Devine Scripture

Luke 3:21

What does Luke 3:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 3:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 3:21 means

Immediately after John's imprisonment is noted, the focus turns to Jesus' baptism. While all the people were being baptized, Jesus also came forward. Luke specifically notes that Jesus was praying as this momentous event occurred, highlighting His intimate communion with the Father. His baptism, though not for repentance from sin, marked the commencement of His public ministry and His identification with humanity.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now it came to pass, when all the people were baptized, that, Jesus also having been baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now it came to pass, when all the people were baptized, that, Jesus also having been baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now it came about that when all the people had been given baptism, Jesus, having had baptism with them, was in prayer, when, the heaven being open,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And it came to pass, in all the people being baptised, Jesus also being baptised, and praying, the heaven was opened,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now it came to pass, when all the people were baptized, that Jesus also being baptized and praying, heaven was opened.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And it came to pass, all the people having been baptised, and Jesus having been baptised and praying, that the heaven was opened,

Context

Following the account of John's imprisonment, this verse marks a pivotal moment: the baptism of Jesus. It transitions from John's public ministry, now forcefully ended, to the commencement of Jesus' own public work. This sets the stage for the divine confirmation and inauguration of Jesus' identity and mission, which immediately follows.

v.20added this also to them all, that he shut up John in prison.

v.21This passage

v.22and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form, as a dove, upon him, and a voice came out of heaven, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 5:16

    But he withdrew himself in the deserts, and prayed.

  • Matthew 3:13

    Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to the Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

  • Luke 9:28

    And it came to pass about eight days after these sayings, that he took with him Peter and John and James, and went up into the mountain to pray.

  • Matthew 14:23

    And after he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain apart to pray: and when even was come, he was there alone.

  • John 12:27

    Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour. But for this cause came I unto this hour.

  • John 1:32

    And John bare witness, saying, I have beheld the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven; and it abode upon him.

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