Matthew 3:14
But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὸν
G846
αὐτὸν
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 17
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
λέγων,
him saying
G3004
λέγων,
him saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
χρείαν
need
G5532
χρείαν
need
Strong's:
G5532
Word #:
8 of 17
employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution
ἔχω
have
G2192
ἔχω
have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
9 of 17
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
10 of 17
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
βαπτισθῆναι
to be baptized
G907
βαπτισθῆναι
to be baptized
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
12 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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔρχῃ
comest
G2064
ἔρχῃ
comest
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
15 of 17
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Cross References
Romans 3:23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;Romans 3:25Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;John 1:16And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.Luke 1:43And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?Galatians 4:6And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.Galatians 3:22But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
Historical Context
John had likely known Jesus from infancy (they were relatives through Mary and Elizabeth). However, John may have received special revelation of Jesus' identity, as indicated in John 1:33-34 where God revealed that the Spirit descending would identify the Messiah.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Christ's willingness to be baptized teach about His identification with sinners in His work of redemption?
- How does John's humility in recognizing Jesus' superiority model the proper response to Christ's lordship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
John's protest reveals his understanding of Christ's superiority and sinlessness. His statement 'I have need to be baptized of thee' shows recognition that Jesus, unlike all others, did not need repentance baptism. This creates a theological problem: why would the sinless one undergo a baptism signifying repentance? The answer lies in Christ's representative role—He identifies with sinners He came to save.