John 3:13
And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐδεὶς
no man
G3762
οὐδεὶς
no man
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
2 of 22
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανῷ
heaven
G3772
οὐρανῷ
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
6 of 22
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
8 of 22
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
10 of 22
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανῷ
heaven
G3772
οὐρανῷ
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
12 of 22
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
even the Son
G5207
υἱὸς
even the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
15 of 22
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Proverbs 30:4Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?John 6:38For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.Acts 2:34For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,John 1:18No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.1 Corinthians 15:47The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.John 13:3Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;Romans 10:6But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)John 6:62What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?John 3:31He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.John 6:42And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?
Historical Context
The 'Son of Man' title connects to Daniel 7:13-14, where a divine figure receives universal dominion. Jesus claims both descent (incarnation) and ascent (ascension to come). This uniqueness grounds His authority to teach heavenly mysteries. No other prophet or teacher shares this qualification.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' descent from heaven distinguish His teaching from all other religious authorities?
- What does the title 'Son of Man' convey about Jesus' identity and mission?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus reveals His unique qualification: 'And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.' Only one has traveled both directions—descended from heaven to earth and (proleptically) ascended back. The Son of Man is uniquely positioned to reveal heavenly things because He originates there. The phrase 'which is in heaven' (present tense) emphasizes His ongoing divine nature even while on earth—He is simultaneously present with the Father.