John 3:29
He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
which
G3588
ἡ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔχων
He that hath
G2192
ἔχων
He that hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
2 of 30
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἡ
which
G3588
ἡ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νύμφην
the bride
G3565
νύμφην
the bride
Strong's:
G3565
Word #:
4 of 30
a young married woman (as veiled), including a betrothed girl; by implication, a son's wife
ἡ
which
G3588
ἡ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φίλος
the friend
G5384
φίλος
the friend
Strong's:
G5384
Word #:
9 of 30
actively, fond, i.e., friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.)
ἡ
which
G3588
ἡ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νυμφίου
of the bridegroom
G3566
νυμφίου
of the bridegroom
Strong's:
G3566
Word #:
11 of 30
a bride-groom (literally or figuratively)
ἡ
which
G3588
ἡ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἑστηκὼς
standeth
G2476
ἑστηκὼς
standeth
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
13 of 30
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 30
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
χαίρει
rejoiceth
G5463
χαίρει
rejoiceth
Strong's:
G5463
Word #:
18 of 30
to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well
διὰ
because
G1223
διὰ
because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
19 of 30
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ἡ
which
G3588
ἡ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φωνὴν
voice
G5456
φωνὴν
voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
21 of 30
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
ἡ
which
G3588
ἡ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νυμφίου
of the bridegroom
G3566
νυμφίου
of the bridegroom
Strong's:
G3566
Word #:
23 of 30
a bride-groom (literally or figuratively)
αὕτη
this
G3778
αὕτη
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
24 of 30
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
25 of 30
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἡ
which
G3588
ἡ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Isaiah 54:5For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.Hosea 2:19And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.Matthew 9:15And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.Ezekiel 16:8Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine.Revelation 21:9And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.John 16:24Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.Philippians 2:2Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.1 John 1:4And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.2 Corinthians 11:2For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.Luke 15:6And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
Historical Context
The 'friend of the bridegroom' (shoshben) had important duties in Jewish weddings—arranging, preparing, facilitating. But the wedding wasn't about him. John perfectly fulfilled his role; now joy replaces any sense of displacement. Israel is the bride; Jesus is the bridegroom; John is the facilitator.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the 'friend of the bridegroom' role model proper understanding of Christian ministry?
- What brings joy to those who properly understand their role as pointing to Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
John uses wedding imagery: 'He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.' John is the 'friend'—the best man—whose role is to serve the bridegroom's purposes. The bride belongs to Jesus; John's joy is hearing the bridegroom's voice and seeing the wedding proceed. Completed mission brings joy, not jealousy.