John 3:27
John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 17
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐδὲν
nothing
G3762
οὐδὲν
nothing
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
9 of 17
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
10 of 17
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
11 of 17
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ᾖ
it be
G5600
ᾖ
it be
Strong's:
G5600
Word #:
12 of 17
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
δεδομένον
given
G1325
δεδομένον
given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
13 of 17
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 17
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
15 of 17
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
James 1:17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.1 Corinthians 4:7For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?1 Corinthians 15:10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.Matthew 25:15And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.Amos 7:15And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.Jeremiah 17:16As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was right before thee.Jeremiah 1:5Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.Numbers 17:5And it shall come to pass, that the man's rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, whereby they murmur against you.Mark 13:34For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.Matthew 21:25The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?
Historical Context
This principle applies to all spiritual gifting (1 Corinthians 4:7). Paul would later ask Corinthians, 'What hast thou that thou didst not receive?' Neither John nor Jesus 'earned' their followings; God gave according to His purposes. Accepting this eliminates both pride in success and despair in apparent failure.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing ministry as 'gift from heaven' eliminate competitive jealousy?
- What would change if you consistently viewed your gifts and opportunities as divinely given?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
John's response begins with theological foundation: 'A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.' All ministry is divine gift, not human achievement. If Jesus is gaining followers, heaven has given it. John's perspective eliminates jealousy by eliminating ownership. He never possessed disciples to lose; they were always heaven's gift temporarily entrusted. This theology of gift transforms how we view ministry success and apparent failure.