Matthew 3:11

The Mission of John the Baptist · Matthew 3:1–12
Read Matthew 3

Translations

Modern
I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Traditional
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Literal
I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance, but the One coming after me is mightier than I, of whom I am not sufficient to carry the sandals. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire,
Latin
Ego quidem baptizo vos in aqua in pœnitentiam: qui autem post me venturus est, fortior me est, cujus non sum dignus calceamenta portare: ipse vos baptizabit in Spiritu Sancto, et igni.

Original

Greek
English
I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Notes

  • One more powerful than I: Even though he was popular and many people continued to follow him, John knew he was less important than the Messiah.

  • whose sandals I am not worthy to carry: In Jewish culture, removing and carrying sandals was a task for slaves. Not even a rabbi's disciple would do it.

  • with the Holy Spirit and with fire: This happened at Pentecost (see Joel 2:28–29; Acts 2:1–47). This may include the ministry of Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit (see Matthew 12:28; Luke 4:14). Fire could mean purification (Zech 13:9) or judgment (Malachi 3:2–3; 4:1; see Isaiah 1:25; 4:4). It is a “Spirit-and-fire baptism.” The Messiah completes what John could only start (full judgment and purification).

Events

Parallels

Isaiah 40:1–5 Mark 1:1–8 Luke 3:1–20 John 1:19–28

Glossary

Baptism Baptism of Fire Baptism of the Spirit Gospel of Matthew Jesus Christ New Covenant Prophecy Spirit of God Tongues of Fire

Topics

Baptism of the Holy Spirit Baptism with the Holy Spirit: Christ Administered Baptism: As Administered by John Baptism: Emblematic of the Influences of the Holy Spirit Baptism: John's Christian Minister: Faithful: John the Baptist Confession of Christ Fire: Spiritual Power Holy Spirit: General Scriptures Concerning Jesus, the Christ: Mission of Jesus, the Christ: Perfections of not Classified Under Foregoing Topics John: Testifies to the Messiahship of Jesus Reproof: Faithfulness in John the Baptist, of the Jews Sandals Shoes: Bearing, for Another a Degrading office, Only Performed By Symbols and Similitudes of the Holy Spirit: Fire The Garment of Praise Trinity: The Holy What Jesus Wore