Matthew 3:5
Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
Original Language Analysis
Τότε
Then
G5119
Τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 15
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 15
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,
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 15
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
Ἱεροσόλυμα
Jerusalem
G2414
Ἱεροσόλυμα
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2414
Word #:
5 of 15
hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰουδαία
Judaea
G2449
Ἰουδαία
Judaea
Strong's:
G2449
Word #:
9 of 15
the judaean land (i.e., judaea), a region of palestine
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περίχωρος
the region round about
G4066
περίχωρος
the region round about
Strong's:
G4066
Word #:
13 of 15
around the region, i.e., circumjacent (as noun, with g1093 implied vicinity)
Cross References
Mark 1:5And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.John 3:23And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.John 5:35He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.Luke 3:7Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?Luke 16:16The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.
Historical Context
This response occurred around AD 27-29, after 400 years of prophetic silence. John appeared during religious formalism under Roman occupation, yet people traveled miles through difficult terrain to hear him—showing genuine spiritual hunger.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the widespread response to John's harsh message teach about authentic spiritual hunger versus mere entertainment-seeking?
- How does God prepare hearts to receive the gospel before the messenger arrives?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The widespread response to John's ministry demonstrates God's sovereign work in preparing hearts for Christ. The geographic breadth—Jerusalem, Judea, Jordan region—shows the Spirit's powerful drawing despite John's unconventional appearance and harsh message. True spiritual awakening creates hunger for God's Word regardless of the messenger's status or the message's difficulty.