Matthew 3:2
What does Matthew 3:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 3:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 3:2 means
John's core message is "Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Repentance means a change of mind that leads to a change in behavior, turning away from sin and toward God. The phrase "kingdom of heaven is at hand" signifies that God's rule and reign, embodied in the person of Jesus Christ, is imminent. This is not merely a political kingdom, but a spiritual one, demanding a personal response of surrender and transformation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Saying, Let your hearts be turned from sin; for the kingdom of heaven is near.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and saying, `Reform, for come nigh hath the reign of the heavens,'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And saying: Do penance: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and saying, Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn nigh.
Context
Following the introduction of John the Baptist in verse 1, this verse immediately presents the central theme of his preaching. The call to repentance is foundational to understanding the coming of the Messiah and sets the stage for both John's specific instructions to the people and the later arrival of Jesus.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Kings 8:47
yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they are carried captive, and turn again, and make supplication unto thee in the land of them that carried them captive, saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have dealt wickedly;
- Mark 6:12
And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
- Luke 21:31
Even so ye also, when ye see these things coming to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh.
- Ezekiel 33:11
Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
- Matthew 4:17
From that time began Jesus to preach, and to say, Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
- Luke 13:3
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish.
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Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 3
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Devotionals
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Jesus does not promise the absence of burden. He offers an exchange.
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Consider the Lilies
Worry forgets that the same God who clothes the field clothes you.
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Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
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Confession of sin is an essential step in drawing near to God and receiving His forgiveness and cleansing.
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Bible Verses About Repentance
Repentance in the Bible is a turning away from sin and toward God, marked by a change of heart and action.
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