Devine Scripture

Matthew 3:1

What does Matthew 3:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 3:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 3:1 means

This verse introduces John the Baptist, a pivotal figure whose ministry marks the transition between the Old and New Testaments. He appears in the wilderness of Judea, a desolate region, emphasizing his detachment from conventional society and his role as a prophet. His message, which immediately follows in the next verse, calls people to spiritual readiness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And in those days cometh John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judæa, saying,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And in those days cometh John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judæa, saying,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And in those days John the Baptist came preaching in the waste land of Judaea,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And in those days cometh John the Baptist, proclaiming in the wilderness of Judea,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And in those days cometh John the Baptist preaching in the desert of Judea.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now in those days comes John the baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

Context

This first verse sets the scene for John the Baptist's ministry, establishing his identity, location, and primary activity. It immediately transitions into the content of his preaching, explaining the core of his message to the crowds. This introduction is crucial for understanding the prophetic fulfillment and the urgency of John's call to repentance.

v.1This passage

v.2Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Cross references

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

  • Joshua 15:61

    In the wilderness, Beth-arabah, Middin, and Secacah,

  • Matthew 3:8

    Bring forth therefore fruit worthy of repentance:

  • Luke 1:76

    Yea and thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High: For thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to make ready his ways;

  • Luke 3:1

    Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cæsar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judæa, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituræa and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,

  • Luke 7:24

    And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to behold? a reed shaken with the wind?

  • Matthew 21:25

    The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven or from men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why then did ye not believe him?

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 3

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 3.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 3:1.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary