King James Version

What Does John 3:29 Mean?

John 3:29 in the King James Version says “He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth gr... — study this verse from John chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 3:29 · KJV


Context

27

John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. receive: or, take unto himself

28

Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.

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.

30

He must increase, but I must decrease.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the 'friend of the bridegroom' role model proper understanding of Christian ministry?
  2. What brings joy to those who properly understand their role as pointing to Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
1 of 30

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔχων2 of 30

He that hath

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

3 of 30

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νύμφην4 of 30

the bride

G3565

a young married woman (as veiled), including a betrothed girl; by implication, a son's wife

νυμφίου5 of 30

of the bridegroom

G3566

a bride-groom (literally or figuratively)

ἐστίν·6 of 30

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

7 of 30

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ8 of 30

but

G1161

but, and, etc

φίλος9 of 30

the friend

G5384

actively, fond, i.e., friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.)

10 of 30

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νυμφίου11 of 30

of the bridegroom

G3566

a bride-groom (literally or figuratively)

12 of 30

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἑστηκὼς13 of 30

standeth

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

καὶ14 of 30

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀκούων15 of 30

heareth

G191

to hear (in various senses)

αὐτοῦ16 of 30

him

G846

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

χαρὰ17 of 30

greatly

G5479

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

χαίρει18 of 30

rejoiceth

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

διὰ19 of 30

because

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

20 of 30

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

φωνὴν21 of 30

voice

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

22 of 30

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νυμφίου23 of 30

of the bridegroom

G3566

a bride-groom (literally or figuratively)

αὕτη24 of 30

this

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

οὖν25 of 30

therefore

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

26 of 30

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χαρὰ27 of 30

greatly

G5479

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

28 of 30

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐμὴ29 of 30

my

G1699

my

πεπλήρωται30 of 30

is fulfilled

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 3:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 3:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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