John 3:29 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

²⁹ The one who has the bride is the groom; but the best man, who stands up with him and listens to him [take his vows], is very happy when he hears him speak. So, [now] my joy is complete [i.e. over hearing about Jesus’ ministry].

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

²⁹ He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

²⁹ He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the groomsman who stands by and listens to him rejoices greatly and heartily on account of the bridegroom's voice. This then is my pleasure and joy, and it is now complete. [S. of Sol. 5:1.]

American Standard Version (1901)

²⁹ He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, that standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is made full.

Common English Bible

²⁹ The groom is the one who is getting married. The friend of the groom stands close by and, when he hears him, is overjoyed at the groom’s voice. Therefore, my joy is now complete.

Catholic Public Domain Version

²⁹ He who holds the bride is the groom. But the friend of the groom, who stands and listens to Him, rejoices joyfully at the voice of the groom. And so, this, my joy, has been fulfilled.

John 3:29 Cross References

Matthew 22:2

“The kingdom of heaven is similar to a certain king who held a wedding reception for his son.

Matthew 25:1

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be similar to ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the [bride and] groom. [Note: The picture here is that of a newly married couple returning from a festive reception to the groom’s home where they continued celebrating and were welcomed by a late evening wedding party]

Matthew 9:15

Jesus said to them, “Can the groomsmen act sadly while the groom is still with them? But the time will come when the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.

Luke 15:6

And when he gets home, he calls his friends and neighbors together and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I found my sheep that was lost.’

John 15:11

I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in your hearts, and that your joy may be complete.

John 16:24

Up until now you have not asked for anything in my name. [So now] ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be complete.

John 17:13

But now I am coming to you, and I am speaking these things [while still] in the world, so that they [i.e., the apostles] may have my joy within them in all its fullness.

John 3:30

He [i.e., Jesus] must increase [in importance and influence], while I must decrease.”

2 Corinthians 11:2

For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy, because I promised you in marriage to one husband, that I might present you to Christ as a pure virgin.

Philippians 2:2

[Then] make me completely happy by being like-minded, having the same love [for one another], being united in spirit and having the same purpose.

1 John 1:4

We are writing to you about these things, so that [together] our joy may be [completely] full.

2 John 1:12

I have many [more] things to write to you about, but will not do so with paper and ink, since I hope to visit you [soon] and speak to you in person, so that our joy may be complete.

Revelation 21:9

Then one of the seven angels who held the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues [i.e., judgments, See 15:1], came and spoke to me, saying, “Come here, [and] I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.”