Devine Scripture

Matthew 3:6

What does Matthew 3:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 3:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 3:6 means

Those who came to John were baptized in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. This baptism was not yet Christian baptism, but a baptism of repentance, a public symbol of their inward turning away from sin and their desire for a new relationship with God. The act of confessing sins demonstrated a genuine acknowledgment of personal wrongdoing and a readiness for spiritual change.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and they were baptized of him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and they were baptized of him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And they were given baptism by him in the river Jordan, saying openly that they had done wrong.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and they were baptized in the Jordan by him, confessing their sins.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and were baptised by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.

Context

Verse 6 describes the specific action the crowds took when they came to John––they were baptized and confessed their sins. This detail is crucial for understanding the nature of John's ministry and sets a precedent for the importance of repentance and public confession. It also provides the backdrop for the confrontation with the Pharisees and Sadducees that follows.

v.5Then went out unto him Jerusalem, and all Judæa, and all the region round about the Jordan;

v.6This passage

v.7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said unto them, Ye offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

Cross references

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

  • Acts 22:16

    And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on his name.

  • Psalms 32:5

    I acknowledged my sin unto thee, And mine iniquity did I not hide: I said, I will confess my transgressions unto Jehovah; And thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. [Selah

  • 1 Peter 3:21

    which also after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ;

  • John 3:23

    And John also was baptizing in Ænon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

  • Luke 15:18

    I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight:

  • Hebrews 6:2

    of the teaching of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

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