^{26 Ref} They came to John, and said to him, "Rabbi, he who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, the same baptizes, and everyone is coming to him."

^{27 Ref} John answered, "A man can receive nothing, unless it has been given him from heaven.

^{28 Ref} You yourselves testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before him.'

^{29 Ref} He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. This, my joy, therefore is made full.

^{30 Ref} He must increase, but I must decrease.