What does John 3:31 mean?

Explanation

John 3:31 is a verse in the Gospel of John that highlights the distinction between the heavenly and the earthly realms, as well as the authority of Jesus Christ over all.

In this verse, “He that cometh from above” refers to Christ himself who descends from heaven, considered the spiritual and divine realm. Being from above, he possesses authority that surpasses all those from the earth, who can only speak from an earthly, human perspective.

This verse emphasizes Jesus’s superiority over all human beings and suggests that his teachings carry divine weight and authority.

Historical Context

The Gospel of John was written in a complex historical period of the early Christian church, believed to be later than the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), possibly around 90-100 AD.

The audience of the Gospel likely faced various theological controversies and heresies.

John emphasizes the divinity of Jesus to strengthen the faith of the community and to combat rising heresies of the time that questioned Jesus's nature and his relationship to God the Father.

Theological Insights

From a Trinitarian Christian perspective, this verse underscores the pre-existence of Christ and his divine origin.

It highlights the belief in Jesus as the incarnate Word of God, coming from heaven, with a divinely authoritative teaching distinct from human wisdom.

Non-Trinitarian viewpoints would interpret this verse differently, perhaps acknowledging Jesus’s special role but differing on the nature of his divinity.

This verse supports the belief in different levels of revelation, with Jesus's teachings being a pinnacle due to his heavenly origin.

Practical Applications

John 3:31 can inspire individuals to seek spiritual wisdom that transcends earthly perspectives.

Christians may use this verse as a call to prioritize the teachings of Jesus in their daily decision-making and ethical considerations.

It can serve as a reminder to remain humble, recognizing that ultimate wisdom and authority come from above, and to be careful of equating human wisdom with divine truth.

Cross-References

• John 8:23: "And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world."
• John 1:14: "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."
• 1 Corinthians 15:47: "The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the phrase "cometh from above" utilizes the word "ἄνωθεν" (anōthen), which can mean both "from above" and "again" or "anew." This dual meaning plays a critical role in the theological interpretation, emphasizing both origin and the concept of being born again, as discussed earlier in John 3.

The words "above all" in Greek are "ἐπάνω πάντων" (epanō pantōn) further stressing the superiority and preeminence of Jesus, who is from heaven.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient religions and myths, there are figures that bridge the divine and human worlds. For example, in Greek mythology, gods often interacted with humans and were sometimes seen as having superior wisdom or power.

In contrast, in the Hebrew Bible and Christian New Testament, there is a strong distinction between the creator God and the creation, with John 3:31 highlighting the unique nature of Jesus as a divine being with human experience.

Scientific Perspectives

While John 3:31 speaks on divine authority and origin, which are matters of faith and not directly assessable by the scientific method, the verse raises interesting dialogue in the merging of science and spirituality.

Some might interpret the “earthly” as the physical laws and realities that science explores, and the “heavenly” or “above” may be seen as the broader, perhaps metaphysical, truths that science can aim to understand in part but might not fully encapsulate.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer different perspectives on John 3:31.

Some, like Matthew Henry, see this verse as a testimony to the divine authority of Jesus, affirming that his teaching is superior to that of human teachers.

F.F.

Bruce focuses on the concept of revelation, suggesting that Jesus, because of his heavenly origin, reveals God to humankind in a direct and unparalleled manner.

Other commentators may emphasize the importance of the divine versus human perspective in understanding truth and revelation.