Matthew 3:15
And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
Original Language Analysis
Ἀποκριθεὶς
answering
G611
Ἀποκριθεὶς
answering
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 20
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 20
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
6 of 20
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,
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 20
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
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
11 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
πρέπον
it becometh
G4241
πρέπον
it becometh
Strong's:
G4241
Word #:
12 of 20
to tower up (be conspicuous), i.e., (by implication) to be suitable or proper (third person singular present indicative, often used impersonally, it i
ἐστὶν
G2076
πληρῶσαι
to fulfil
G4137
πληρῶσαι
to fulfil
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
15 of 20
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
δικαιοσύνην
righteousness
G1343
δικαιοσύνην
righteousness
Strong's:
G1343
Word #:
17 of 20
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
Τότε
Then
G5119
Τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
18 of 20
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
Cross References
John 4:34Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.Isaiah 42:21The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.John 13:15For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.John 15:10If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.1 John 2:6He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.Luke 1:6And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.John 8:29And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.Hebrews 7:26For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Historical Context
Christ's baptism occurred around AD 27-29 at the beginning of His public ministry, approximately age 30 (Luke 3:23). This fulfilled the requirement for Levitical priests to begin ministry at 30 (Numbers 4:3), connecting Jesus' baptism to His priestly office.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's baptism demonstrate His active obedience in fulfilling all righteousness on behalf of His people?
- What does Jesus' identification with sinners at baptism foreshadow about His substitutionary death on the cross?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' explanation that baptism 'fulfills all righteousness' indicates He came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it perfectly (Matthew 5:17). His baptism inaugurates His public ministry and identifies Him with the sinners He came to save, though He Himself had no sin. This demonstrates the active obedience of Christ—His perfect law-keeping on behalf of His people. 'It becometh us' includes both Jesus and John in God's redemptive purposes.