Matthew 3:11
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:
Original Language Analysis
μὲν
indeed
G3303
μὲν
indeed
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 31
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
βαπτίσει
baptize
G907
βαπτίσει
baptize
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
3 of 31
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 31
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
μετάνοιαν
repentance
G3341
μετάνοιαν
repentance
Strong's:
G3341
Word #:
8 of 31
(subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal (of (another's) decision)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀπίσω
after
G3694
ὀπίσω
after
Strong's:
G3694
Word #:
11 of 31
to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)
ἐρχόμενος
he that cometh
G2064
ἐρχόμενος
he that cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
13 of 31
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
οὗ
whose
G3739
οὗ
whose
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
17 of 31
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἱκανὸς
worthy
G2425
ἱκανὸς
worthy
Strong's:
G2425
Word #:
20 of 31
competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑποδήματα
shoes
G5266
ὑποδήματα
shoes
Strong's:
G5266
Word #:
22 of 31
something bound under the feet, i.e., a shoe or sandal
βαστάσαι·
to bear
G941
βαστάσαι·
to bear
Strong's:
G941
Word #:
23 of 31
to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.)
αὐτὸς
G846
αὐτὸς
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
24 of 31
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
βαπτίσει
baptize
G907
βαπτίσει
baptize
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
26 of 31
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
πνεύματι
Ghost
G4151
πνεύματι
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
28 of 31
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
ἁγίῳ
the Holy
G40
ἁγίῳ
the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
29 of 31
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
Cross References
Isaiah 4:4When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.Luke 3:16John 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:Acts 1:5For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.Zechariah 13:9And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.Titus 3:5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;1 Corinthians 12:13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.Matthew 3:6And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.Acts 19:4Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.Luke 1:17And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.Mark 1:4John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
Historical Context
Jewish ceremonial washings were common, but John's baptism was unique—a one-time act symbolizing repentance and commitment. The phrase about shoes refers to a slave's lowliest task. John declares himself unworthy of even menial service to Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit John prophesied?
- How does John's humility before Christ challenge your own pride?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
John's baptism 'with water unto repentance' was preparatory and symbolic, pointing forward to the Messiah who 'shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.' The Holy Spirit baptism represents regeneration and empowerment (Acts 2), while fire suggests both purification and judgment. John's confession 'whose shoes I am not worthy to bear' demonstrates humble recognition of Christ's infinite superiority.