Matthew 3:11

Authorized King James Version

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Word-by-Word Analysis

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.)

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

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐν

G1722

with

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

ὕδατι

G5204

water

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

εἰς

G1519

unto

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

μετάνοιαν

G3341

repentance

(subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal (of (another's) decision)

ὁ

G3588

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

#10

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

#11

ὀπίσω

G3694

after

to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)

#12

μου

G3450

of me

#13

ἐρχόμενος

G2064

he that cometh

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

#14

ἰσχυρότερός

G2478

mightier than

forcible (literally or figuratively)

#15

μου

G3450

of me

#16

ἐστίν,

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#17

οὗ

G3739

whose

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

#18

οὐκ

G3756

not

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

#19

εἰμὶ

G1510

I am

i exist (used only when emphatic)

#20

ἱκανὸς

G2425

worthy

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

#21

τὰ

G3588

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

#22

ὑποδήματα

G5266

shoes

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

#23

βαστάσαι·

G941

to bear

to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.)

#24

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

#25

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#26

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

#27

ἐν

G1722

with

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

#28

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

#29

ἁγίῳ

G40

the Holy

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

#30

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#31

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 Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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

Matthew 3:11

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources