John 1:32
And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐμαρτύρησεν
bare record
G3140
ἐμαρτύρησεν
bare record
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
2 of 17
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
λέγων
saying
G3004
λέγων
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
G3754
Τεθέαμαι
I saw
G2300
Τεθέαμαι
I saw
Strong's:
G2300
Word #:
6 of 17
to look closely at, i.e., (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by extension to visit
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
8 of 17
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
ἐξ
from
G1537
ἐξ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
12 of 17
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
οὐρανοῦ
heaven
G3772
οὐρανοῦ
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
13 of 17
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔμεινεν
it abode
G3306
ἔμεινεν
it abode
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
15 of 17
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
Cross References
Mark 1:10And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:Matthew 3:16And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:Luke 3:22And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.John 1:7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.John 5:32There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.
Historical Context
This event occurred at Jesus' baptism in the Jordan (c. 27 AD). The dove imagery may echo the Spirit hovering over creation (Genesis 1:2) or the dove sent from Noah's ark, symbolizing new creation and peace.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Spirit's permanent abiding on Christ differ from the Spirit's work in Old Testament saints?
- What comfort do we find in knowing that Christ's ministry was empowered by the same Spirit who indwells believers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
John's testimony of the Spirit descending 'like a dove' and abiding on Christ confirms his divine anointing for messianic ministry. The verb 'abode' (Greek: menō) signifies permanent residence, not temporary visitation—Christ possesses the Spirit without measure (John 3:34). This trinitarian scene reveals the Spirit's work in equipping the incarnate Son for His redemptive mission.