what he hath seen and heard In His pre-existence with God; John 3:11; John 1:18. He has immediate knowledge of heavenly things.

that he testifieth Better, that he witnesseth (see on John 1:7). Precisely this is the substance of His witness.

and no man The tragic tone again; see on John 1:5, and comp. John 3:11. -No man" is an exaggeration resulting from deep feeling: comparatively speaking none, so few were those who accepted the Messiah. Comp. the similar exaggeration on the other side, John 3:26, -all men come to Him." These extreme contradictory statements, placed in such close proximity, confirm our trust in the Evangelist as faithfully reporting what was actually said. He does not soften it down to make it look plausible.

receiveth his testimony Better, receiveth His witness. The Baptist takes up Christ's words in John 3:11.

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising