en_tn_condensed/jhn/03/29.md

Connecting Statement:

John the Baptist continues speaking.

The bride belongs to the bridegroom

Here the "bride" and "bridegroom" are metaphors. Jesus is like the "bridegroom" and John is like the friend of the "bridegroom." (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor)

This, then, is my joy made complete

This can be stated in active form. AT: "So then I rejoice greatly" or "So I rejoice much" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive)

my joy

The word "my" refers to John the Baptist, the one who is speaking.

He must increase

"He" refers to the bridegroom, Jesus, who will continue to grow in importance.