Matthew 3:11
What does Matthew 3:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 3:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 3:11 means
John contrasts his water baptism for repentance with the far greater work of the one coming after him—Jesus. John openly admits his unworthiness even to perform the most menial service for this coming Messiah. He declares that the Messiah will baptize with the Holy Spirit, bringing spiritual regeneration and empowerment, and with fire, signifying purification for believers and consuming judgment for unbelievers. This distinguishes their ministries completely.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire:
KJV
King James Version · 1611I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Truly, I give baptism with water to those of you whose hearts are changed; but he who comes after me is greater than I, whose shoes I am not good enough to take up: he will give you baptism with the Holy Spirit and with fire:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`I indeed do baptize you with water to reformation, but he who after me is coming is mightier than I, of whom I am not worthy to bear the sandals, he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I indeed baptize you in water unto penance, but he that shall come after me, is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you in the Holy Ghost and fire.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I indeed baptise you with water to repentance, but he that comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not fit to bear; he shall baptise you with [the] Holy Spirit and fire;
Context
Having delivered a message of repentance and judgment in verses 1-10, John now explicitly points beyond himself to the greater one who is coming. This verse introduces Jesus as the Messiah, highlighting his divine power and the nature of his baptism, which will involve both the Holy Spirit and fire, further developing the theme of judgment and salvation introduced earlier.
v.10And even now the axe lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
v.11This passage
v.12whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing-floor; and he will gather his wheat into the garner, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Titus 3:5
not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
- Zechariah 13:9
And I will bring the third part into the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried. They shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people; and they shall say, Jehovah is my God.
- 1 Corinthians 12:13
For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit.
- John 1:15
John beareth witness of him, and crieth, saying, This was he of whom I said, He that cometh after me is become before me: for he was before me.
- John 1:33
And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize in water, he said unto me, Upon whomsoever thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and abiding upon him, the same is he that baptizeth in the Holy Spirit.
- Luke 3:16
John 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:
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