John 3:27
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
American King James Version (AKJV)
John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
American Standard Version (ASV)
John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it have been given him from heaven.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
And this was John's answer: A man is unable to have anything if it is not given to him from heaven.
Webster's Revision
John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
World English Bible
John answered, "A man can receive nothing, unless it has been given him from heaven.
English Revised Version (ERV)
John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it have been given him from heaven.
Clarke's John 3:27 Bible Commentary
A man can receive nothing, etc. - Or, A man can receive nothing from heaven, unless it be given him. I have received, not only my commission, but the power also by which I have executed it, from above. As I took it up at God's command, so I am ready to lay it down when he pleases. I have told you from the beginning that I was only the forerunner of the Messiah, and was sent, not to form a separate party, but to point out to men that Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world: John 3:28.
Barnes's John 3:27 Bible Commentary
John answered ... - John did not enter into their feelings or sympathize with their love of party. He came to honor Jesus, not to build up a sect, He rejoiced at the success of the Messiah, and began to teach them to rejoice in it also.
A man can receive nothing ... - All success is from heaven. All my success was from God. All the success of Jesus is from God. As success comes from the same source, we ought not to be envious. It is designed to answer the same end, and, by whomsoever accomplished, the hand of God is in it, and we should rejoice. If Jesus and his disciples are successful, if all men flee to him, it is proof that God favors him, and you should rejoice.
Wesley's John 3:27 Bible Commentary
3:27 A man can receive nothing - Neither he nor I. Neither could he do this, unless God had sent him: nor can I receive the title of Christ, or any honour comparable to that which he hath received from heaven. They seem to have spoken with jealousy and resentment; John answers with sweet composure of spirit.
