Luke 3:16

The Mission of John the Baptist · Luke 3:1–20
Read Luke 3

Translations

Modern
John answered all of them: “I baptize you with water, but One more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Traditional
John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
Literal
John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you in water, but the One mightier than I comes, of whom I am not sufficient to loose the strap of His sandals. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire,
Latin
…respondit Joannes, dicens omnibus: Ego quidem aqua baptizo vos: veniet autem fortior me, cujus non sum dignus solvere corrigiam calceamentorum ejus: ipse vos baptizabit in Spiritu Sancto et igni:

Original

Greek
English
John answered all of them: “I baptize you with water, but One more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Notes

  • the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie: The untying of sandals was done only by slaves. John was showing great honor to Jesus the Messiah.

  • Baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire: Old Testament prophets said God would give his Spirit to his people in the last times (Isaiah 32:15, Ezekiel 36:28–29; Joel 2:28). This prophecy partly came true on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). Fire often represents judgment (see Luke 3:9). It can also represent the spiritual cleansing and purifying of God's people (see 1 Corinthians 3:10–15; compare Isaiah 4:4; Malachi 3:2).

Theme notes and profiles

John the Baptist Baptism The Messiah

Events

Parallels

Isaiah 40:1–5 Matthew 3:1–12 Mark 1:1–8 John 1:19–28

People

John: The Baptist, a prophet who prepared the way for Jesus

Glossary

Baptism Baptism of Fire Baptism of the Spirit Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Christ Exhortation Genealogy Gospel John the Baptist Luke, Gospel of New Covenant Prophecy Tongues of Fire

Topics

Baptism of the Holy Spirit Fire: Spiritual Power Humility: John the Baptist Jesus, the Christ: Perfections of not Classified Under Foregoing Topics John: Testifies to the Messiahship of Jesus Prophesying Shoe: Loosing of, a Humble Service Trinity: The Holy