Luke 3:15
What does Luke 3:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 3:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 3:15 means
As John continued his powerful ministry, the people grew expectant, wondering in their hearts whether he might be the long-awaited Christ. His prophetic authority, bold preaching, and the widespread impact of his message naturally led to speculation. This anticipation highlights the deep longing for the Messiah among the Jewish people, setting the stage for John's unequivocal declaration about the greater One who was yet to come.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And as the people were in expectation, and all men reasoned in their hearts concerning John, whether haply he were the Christ;
KJV
King James Version · 1611And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And as the people were in expectation, and all men reasoned in their hearts concerning John, whether haply he were the Christ;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And while the people were waiting, and all men were questioning in their hearts about John, if he was the Christ or not,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the people are looking forward, and all are reasoning in their hearts concerning John, whether or not he may be the Christ;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And as the people were of opinion, and all were thinking in their hearts of John, that perhaps he might be the Christ:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But as the people were in expectation, and all were reasoning in their hearts concerning John whether he might be the Christ,
Context
This verse marks a shift in the narrative, moving from John's direct instructions to the people's collective reaction and speculation about his identity. It captures the atmosphere of Messianic expectation that John's ministry generated. This anticipation directly precedes John's clear testimony about who he is not, and, more importantly, who is coming after him.
v.14And soldiers also asked him, saying, And we, what must we do? And he said unto them, Extort from no man by violence, neither accuse any one wrongfully; and be content with your wages.
v.15This passage
v.16John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but there cometh he that is mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 10:24
The Jews therefore came round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou hold us in suspense? If thou art the Christ, tell us plainly.
- John 3:28
Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but, that I am sent before him.
- John 1:19
And this is the witness of John, when the Jews sent unto him from Jerusalem priests and Levites to ask him, Who art thou?
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