# Where is “He must increase, but I must decrease” in the Bible?

> “He must increase, but I must decrease” is John 3:30.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/he-must-increase-but-i-must-decrease
By Andrew Kittridge · November 10, 2026

John the Baptist says it to his own disciples.

## The verse

> He must grow greater, but I must grow smaller.
>
> — [John 3:30](https://www.lumin.faith/read/john/3#30) (Lumin Translation)

These exact words are in the King James Bible. The Lumin Translation, a modern English Bible, is quoted here, and it words the verse differently.

## What it means there

His followers were bothered that the crowds were going over to Jesus. John compares himself to the friend of the bridegroom, who is glad when the groom arrives.

## Common questions

### Where is “He must increase, but I must decrease” in the Bible?

“He must increase, but I must decrease” is John 3:30. These exact words are in the King James Bible. The Lumin Translation, a modern English Bible, is quoted here, and it words the verse differently. John the Baptist says it to his own disciples.

### Is “He must increase, but I must decrease” in the Bible?

Yes. It is John 3:30. In the Lumin Translation, John 3:30 reads: “He must grow greater, but I must grow smaller.”

### Who said “He must increase, but I must decrease”?

John the Baptist says it to his own disciples.

### What does “He must increase, but I must decrease” mean in the Bible?

His followers were bothered that the crowds were going over to Jesus. John compares himself to the friend of the bridegroom, who is glad when the groom arrives.

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