Devine Scripture

Matthew 3:13

What does Matthew 3:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 3:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 3:13 means

After the intense prophetic declarations of John, Jesus arrives from Galilee to the Jordan River, seeking to be baptized by John. This marks Jesus' public appearance and His intentional identification with humanity's need for repentance, even though He himself was without sin. His journey from Galilee signifies the beginning of His active ministry, moving from obscurity to public revelation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be given baptism by him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee upon the Jordan, unto John to be baptized by him,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then comes Jesus from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptised of him;

Context

Following John's powerful pronouncements about the coming Messiah in verses 11 and 12, this verse dramatically introduces Jesus into the narrative. His arrival at the Jordan for baptism by John is the pivotal moment, shifting the focus from John's preparatory ministry to the beginning of Jesus' own public work. This sets up the interaction between the two men.

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.

v.13This passage

v.14But John would have hindered him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 2:22

    But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judæa in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither; and being warned of God in a dream, he withdrew into the parts of Galilee,

  • Luke 3:21

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

  • 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.

  • Mark 1:9

    And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in the Jordan.

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