John 3:31
He 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.
Original Language Analysis
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄνωθεν
from above
G509
ἄνωθεν
from above
Strong's:
G509
Word #:
2 of 28
from above; by analogy, from the first; by implication, anew
ἐρχόμενος
He that cometh
G2064
ἐρχόμενος
He that cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
3 of 28
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἐπάνω
above
G1883
ἐπάνω
above
Strong's:
G1883
Word #:
4 of 28
up above, i.e., over or on (of place, amount, rank, etc.)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
earthly
G1537
ἐκ
earthly
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
9 of 28
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆς
the earth
G1093
γῆς
the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
11 of 28
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
ἐκ
earthly
G1537
ἐκ
earthly
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
12 of 28
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆς
the earth
G1093
γῆς
the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
14 of 28
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκ
earthly
G1537
ἐκ
earthly
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
17 of 28
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆς
the earth
G1093
γῆς
the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
19 of 28
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
earthly
G1537
ἐκ
earthly
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
22 of 28
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανοῦ
heaven
G3772
οὐρανοῦ
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
24 of 28
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
ἐρχόμενος
He that cometh
G2064
ἐρχόμενος
He that cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
25 of 28
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Cross References
John 8:23And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.Matthew 28:18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.Romans 9:5Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.John 6:33For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.1 John 4:5They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.John 6:51I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.Revelation 19:16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.John 1:27He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.1 Peter 3:22Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.Hebrews 9:1Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.
Historical Context
This verse explains why Jesus surpasses John—not in moral quality but in ontological origin. John was the greatest born of women (Matthew 11:11), yet categorically inferior to the One from heaven. The distinction prepares for John 3:32-36's testimony about receiving or rejecting Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' heavenly origin establish His authority over all earthly teachers?
- What implications does 'from above' have for how we receive Jesus' teaching?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
John contrasts his earthly origin with Christ's heavenly: 'He 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.' Origin determines authority. Earthly prophets (including John) speak earthly perspectives; the One from heaven possesses absolute authority. This isn't self-deprecation but theological clarity. Jesus' superiority isn't comparative but categorical—He's from above.