Joh 3:31-36 | RWP | e4.org | Is above all ( επανω παντων ). Ablative case with the compound preposition επανω . See the same idea in . Here we have the comments of Evangelist (John) concerning the last words of John in verse which place Jesus above himself. He is above all men, not alone above the Baptist. Bernard follows those who treat verses as dislocated and put them after verse (the interview with Nicodemus), but they suit better here. Of the earth ( εκ της γης ). John is fond of this use of εκ for origin and source of character as in ; . Jesus is the one that comes out of heaven ( ο εκ του ουρανου ερχομενος ) as he has shown in . Hence he is "above all."

‏ John 3:31-36

Is above all ( επανω παντων ). Ablative case with the compound preposition επανω. See the same idea in Ro 9:5. Here we have the comments of Evangelist (John) concerning the last words of John in verse 30 which place Jesus above himself. He is above all men, not alone above the Baptist. Bernard follows those who treat verses 31-36 as dislocated and put them after verse 21 (the interview with Nicodemus), but they suit better here.

Of the earth ( εκ της γης ). John is fond of this use of εκ for origin and source of character as in 1:46; 1Jo 4:5. Jesus is the one that comes out of heaven ( ο εκ του ουρανου ερχομενος ) as he has shown in 1:1-18. Hence he is "above all."

What he hath seen and heard ( ο εωρακεν κα ηκουσεν ). Perfect active indicative followed by aorist active indicative, because, as Westcott shows, the first belongs to the very existence of the Son and the latter to his mission. There is no confusion of tenses here.

No man ( ουδεις ). There were crowds coming to Jesus, but they do not really accept him as Saviour and Lord (1:11; 2:24). It is superficial as time will show. But "no one" is not to be pressed too far, for it is the rhetorical use.

Hath set his seal ( εσφραγισεν ). First aorist active indicative of σφραγιζω for which verb see Mt 27:66. The metaphor of sealing is a common one for giving attestation as in 6:27. The one who accepts the witness of Jesus attests that Jesus speaks the message of God.

The words of God ( τα ρηματα του θεου ). God sent his Son (3:17) and he speaks God's words.

By measure ( εκ μετρου ). That is God has put no limit to the Spirit's relation to the Son. God has given the Holy Spirit in his fulness to Christ and to no one else in that sense.

Hath given all things into his hand ( παντα δεδωκεν εν τη χειρ αυτου ). John makes the same statement about Jesus in 13:3 (using εις τας χειρας instead of εν τη χειρ ). Jesus makes the same claim in 5:19-30; Mt 11:27; 28:18.

Hath eternal life ( εχε ζωην αιωνιον ). Has it here and now and for eternity.

That obeyeth not ( ο απειθων ). "He that is disobedient to the Son." Jesus is the test of human life as Simeon said he would be (Lu 2:34f.). This verb does not occur again in John's Gospel.