John 3:23

Authorized King James Version

And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἦν
G2258
there was
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#2
δὲ
G1161
And
but, and, etc
#3
καὶ
G2532
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#4
Ἰωάννης
G2491
John
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
#5
ἐβαπτίζοντο·
G907
baptizing
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
#6
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#7
Αἰνὼν
G137
Aenon
aenon, a place in palestine
#8
ἐγγὺς
G1451
near
near (literally or figuratively, of place or time)
#9
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
Σαλείμ
G4530
to Salim
salim, a place in palestine
#11
ὅτι
G3754
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#12
ὕδατα
G5204
water
water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively
#13
πολλὰ
G4183
much
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#14
ἦν
G2258
there was
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#15
ἐκεῖ
G1563
there
there; by extension, thither
#16
καὶ
G2532
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
παρεγίνοντο
G3854
they came
to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly
#18
καὶ
G2532
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
ἐβαπτίζοντο·
G907
baptizing
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to John. The concept of divine revelation reflects the essential nature of God revealed through Christ. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to theological biography emphasizing Jesus' divine identity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on divine love particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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