27 To this John replied, "A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.
27 John answered and said, A man can receive
27 John answered, "A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.
27 John answered, "It's not possible for a person to succeed - I'm talking about eternal success - without heaven's help.
27 John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.
27 John replied, "No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 3:27
Commentary on John 3:22-36
(Read John 3:22-36)
John was fully satisfied with the place and work assigned him; but Jesus came on a more important work. He also knew that Jesus would increase in honour and influence, for of his government and peace there would be no end, while he himself would be less followed. John knew 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 life could only be had by faith in Him, and might be thus obtained; whereas all those, who believe not in the Son of God, cannot partake of salvation, but the wrath of God for ever rests upon them.