Luke 3:22
What does Luke 3:22 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 3:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 3:22 means
As Jesus prayed after His baptism, the heavens supernaturally opened, and the Holy Spirit descended visibly upon Him in the distinct form of a dove. Simultaneously, a voice from heaven, belonging to God the Father, audibly declared, "You are my beloved Son; in you I am well pleased." This unprecedented event revealed the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—at work together and served as God's public affirmation of Jesus’ unique divine identity and mission. This was a clear sign to Jesus and to onlookers.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The Holy Spirit came down in the form of a dove, and a voice came from heaven, saying, You are my dearly loved Son, with whom I am well pleased.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the Holy Spirit came down in a bodily appearance, as if a dove, upon him, and a voice came out of heaven, saying, `Thou art My Son--the Beloved, in thee I did delight.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape, as a dove, upon him. And a voice came from heaven: Thou art my beloved Son. In thee I am well pleased.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and 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 have found my delight.
Context
This verse describes the miraculous aftermath of Jesus' baptism, following the event itself in the previous verse. It provides the divine validation of Jesus' identity, with the descent of the Holy Spirit and the audible voice of God the Father. This dramatic affirmation officially inaugurates Jesus' public ministry and introduces His divine nature to the reader.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 2:7
I will tell of the decree: Jehovah said unto me, Thou art my son; This day have I begotten thee.
- Luke 9:34
And while he said these things, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.
- Luke 4:21
And he began to say unto them, To-day hath this scripture been fulfilled in your ears.
- Acts 10:38
even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
- Colossians 1:13
who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love;
- 2 Peter 1:17
For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there was borne such a voice to him by the Majestic Glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased:
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