Devine Scripture

Matthew 3:15

What does Matthew 3:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 3:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 3:15 means

Jesus overrides John's objection, explaining that His baptism is necessary "to fulfil all righteousness." This means that even though He was sinless, Jesus submitted to this act of identification with sinful humanity, demonstrating perfect obedience to God's will. His baptism was not for personal repentance but for public commissioning and to set an example of righteousness, inaugurating His redemptive mission. John then complies with Jesus' instruction.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Jesus made answer, saying to him, Let it be so now: because so it is right for us to make righteousness complete. Then he gave him baptism.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

But Jesus answering said to him, `Suffer now, for thus it is becoming to us to fulfil all righteousness,' then he doth suffer him.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus answering, said to him: Suffer it to be so now. For so it becometh us to fulfil all justice. Then he suffered him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Jesus answering said to him, Suffer [it] now; for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffers him.

Context

Following John’s protest in verse 14, this verse provides Jesus’ authoritative explanation for why He must be baptized. This explanation is crucial for understanding the theological significance of Jesus' baptism, as it clarifies His sinless state and His purpose to fulfill God's righteous plan, leading directly to the dramatic heavenly affirmation of Jesus in the subsequent verses.

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

v.15This passage

v.16And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway from the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon him;

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 42:21

    It pleased Jehovah, for his righteousness’ sake, to magnify the law, and make it honorable.

  • John 8:29

    And he that sent me is with me; he hath not left me alone; for I do always the things that are pleasing to him.

  • John 4:34

    Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to accomplish his work.

  • Psalms 40:7

    Then said I, Lo, I am come; In the roll of the book it is written of me:

  • Philippians 2:7

    but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men;

  • 1 John 2:6

    he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked.

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