Matthew 3:16
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
βαπτισθεὶς
when he was baptized
G907
βαπτισθεὶς
when he was baptized
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
2 of 28
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 28
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
εὐθὺς
straightway
G2117
εὐθὺς
straightway
Strong's:
G2117
Word #:
6 of 28
straight, i.e., (literally) level, or (figuratively) true; adverbially (of time) at once
ἀπὸ
out of
G575
ἀπὸ
out of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
7 of 28
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀνεῴχθησαν
were opened
G455
ἀνεῴχθησαν
were opened
Strong's:
G455
Word #:
12 of 28
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
αὐτόν·
him
G846
αὐτόν·
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 28
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
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανοί,
the heavens
G3772
οὐρανοί,
the heavens
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
15 of 28
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἶδεν
he saw
G1492
εἶδεν
he saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
17 of 28
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
19 of 28
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
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεοῦ
of God
G2316
Θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
21 of 28
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
25 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐρχόμενον
lighting
G2064
ἐρχόμενον
lighting
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
26 of 28
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Cross References
Isaiah 11:2And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;Mark 1:10And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:Isaiah 42:1Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.Isaiah 61:1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;Acts 7:56And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.John 3:34For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.Ezekiel 1:1Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.Isaiah 59:21As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.
Historical Context
The dove symbolizes peace, purity, and the Spirit's gentle power (contrasting with fire). The opened heavens recall Ezekiel 1:1 and suggest restored communication between God and humanity. This public anointing authenticated Jesus' mission.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Trinity's involvement in Jesus' baptism deepen your understanding of God?
- What does the Spirit's gentle descent as a dove teach about God's character?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The phrase 'Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water' indicates full immersion. The heavens being 'opened unto him' signals divine revelation and approval. The Spirit of God descending 'like a dove' visibly confirms Jesus' anointing for ministry. This is a profound Trinitarian moment—Father, Son, and Spirit all present and active.