Luke 3:21
Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
Original Language Analysis
Ἐγένετο
it came to pass
G1096
Ἐγένετο
it came to pass
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
1 of 16
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βαπτισθέντος
being baptized
G907
βαπτισθέντος
being baptized
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
5 of 16
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαὸν
the people
G2992
λαὸν
the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
8 of 16
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἰησοῦ
that Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
that Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
10 of 16
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
βαπτισθέντος
being baptized
G907
βαπτισθέντος
being baptized
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
11 of 16
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
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀνεῳχθῆναι
was opened
G455
ἀνεῳχθῆναι
was opened
Strong's:
G455
Word #:
14 of 16
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
Historical Context
Jewish baptism was for sinners and Gentile converts, making Jesus' request to be baptized initially puzzling to John (Matthew 3:14). Jesus' submission to baptism identified Him with the people He came to save, inaugurating His public ministry. His prayer at baptism established a pattern—He prayed at all major ministry moments (Luke 3:21, 5:16, 6:12, 9:18, 9:28-29, 22:32, 22:41-44, 23:34, 23:46). The opened heaven recalled Ezekiel 1:1, suggesting new prophetic revelation and divine presence.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did the sinless Jesus submit to a baptism of repentance for sinners, and what does this teach about His identification with humanity?
- What does Jesus' prayer at His baptism reveal about His dependence on the Father and His model for our spiritual life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Luke records: 'Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened.' Jesus' baptism occurs after 'all the people were baptized,' emphasizing His identification with humanity. Though sinless, He submitted to John's baptism, fulfilling all righteousness (Matthew 3:15) and modeling humble obedience. Luke uniquely notes Jesus was 'praying' when heaven opened—prayer characterizes Jesus' relationship with the Father throughout Luke's gospel. Heaven's opening signifies divine approval and revelation.