John Chapter 3 · Verse 34

Authorized King James Version

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For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.

Original Language Analysis

ὃν he whom G3739
ὃν he whom
Strong's: G3739
Word #: 1 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
γὰρ For G1063
γὰρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 2 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἀπέστειλεν hath sent G649
ἀπέστειλεν hath sent
Strong's: G649
Word #: 3 of 19
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεὸς, God G2316
Θεὸς, God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 5 of 19
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τὰ G3588
τὰ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ῥήματα the words G4487
ῥήματα the words
Strong's: G4487
Word #: 7 of 19
an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεὸς, God G2316
Θεὸς, God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 9 of 19
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
λαλεῖ speaketh G2980
λαλεῖ speaketh
Strong's: G2980
Word #: 10 of 19
to talk, i.e., utter words
οὐ not G3756
οὐ not
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 11 of 19
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
γὰρ For G1063
γὰρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 12 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐκ by G1537
ἐκ by
Strong's: G1537
Word #: 13 of 19
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
μέτρου measure G3358
μέτρου measure
Strong's: G3358
Word #: 14 of 19
a measure ("metre"), literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion (degree)
δίδωσιν giveth G1325
δίδωσιν giveth
Strong's: G1325
Word #: 15 of 19
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 16 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεὸς, God G2316
Θεὸς, God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 17 of 19
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 18 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα the Spirit G4151
πνεῦμα the Spirit
Strong's: G4151
Word #: 19 of 19
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

Analysis & Commentary

'For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.' Jesus speaks God's words because He possesses the Spirit without measure. Other prophets received partial, temporary Spirit empowerment; Jesus is permanently, fully anointed. His teaching carries complete divine authority because the Spirit's fullness is His. This unlimited anointing grounds unlimited authority.

Historical Context

Old Testament prophets experienced Spirit empowerment for specific tasks; Jesus possessed the Spirit's fullness constantly. Isaiah 11:2 prophesied the Spirit resting on the Messianic Branch. At Jesus' baptism, the Spirit descended and 'remained' on Him (John 1:32-33). This permanence and fullness distinguishes His ministry.

Questions for Reflection