21Now it came to pass, when all the people were being baptized, that Jesus also was baptized; and while he was praying, heaven was opened, [3:22] and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form, as a dove; and a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, the Beloved; in you I am well pleased."
LUK 3:21-22
The Baptism of Jesus
In the world it was spoken into
In the 1st-century Jewish context, baptism was a ritual of purification, often associated with repentance and preparation for the coming kingdom of God. John’s baptism, in particular, was seen as a prophetic act, signaling a renewal of covenant faithfulness. For Jesus to undergo baptism would have been striking, as it implied identification with the people’s need for repentance, despite His unique role. The opening of the heavens evoked Jewish apocalyptic imagery, where the heavens parting signaled divine revelation or intervention. The descent of the Holy Spirit in bodily form as a dove would have recalled Genesis 1:2, where the Spirit hovered over the waters, suggesting a new creation. The voice from heaven declaring Jesus as the beloved Son echoed Psalm 2:7 and Isaiah 42:1, identifying Him as the Messianic King and Servant. This moment would have been understood as a divine commissioning, affirming Jesus’ unique relationship with God and His role in fulfilling Israel’s hopes.
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How other translations render this
LUK 3:21
- KJV
- Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
- BSB
- When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as He was praying, heaven was opened,
- Koinōnos
- Now it came to pass, when all the people were being baptized, that Jesus also was baptized; and while he was praying, heaven was opened,
LUK 3:22
- KJV
- And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
- BSB
- and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”
- Koinōnos
- and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form, as a dove; and a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, the Beloved; in you I am well pleased.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
LUK 3:21
- It came to pass:The phrase translated 'It came to pass' is a common way in this ancient text to introduce a new event or development in the narrative, often without adding specific emphasis to the event itself.
- baptizing:The word translated 'baptizing' literally means to dip, plunge, or immerse. It describes a complete submersion in water, not merely a sprinkling.
LUK 3:22
- in a bodily:The term translated 'in a bodily' emphasizes that the Holy Spirit's descent was visible and tangible, appearing in a physical form that could be perceived by the senses, not just a spiritual or internal experience.
- the:The word translated 'the Beloved' often carried the sense of 'only begotten' or 'unique and cherished,' implying a special, singular relationship rather than just being generally loved.