SEV Biblia, Chapter 3:30
A él conviene crecer; a mí, ser disminuido.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - John 3:30
Verse 30. He must increase] His present success is but the beginning of a most glorious and universal spread of righteousness, peace, truth, and good will among men. I must decrease.] My baptism and teaching, as pointing out the coming Messiah, must cease; because the Messiah is now come, and has entered publicly on the work of his glorious ministry.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 30. He must increase , etc.] Not in stature of body, or in wisdom and understanding of mind, as man, he being come to maturity in these things already; but in fame, credit, and reputation among men; as he afterwards did in the land of Judea, by reason of his miracles and doctrines; and after that among the Gentiles, through the publication of his Gospel; and will more and more in the latter day, when he, and he alone, shall be exalted: and he must increase in the ministry of his word, which was published by him, and his disciples, throughout all the cities of Israel; and which, after his resurrection and ascension, grew and increased mightily, notwithstanding the opposition made unto it both by their civil and ecclesiastical rulers; and which, by the means of his apostles, was spread throughout the Gentile world, and will hereafter cover the earth, as the waters do the sea: and also in his kingdom and interest, which at first were very small, like a grain of mustard seed, or like a little stone cut out of the mountain without hands; but in process of time grew exceedingly, and will, ere long, till the face of the whole earth; for the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and his dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth; and of the increase of it there shall be no end. And so likewise in the number of his followers, which at first were but few in Judea, but afterwards greatly increased, and especially among the Gentiles; and will be very numerous in the latter day glory, when the nation of the Jews will be born at once, and the fulness and forces of the Gentiles are brought in: but I must decrease ; as he did in his esteem among the people; (see John 5:3,5); and in his work and office, which were now come to an end, Christ, whose forerunner he was, being come; and quickly after this he was put into prison, and there put to death.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 22-36 - John was fully satisfied with the place and work assigned him; but Jesus came on a more important work. He also knew that Jesus woul increase in honour and influence, for of his government and peace ther would be no end, while he himself would be less followed. John kne that Jesus came from heaven as the Son of God, while he was a sinful mortal man, who could only speak about the more plain subjects of religion. The words of Jesus were the words of God; he had the Spirit not by measure, as the prophets, but in all fulness. Everlasting lif could only be had by faith in Him, and might be thus obtained; wherea all those, who believe not in the Son of God, cannot partake of salvation, but the wrath of God for ever rests upon them __________________________________________________________________
Greek Textus Receptus
εκεινον 1565 D-ASM δει 1163 5904 V-PQI-3S αυξανειν 837 5721 V-PAN εμε 1691 P-1AS δε 1161 CONJ ελαττουσθαι 1642 5745 V-PPN
