John 3:23
And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐβαπτίζοντο·
baptizing
G907
ἐβαπτίζοντο·
baptizing
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
5 of 19
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
11 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
πολλὰ
much
G4183
πολλὰ
much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
13 of 19
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παρεγίνοντο
they came
G3854
παρεγίνοντο
they came
Strong's:
G3854
Word #:
17 of 19
to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly
Historical Context
Aenon near Salim was likely in Samaria, west of the Jordan. John's ministry there (c. 27-28 AD) overlapped with Jesus' early Judean ministry, creating the situation that prompts discussion about purification and authority.
Questions for Reflection
- How should we respond when God appears to be blessing multiple ministries simultaneously?
- What does John's continued baptizing even after Jesus' ministry began teach about faithful completion of our calling?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
John's concurrent ministry at Aenon demonstrates that God's work through different servants can overlap without competition. The detail 'much water' (Greek: hydata polla) indicates John's baptismal practice required immersion. The Reformed tradition sees baptism's mode as significant but subordinate to its spiritual reality of union with Christ.