John 4:2
What does John 4:2 mean?
A plain-English look at John 4:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 4:2 means
This parenthetical clarification is crucial, emphasizing that while disciples were being made and baptized under Jesus' ministry, Jesus Himself did not personally perform the baptisms. Rather, His disciples carried out this practice. This detail differentiates Jesus' role from that of John the Baptist, highlighting Jesus' unique authority and perhaps indicating that His primary mission was not to baptize, but to proclaim the Kingdom of God and offer Himself as the Messiah.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000(although Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples),
KJV
King James Version · 1611(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901(although Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples),
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949(Though, in fact, it was his disciples who gave baptism, not Jesus himself),
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862(though indeed Jesus himself was not baptizing, but his disciples,)
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752(Though Jesus himself did not baptize, but his disciples),
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890(however, Jesus himself did not baptise, but his disciples),
Context
Verse 2 acts as an important clarification to the preceding statement in verse 1. It prevents a misunderstanding about Jesus' direct involvement in baptism, setting a more accurate picture of how His growing ministry was managed. This detail immediately precedes Jesus' decision to leave Judea, making it clear that His departure was not due to personal involvement in an activity that might directly provoke the Pharisees.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 10:48
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
- 1 Corinthians 1:13
Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized into the name of Paul?
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore John 4
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 4.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Worship
Worship is how we acknowledge and respond to God with all of our being, offering Him the honor and praise He alone deserves.
Topic
Bible Verses About Abiding in Christ
Key scriptures reveal what it means to abide in Christ, emphasizing our continuous connection and dependence on Him for spiritual life and fruitfulness.
Topic
Bible Verses About Authority
Authority in the Bible refers to the divinely instituted right to command and influence, often reflecting God's sovereign rule and delegation to human leaders.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Losing a Loved One
When you can't stop imagining the worst — verses to put your loved one back in God's hands.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.