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John 3:25

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 3:25 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “There arose therefore a questioning on the part of John`s disciples with a Jew about purifying.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

There arose therefore a questioning on the part of John`s disciples with a Jew about purifying.
John 3:25 — American Standard Version

Context — John 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
22After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
23And John also was baptizing in Enon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
24For John was not yet cast into prison.
25There arose therefore a questioning on the part of John`s disciples with a Jew about purifying.
26And they came unto John, and said to him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond the Jordan, to whom thou hast borne witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
27John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it have been given him from heaven.
28Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but, that I am sent before him.
← John 3:24John 3:26 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then there arose a question, etc.] A dispute, or controversy, occasioned by the baptism, of John and Christ: between [some] of John’s disciples, and the Jews. The Syriac and Persic versions read, “between one of John’s disciples, and a certain Jew”; and Nonnus renders it, “with an Hebrew man”; and so the Alexandrian manuscript; many others read, “with a Jew”: the contention between them was about purifying; either about the ceremonial purifications, and ablutions commanded in the law of Moses; or concerning the various washings of persons, and vessels, according to the traditions of the elders, which the Jews in common were very tenacious of; and which they thought were brought into neglect,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“between some of--rather, "on the part of." and the Jews--rather (according to the best manuscripts), "and a Jew," about purifying--that is, baptizing, the symbolical meaning of washing with water being put (as in Joh 2:6) for the act itself. As John and Jesus were the only teachers who baptized Jews, discussions might easily arise between the Baptist's disciples and such Jews as declined to submit to that rite.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“A question - Rather a controversy a dispute. John’s disciples - Those who had been baptized by him, and who attached great efficacy and importance to the teaching of their master. Compare the notes at Acts 19:1-5. And the Jews - Many manuscripts, some of the fathers, and the ancient Syriac version read this in the singular number “with A Jew,” one who, it is commonly supposed, had been baptized by the disciples of Jesus. About purifying - What the precise subject of this dispute was we do not know. From what follows, it would seem probable that it was about the comparative value and efficacy of the baptism performed by John and by the disciples of Jesus. The word “purifying” may be applied…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The Jews - Those men of Judea, who now went to be baptized by Jesus; and John's disciples, who were mostly of Galilee: about purifying - That is, baptism. They disputed, which they should be baptized by. John 3:27”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“about: Joh 2:6; Mat 3:11; Mar 7:2-5, Mar 7:8; Heb 6:2, Heb 9:10, Heb 9:13, Heb 9:14, Heb 9:23; Pe1 3:21 John 3:26”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification