Context
- Cross References
- John 3:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on John 3:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 3:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 3:25
- Trapp's Commentary on John 3:25
- Ellicott's Commentary on John 3:25
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on John 3:25
- Cambridge Bible on John 3:25
- Barnes' Notes on John 3:25
- Whedon's Commentary on John 3:25
- Sermons on John 3:25
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
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 2:6 | Now six stone water jars had been set there for the Jewish rites of purification. Each could hold from twenty to thirty gallons. |
| 2 | Matthew 3:11 | 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. |
| 3 | Hebrews 6:2 | instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. |
| 4 | Hebrews 9:23 | So it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. |
| 5 | 1 Peter 3:21 | And this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, |
| 6 | Hebrews 9:10 | They consist only in food and drink and special washings—external regulations imposed until the time of reform. |
| 7 | Mark 7:8 | You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men. ” |
| 8 | Hebrews 9:13–14 | For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God! |
| 9 | Mark 7:2–5 | and they saw some of His disciples eating with hands that were defiled—that is, unwashed. Now in holding to the tradition of the elders, the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat until they wash their hands ceremonially. And on returning from the market, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions for them to observe, including the washing of cups, pitchers, kettles, and couches for dining. So the Pharisees and scribes questioned Jesus: “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders? Instead, they eat with defiled hands.” |
John 3:25 Summary
[This verse is about a disagreement between John's followers and a Jewish man about what makes someone clean before God, as seen in John 3:25. It's not about how many rules we follow, but about our hearts and our relationship with God, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7. John's baptism was a symbol of this, and it pointed people to Jesus, who would later teach about the importance of inner purity, as seen in Matthew 23:25-26. By looking at John 3:25 and the surrounding verses, we can see that our focus should be on Jesus and His teachings, rather than on disputes or arguments.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the issue of ceremonial washing mentioned in John 3:25?
The issue of ceremonial washing refers to the Jewish practice of ritual purification, as seen in Hebrews 9:10, where it is part of the old covenant law. In this context, the dispute likely involves the question of whether John's baptism or the Jewish ceremonial washing is more important.
Who is the certain Jew mentioned in John 3:25?
The Bible does not provide a specific name for the certain Jew, but it is clear that this person is a representative of the Jewish community, likely familiar with the teachings of the Pharisees, as seen in Matthew 23:25-26, where Jesus teaches about the importance of inner purity.
Why did John's disciples get into a dispute with the Jew?
John's disciples got into a dispute with the Jew because they likely felt that their teacher, John the Baptist, was being challenged or questioned, similar to how the Pharisees questioned Jesus in Matthew 15:1-2, and they wanted to defend his teachings and practices, such as baptism, as seen in John 1:33.
How does this dispute relate to the rest of the chapter?
This dispute sets the stage for John's disciples to ask him about Jesus, who is also baptizing, as seen in John 3:26, and it allows John to testify about Jesus and clarify his role, as seen in John 3:27-30, referencing the Father's will, as in Romans 12:2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can be like John's disciples, defending and promoting the teachings of Jesus in my own life?
- In what ways can I be distracted by disputes or arguments, and how can I stay focused on the main message of the gospel, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4?
- What are some ceremonial or ritual practices in my own life that may be getting in the way of my relationship with God, and how can I simplify my faith, as seen in Matthew 23:25-26?
- How can I, like John the Baptist, point others to Jesus and give Him the glory, as seen in John 3:30, and what does this look like in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on John 3:25
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 3:25
Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 3:25
Trapp's Commentary on John 3:25
Ellicott's Commentary on John 3:25
Adam Clarke's Commentary on John 3:25
Cambridge Bible on John 3:25
Barnes' Notes on John 3:25
Whedon's Commentary on John 3:25
Sermons on John 3:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
He Is Above All by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that Jesus Christ is above science and all human knowledge. He states that humanity is trapped in a fallen state and unable to escape the va |
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John the Baptist Willing to Be Excelled - Part 1 by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the life and ministry of John the Baptist as a preparation for the coming of Jesus. The preacher highlights the foretelling of Jesus' coming |
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Milton Green - 10 by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of following traditions instead of being led by the Spirit of God. He warns that relying on traditions can lead to a false assura |
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Day 199, John 2 by David Servant | David Servant preaches on the Gospel of John, emphasizing its focus on the sacrificial death of Jesus. The Gospel highlights Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the |
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Revival on the Isle of Lewis by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a revival that took place in a parish. The revival began when four young girls, aged 16, prayed for their head |
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Washed With Fire by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a woman who worked in Africa and lived in a humble bamboo house. Despite facing potential dangers in the jungle, she had faith and |
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Purity and Fire - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker shares stories of revival and the power of prayer. He talks about a meeting where there was no piano, but the presence of God was felt through the music |






