Devine Scripture

Matthew 3:14

What does Matthew 3:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 3:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 3:14 means

John, recognizing Jesus' divine righteousness and his own unworthiness, attempts to prevent Jesus from being baptized by him. John intuitively understands the vast spiritual chasm between them and feels that the roles should be reversed—he, a sinner, should be baptized by Jesus, the sinless Son of God. This highlights John's humility and his correct understanding of Jesus' true identity.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But John would have kept him back, saying, It is I who have need of baptism from you, and do you come to me?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but John was forbidding him, saying, `I have need by thee to be baptized--and thou dost come unto me!'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But John stayed him, saying: I ought to be baptized by thee, and comest thou to me?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but John urgently forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptised of thee; and comest thou to me?

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' arrival for baptism in verse 13, portraying John's profound reaction. John's attempt to hinder Jesus underscores his recognition of Jesus' unique status and righteousness, setting up Jesus' own explanation for why the baptism must proceed, which is given in the next verse.

v.13Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to the Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

v.14This passage

v.15But Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffereth him.

Cross references

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

  • John 3:3

    Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

  • John 1:16

    For of his fulness we all received, and grace for grace.

  • John 13:6

    So he cometh to Simon Peter. He saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

  • Romans 3:25

    whom God set forth to be a propitiation, through faith, in his blood, to show his righteousness because of the passing over of the sins done aforetime, in the forbearance of God;

  • Galatians 3:22

    But the scripture shut up all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

  • Galatians 4:6

    And because ye are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

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