Luke 12:50
But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
Original Language Analysis
ἔχω
I have
G2192
ἔχω
I have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
3 of 10
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
βαπτισθῆναι
to be baptized with
G907
βαπτισθῆναι
to be baptized with
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
4 of 10
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πῶς
how
G4459
πῶς
how
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
6 of 10
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
συνέχομαι
am I straitened
G4912
συνέχομαι
am I straitened
Strong's:
G4912
Word #:
7 of 10
to hold together, i.e., to compress (the ears, with a crowd or siege) or arrest (a prisoner); figuratively, to compel, perplex, afflict, preoccupy
ἕως
till
G2193
ἕως
till
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
8 of 10
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
Cross References
John 19:30When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.Psalms 40:8I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.John 4:34Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
Historical Context
Baptism imagery for overwhelming catastrophe appears in Psalms (42:7, 69:1-2) and Isaiah (43:2). Jesus adopts this metaphor for his vicarious suffering—drowning in judgment meant for sinners. The 'straitening' or constraint reflects Jesus's fully human experience of anticipating horrific death, documented in Gethsemane's agony (22:44).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's anticipatory anguish ('how am I straitened') demonstrate the costliness of redemption?
- What does this verse teach about Jesus's emotional experience of his mission—was his sacrifice easy or agonizing?
- How should Jesus's urgency to complete his 'baptism' affect your gratitude for the cross and commitment to the mission it accomplished?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! (βάπτισμα δὲ ἔχω βαπτισθῆναι, καὶ πῶς συνέχομαι ἕως οὗ τελεσθῇ)—baptisma (baptism) refers metaphorically to overwhelming suffering, not water baptism. Jesus uses baptism imagery for his death—immersion in judgment, engulfed by wrath (cf. Mark 10:38-39). Sunechomai (straitened, distressed, constrained) describes intense pressure or anguish. Heos hou telesthē (until it be accomplished) points to the cross—Jesus lives under the weight of impending crucifixion.
This verse reveals Jesus's human emotional state: distress, urgency, constraint. He faces the cross with both determination and anguish. His mission requires passing through judgment-baptism before fire can spread. The cross is the necessary precursor to Pentecost—substitutionary atonement before Spirit-baptism. Until tetelestai ('It is finished,' John 19:30), Jesus lives under redemptive constraint.