Luke 3:16

Authorized King James Version

John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀπεκρίνατο

G611

answered

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰωάννης

G2491

John

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

ἅπασιν

G537

unto them all

absolutely all or (singular) every one

λέγων,

G3004

saying

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

μὲν

G3303

indeed

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

ὕδατι

G5204

with water

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

βαπτίσει

G907

baptize

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

#10

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#11

ἔρχεται

G2064

cometh

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#12

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

#13

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

ἰσχυρότερός

G2478

one mightier than

forcible (literally or figuratively)

#15

μου

G3450

of me

#16

οὗ

G3739

of whose

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#17

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#18

εἰμὶ

G1510

I am

i exist (used only when emphatic)

#19

ἱκανὸς

G2425

worthy

competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)

#20

λῦσαι

G3089

to unloose

to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)

#21

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#22

ἱμάντα

G2438

the latchet

a strap, i.e., (specially) the tie (of a sandal) or the lash (of a scourge)

#23

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#24

ὑποδημάτων

G5266

shoes

something bound under the feet, i.e., a shoe or sandal

#25

αὐτὸς

G846

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

#26

αὐτὸς

G846

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

#27

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#28

βαπτίσει

G907

baptize

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

#29

ἐν

G1722

with

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#30

πνεύματι

G4151

Ghost

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

#31

ἁγίῳ

G40

the Holy

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

#32

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#33

πυρί·

G4442

with fire

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Luke Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Luke 3:16

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources