John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, х ou (G3756) dunatai (G1410) anthroopos (G444) lambanein (G2983) ouden (G3762)] - rather, as in the margin, 'A man can take to himself,' or 'assume nothing;' that is, lawfully, and with any success,
Except it be given [or 'have been given' ee (G2228 ) dedomenon (G1325 )] him from heaven: - q.d., 'Every divinely-commissioned person has his own work and sphere assigned him from above.' Even Christ Himself came under this law. See the note at Hebrews 5:4.