John 3:30
<< John 3:30 >>
New International Version (©1984)
He must become greater; I must become less.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
"He must increase, but I must decrease.

International Standard Version (©2008)
He must become more important, but I must become less important."

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
He must increase in importance, while I must decrease in importance.

King James Bible
He must increase, but I must decrease.

American King James Version
He must increase, but I must decrease.

American Standard Version
He must increase, but I must decrease.

Bible in Basic English
He has to become greater while I become less.

Douay-Rheims Bible
He must increase, but I must decrease.

Darby Bible Translation
He must increase, but I must decrease.

English Revised Version
He must increase, but I must decrease.

Webster's Bible Translation
He must increase, but I must decrease.

Weymouth New Testament
He must grow greater, but I must grow less.

World English Bible
He must increase, but I must decrease.

Young's Literal Translation
'Him it behoveth to increase, and me to become less;

Geneva Study Bible

He must increase, but I must decrease.

Wesley's Notes

3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease - So they who are now, like John, burning and shining lights, must (if not suddenly eclipsed) like him gradually decrease, while others are increasing about them; as they in their turns grew up, amidst the decays of the former generation. Let us know how to set, as well as how to rise; and let it comfort our declining days to trace, in those who are likely to succeed us in our work, the openings of yet greater usefulness.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

3:22-36 John was fully satisfied with the place and work assigned him; but Jesus came on a more important work. He also knew that Jesus would increase in honour and influence, for of his government and peace there would be no end, while he himself would be less followed. John knew that Jesus came from heaven as the Son of God, while he was a sinful, mortal man, who could only speak about the more plain subjects of religion. The words of Jesus were the words of God; he had the Spirit, not by measure, as the prophets, but in all fulness. Everlasting life could only be had by faith in Him, and might be thus obtained; whereas all those, who believe not in the Son of God, cannot partake of salvation, but the wrath of God for ever rests upon them.


John 3:29 "He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. So this joy of mine has been made full.
John 3:31 "He who comes from above is above all, he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. (NASB ©1995)

Behoveth Decrease Greater Grow Increase Less


He must increase, but I must decrease.

must increase. Ps 72:17-19 Isa 9:7 53:2,3,12 Da 2:34,35,44,45 Mt 13:31-33 Re 11:15

but. Ac 13:36,37 1Co 3:5 2Co 3:7-11 Col 1:18 Heb 3:2-6

Bible Gateway: John Chapter 3 Verse 30 NIV ESV NKJV NLT KJV Message Amplified

Alphabetical: become but decrease greater He I increase less must

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