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Book of John - Chapter 3 - Verse 31

3:31
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.

Meaning

Within this verse, the spiritual truth is being highlighted that those who are rooted in heavenly principles transcend those who are bound by earthly concerns. The verse emphasizes the supremacy of one who comes from above compared to those who are of the earth. This distinction is drawn between two different spiritual realms: heaven and earth. The one who comes from above, representing a divine source, is considered to be superior to all. Their words and actions are influenced by heavenly wisdom, truth, and purity. On the other hand, those who are earthly in nature are limited to the physical world and speak only of earthly matters. They lack the spiritual insight and divine connection that those who come from heaven possess. This verse invites contemplation on the origin of our beliefs, actions, and words, prompting us to strive for a deeper connection to the heavenly realm in order to genuinely transcend earthly concerns and align ourselves with divine truth.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the contrast between heavenly and earthly origins is clearly highlighted. The phrase "He that cometh from above is above all" emphasizes the superiority of the one who comes from heaven. This can be understood in a theological sense, pointing to Jesus Christ as the divine Son of God who is above all creation. The contrast with "he that is of the earth is earthly" emphasizes the limitations and shortcomings of those who are purely of this world. This distinction is further emphasized by the statement that the one who comes from heaven is above all, indicating not only a positional superiority but also a moral and spiritual one. This verse underscores the importance of recognizing the divine origin of Jesus and the significance of His teachings, which transcend earthly wisdom and understanding. By understanding the theological implications of this verse, believers can deepen their appreciation for the uniqueness and authority of Christ as the one who comes from above.

American Standard Version

He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is of the earth, and of the earth he speaketh: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
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