Matthew 3:13
Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
Original Language Analysis
Τότε
Then
G5119
Τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 17
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
παραγίνεται
cometh
G3854
παραγίνεται
cometh
Strong's:
G3854
Word #:
2 of 17
to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 17
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
5 of 17
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Γαλιλαίας
Galilee
G1056
Γαλιλαίας
Galilee
Strong's:
G1056
Word #:
7 of 17
galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine
ἐπὶ
to
G1909
ἐπὶ
to
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
8 of 17
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
11 of 17
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βαπτισθῆναι
to be baptized
G907
βαπτισθῆναι
to be baptized
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
15 of 17
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
Historical Context
Galilee was about 70 miles north of the Jordan baptismal site (possibly near Jericho). Jesus' journey signals His deliberate, public commitment to His messianic mission. His submission to baptism models obedience and identifies Him with those He came to save.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' baptism teach you about identifying with others in their need?
- How does Jesus' example of fulfilling righteousness challenge you?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' arrival from Galilee to Jordan 'to be baptized of John' shows His identification with sinful humanity despite His sinlessness. This inaugurates His public ministry at about age 30 (Luke 3:23). Jesus' willingness to undergo John's baptism of repentance demonstrates His substitutionary role—standing in for sinners throughout His ministry culminating at the cross.