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Book of John - Chapter 3 - Verse 13

3:13
And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

Meaning

This verse from the Gospel of John emphasizes the uniqueness of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. It highlights the divine origin of Jesus by stating that no one has ascended to heaven except for Him, who came down from heaven. The phrase "even the Son of man which is in heaven" further emphasizes the dual nature of Jesus as both fully human and fully divine. This verse captures the mystery of Jesus' identity and emphasizes His authority and preeminence as the only one who has come from heaven and returned. It serves as a reminder of the special connection Jesus has to both heaven and earth, bridging the gap between God and humanity. By understanding the context of this verse, readers can appreciate the significance of Jesus' divine nature and His role in fulfilling God's plan for salvation.

Theological Overview

One of the key theological interpretations of this verse is that it highlights the unique position of Jesus as the Son of God. The statement that "no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven" emphasizes the divine origin of Jesus, suggesting that he alone has the authority to speak about heavenly things. The phrase "even the Son of man which is in heaven" further reinforces the idea of Jesus's dual nature as both human (Son of man) and divine (Son of God). This verse is often seen as a declaration of Christ's pre-existence and his role as the intermediary between heaven and earth.

Word studies of this verse can focus on the Greek terms used, such as "ascended" and "heaven." The word "ascended" can be interpreted as not just physically going up, but also as a spiritual ascent to a higher state. In this context, it underscores the idea that true knowledge of heavenly things can only come from Jesus, who descended from heaven. The word "heaven" can refer to the physical sky, but it can also denote the spiritual realm where God resides. This verse thus highlights the unique connection between Jesus and the heavenly realm, emphasizing his divine nature and authority.

American Standard Version

And no one hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended out of heaven, [even] the Son of man, who is in heaven.
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