John 3:29

John explains by a figure his subordination to the Messiah.

He that hath the bride Here only in this Gospel does this well-known symbol occur. It is frequent both in O.T. and N.T. Isaiah 54:5; Hosea 2:19-20; Ephesians 5:32; Revelation 19:7; Revelation 21:2; Revelation 21:9. Comp. Song of Solomon, passim; Matthew 9:15; Matthew 25:1. In O.T. it symbolizes the relationship between Jehovah and His chosen people, in N.T that between Christ and His Church.

the friend of the bridegroom The special friend, appointed to arrange the preliminaries of the wedding, to manage and preside at the marriage feast. Somewhat analogous to our -best man," but his duties were very much more considerable. A much closer analogy may be found among the lower orders in the Tyrol at the present day. Here the Messiah is the Bridegroom and the Church His Bride; John is His friend who has prepared the heart of the Bride and arranged the espousal. He rejoices to see the consummation of his labours.

heareth him i.e. listens attentively to do his bidding.

because of the bridegroom's voice Heard in the midst of the marriage-festivities.

is fulfilled i.e. has been fulfilledand still remains complete. Comp. John 15:11; John 16:24, Joh 17:13; 1 John 1:4.