John 3:25
Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.
Original Language Analysis
Ἐγένετο
there arose
G1096
Ἐγένετο
there arose
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
1 of 11
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ζήτησις
a question
G2214
ζήτησις
a question
Strong's:
G2214
Word #:
3 of 11
a searching (properly, the act), i.e., a dispute or its theme
ἐκ
some of
G1537
ἐκ
some of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 11
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰωάννου
John's
G2491
Ἰωάννου
John's
Strong's:
G2491
Word #:
7 of 11
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
μετὰ
between
G3326
μετὰ
between
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
Cross References
John 2:6And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.Hebrews 6:2Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.Matthew 3:11I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:Hebrews 9:23It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.Hebrews 9:10Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.1 Peter 3:21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:Mark 7:8For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
Historical Context
First-century Judaism had elaborate purification rituals based on Levitical law and expanded by rabbinic tradition. The debate likely centered on how John's baptism related to traditional Jewish washings.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we distinguish between defending essential truths and arguing over secondary matters?
- What happens when we emphasize ritual correctness over spiritual transformation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
A dispute about purification between John's disciples and 'a Jew' (some manuscripts read 'Jews') reveals ongoing debate about ritual cleanliness and baptism's significance. Such controversies often arise when human traditions clash with divine innovation. The Reformed principle is that ceremonies matter only as they point to spiritual realities, not as ends in themselves.