John 3:31

He that cometh. A technical Jewish idiom meaning “the Messiah” (see Matt. 11:3; 21:9; 23:39; Luke 7:19; etc.; see on John 1:14).

From above. Greek anothen (see on v. 3). Christ came “from above” in order that men might be “born from above.” Because Christ came “from above,” John declares, it is only right and proper — it is necessary, in fact — for Him to be “above all” whose origin is earthly.

Of the earth. That which is earthly in origin is earthly also by nature.

Speaketh of the earth. John was “of the earth” and spoke as a man. Jesus was “from above” and spoke with wisdom “from above.” Little wonder that people turned from John to Jesus, from the lesser to the greater!

Is above all. Textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 146) for the omission of this expression the second time in v. 31. If these words are omitted, v. 31 combines with v. 32 to read: “He that cometh from heaven testifieth of what he hath seen and heard.” If this expression is retained, John admits that Christ is infinitely greater than himself, greater, in fact, than all men, and refuses to consider himself a rival of Jesus.