Luke 3:15
And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;
Original Language Analysis
Προσδοκῶντος
were in expectation
G4328
Προσδοκῶντος
were in expectation
Strong's:
G4328
Word #:
1 of 19
to anticipate (in thought, hope or fear); by implication, to await
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαοῦ
as the people
G2992
λαοῦ
as the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
4 of 19
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διαλογιζομένων
mused
G1260
διαλογιζομένων
mused
Strong's:
G1260
Word #:
6 of 19
to reckon thoroughly, i.e., (genitive case) to deliberate (by reflection or discussion)
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίαις
hearts
G2588
καρδίαις
hearts
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
10 of 19
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
αὐτὸς
he
G846
αὐτὸς
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὸς
he
G846
αὐτὸς
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Historical Context
After 400 years without prophets, John's powerful ministry naturally raised questions about whether Messiah had arrived. Jewish expectation focused on a political deliverer, which John's bold prophetic stance might seem to fulfill. His consistent self-effacement modeled how ministers should respond to personal acclaim.
Questions for Reflection
- How should effective ministry that raises expectations respond to personal acclaim?
- What does John's deflecting attention from himself to Christ teach about true ministry?
- Why is it important that ministers consistently point beyond themselves to Jesus?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The people's musing 'in their hearts...whether he were the Christ, or not' demonstrates John's powerful ministry raised messianic expectations. The verb 'mused' (Greek 'dialogizomai') indicates internal reasoning and debate—they were seriously considering whether John might be Messiah. This shows effective prophetic ministry creates spiritual curiosity and expectation. That people wondered if John was Christ testifies to his Spirit-empowered preaching and holy life. Yet John's consistent self-denial and Christ-exaltation demonstrates that true ministry points beyond itself to Jesus. The people's question sets up John's clear testimony distinguishing himself from the Coming One. This teaches that godly ministers deflect attention from themselves to Christ.