Luke 3:22
And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
Ghost
G4151
πνεῦμα
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
4 of 28
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
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἅγιον
the Holy
G40
ἅγιον
the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
6 of 28
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
ἐπ'
upon
G1909
ἐπ'
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
11 of 28
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 28
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φωνὴν
a voice
G5456
φωνὴν
a voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
14 of 28
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
ἐξ
from
G1537
ἐξ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
15 of 28
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
οὐρανοῦ
heaven
G3772
οὐρανοῦ
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
16 of 28
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
γενέσθαι
came
G1096
γενέσθαι
came
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
17 of 28
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
λέγουσαν,
which said
G3004
λέγουσαν,
which said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
18 of 28
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱός
Son
G5207
υἱός
Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
22 of 28
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Cross References
Psalms 2:7I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.Matthew 17:5While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.John 1:32And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.Isaiah 42:1Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.Acts 10:38How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.Matthew 3:17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.Matthew 12:18Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.1 Peter 2:4To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,Colossians 1:13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:Luke 4:21And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
Historical Context
The Father's voice from heaven (bat qol in Jewish tradition, 'daughter of voice') was rare in the intertestamental period when prophetic revelation had largely ceased. Its occurrence marked special divine communication. The Spirit's visible descent as a dove confirmed Jesus as Spirit-anointed Messiah (Isaiah 11:2, 61:1). The declaration 'my beloved Son' publicly identified Jesus' unique relationship with the Father—not adopted sonship but eternal divine Sonship. This baptism anointed Jesus for His messianic mission, fulfilling the anointing of prophets, priests, and kings in Israel's history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Trinity's manifestation at Jesus' baptism reveal the cooperative work of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in redemption?
- What does the combination of Psalm 2:7 (royal Messiah) and Isaiah 42:1 (suffering servant) in the Father's declaration teach about Jesus' mission?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
At Jesus' baptism, 'the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.' This Trinitarian manifestation—Father speaking, Spirit descending, Son being baptized—reveals the Trinity at the inauguration of Jesus' ministry. The dove symbolizes purity, peace, and the Spirit's gentle power. The Father's declaration combines Psalm 2:7 (messianic enthronement: 'Thou art my Son') and Isaiah 42:1 (suffering servant: 'in whom my soul delighteth'), defining Jesus' mission as both royal Messiah and suffering servant.