John 3:29

“He that hath the bride, etc.] By whom particular persons seem here to be meant, who were called, converted, and brought to Christ, and were made his disciples, and baptized, and so were openly espoused unto him; though sometimes it designs a particular church of Christ, and even the whole general assembly, and church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven; all the elect of. God, whether among Jews, or Gentiles; (see <471102>2 Corinthians 11:2 <662102>Revelation 21:2,9). These Christ has in a conjugal relation; and he came, and comes to have them after this manner: he saw them in his Father’s purposes, and decrees, in all the glory he meant to bring them to; and loved them, and…”

“He that hath the bride ... - This is an illustration drawn from marriage. The bride belongs to her husband. So the church, the bride of the Messiah, belongs to him. It is to be expected, therefore, and desireD, that the people should flock to him. But the friend of the bridegroom - He whose office it is to attend him on the marriage occasion. This was commonly the nearest friend, and was a high honor. Rejoiceth greatly - Esteems himself highly honored by the proof of friendship. The bridegroom’s voice - His commands, requests, or conversation. This my joy ... - “I sustain to the Messiah the relation which a groomsman does to the groom. The chief honor and the chief joy is not mine, but his.…”

“He that hath the bride is the bridegroom - He whom the bride follows. But all men now come to Jesus. Hence it is plain he is the bridegroom. The friend who heareth him - Talk with the bride; rejoiceth greatly - So far from envying or resenting it. John 3:30”

“3:29 John the Baptist saw Jesus as the bridegroom and himself as the bridegroom’s friend. His response deflected glory from himself and elevated Jesus’ stature.”

“hath: Psa 45:9-17; Sol 3:11, Sol 4:8-12; Isa 54:5, Isa 62:4, Isa 62:5; Jer 2:2; Eze 16:8; Hos 2:19; Mat 22:2; Co2 11:2; Eph 5:25-27; Rev 19:7-9, Rev 21:9 the friend: Jdg 14:10, Jdg 14:11; Psa 45:14; Sol 5:1; Mat 9:15 this: Isa 66:11; Luk 2:10-14, Luk 15:6 John 3:30”