Matthew 3
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Commentaries
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PREACHING AND MINISTRY OF JOHN. ( = Mar 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-18). (Mat 3:1-12) In those days--of Christ's secluded life at Nazareth, where the last chapter left Him. came John the Baptist, preaching--about six months before his Master. in the wilderness of Judea--the desert valley of the Jordan, thinly peopled and bare in pasture, a little north of Jerusalem.
Open source ↗In those days came John the Baptist,.... The Evangelist having given an account of the genealogy and birth of Christ; of the coming of the wise men from the east to him; of his preservation from Herod's bloody design against him, when all the infants at Bethlehem were slain; of the flight of Joseph with Mary and Jesus into Egypt, and of their return from thence, and settlement in Nazareth, where Christ continued till near the time of his baptism, and entrance on his public ministry; proceeds to give a brief relation of John, the harbinger and forerunner of Christ, and the administrator of baptism to him: and he describes him by his name John, in Hebrew "Jochanan", which signifies "gracious", or "the grace of the Lord", or "the Lord has given grace"; which agrees with him, both as a good man, on whom the Lord had bestowed much grace, and as a preacher, whose business it was to publish the grace of God in Christ, Luk 16:16. This name was given him by an angel before his conception, and by his parents at his birth, contrary to the mind of their relations and neighbours, Luk 1:13. He is called by some of the Jewish writers (m), John the "high priest"; his father Zacharias was a priest of the course of Abia, and he might succeed him therein, and be the head of that course, and for that reason be called a "high" or "chief priest"; as we find such were called, who were the principal among the priests, as were those who were chosen into the sanhedrim, or were the heads of these courses; and therefore we read of many chief priests, Mat 2:4. From his being the first administrator of the ordinance of baptism, he is called John the Baptist; and this was a well known title and character of him. Josephus (n) calls him "John", who is surnamed , "the Baptist"; and Ben Gorion having spo…
Open source ↗We have here an account of the preaching and baptism of John, which were the dawning of the gospel-day. Observe, I. The time when he appeared. In those days (Mat 3:1), or, after those days, long after what was recorded in the foregoing chapter, which left the child Jesus in his infancy. In those days, in the time appointed of the Father for the beginning of the gospel, when the fulness of time was come, which was often thus spoken of in the Old Testament, In those days. Now the last of Daniel's weeks began, or rather, the latter half of the week, when the Messiah was to confirm the covenant with many, Dan 9:27. Christ's appearances are all in their season. Glorious things were spoken both of John and Jesus, at and before their births, which would have given occasion to expect some extraordinary appearances of a divine presence and power with them when they were very young; but it is quite otherwise. Except Christ's disputing with the doctors at twelve years old, nothing appears remarkable concerning either of them, till they were about thirty years old. Nothing is recorded of their childhood and youth, but the greatest part of their life is tempus, adēlon - wrapt up in darkness and obscurity: these children differ little in outward appearance from other children, as the heir, while he is under age, differs nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all. And this was to show, 1. That even when God is acting as the God of Israel, the Saviour, yet verily he is a God that hideth himself (Isa 45:15). The Lord is in this place and I knew it not, Gen 28:16. Our beloved stands behind the wall long before he looks forth at the windows, Sol 2:9. 2. That our faith must principally have an eye to Christ in his office and undertaking, for there is the display of his power; but in…
Open source ↗3:1 John the Baptist announced Jesus’ coming (see Mark 1:1-11; Luke 3:1-22; John 1:6-8, 19-34) and prepared people to receive him (Matt 3:3). John attracted large crowds (3:5) and a group of disciples (9:14). This group continued for a short time as a movement, even as the Christian church emerged (see Acts 18:24-28). • John’s locale in the Judean wilderness had symbolic significance: The wilderness was associated with the giving of the law (see Exod 19:1) and with God’s final redemption of Israel at the end of history (see Isa 40:3).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἐκεῖνος (ekeînos, G1565) — that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… παραγίνομαι (paragínomai, G3854) — to become near, i.e. approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly Ἰωάννης (Iōánnēs, G2491) — Joannes (i.e. Jochanan), the name of four Israelites Βαπτιστής (Baptistḗs, G910) — a baptizer, as an epithet of Christ's forerunner κηρύσσω (kērýssō, G2784) — to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel) ἔρημος (érēmos, G2048) Ἰουδαία (Ioudaía, G2449) — the Judæan land (i.e. Judæa), a region of Palestine
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… μετανοέω (metanoéō, G3340) — to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction) γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… βασιλεία (basileía, G932) — properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or… οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… ἐγγίζω (engízō, G1448) — to make near, i.e. (reflexively) approach
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are ῥέω (rhéō, G4483) — to utter, i.e. speak or say ὑπό (hypó, G5259) — under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or… προφήτης (prophḗtēs, G4396) — a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet Ἡσαΐας (Hēsaḯas, G2268) — Hesaias (i.e. Jeshajah), an Israelite λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… φωνή (phōnḗ, G5456) — a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose),… βοάω (boáō, G994) — to halloo, i.e. shout (for help or in a tumultuous way) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἔρημος (érēmos, G2048) ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimázō, G2090) — to prepare ὁδός (hodós, G3598) — a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… Ἰωάννης (Iōánnēs, G2491) — Joannes (i.e. Jochanan), the name of four Israelites ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… ἔνδυμα (éndyma, G1742) — apparel (especially the outer robe) ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… κάμηλος (kámēlos, G2574) — a "camel" θρίξ (thríx, G2359) — of uncertain derivation; hair καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… δερμάτινος (dermátinos, G1193) — made of hide ζώνη (zṓnē, G2223) — a belt; by implication, a pocket περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… ὀσφῦς (osphŷs, G3751) — the loin (externally), i.e. the hip; internally (by extension) procreative power τροφή (trophḗ, G5160) — nourishment (literally or figuratively); by implication, rations (wages)
Open source ↗τότε (tóte, G5119) — the when, i.e. at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution) ἐκπορεύομαι (ekporeúomai, G1607) — to depart, be discharged, proceed, project πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… Ἱεροσόλυμα (Hierosólyma, G2414) — Hierosolyma (i.e. Jerushalaim), the capitol of Palestine καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole Ἰουδαία (Ioudaía, G2449) — the Judæan land (i.e. Judæa), a region of Palestine περίχωρος (períchōros, G4066) — around the region, i.e. circumjacent (as noun, with G1093 (γῆ) implied vicinity) Ἰορδάνης (Iordánēs, G2446) — the Jordanes (i.e. Jarden), a river of Palestine
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… βαπτίζω (baptízō, G907) — to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the New Testament)… ὑπό (hypó, G5259) — under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. Ἰορδάνης (Iordánēs, G2446) — the Jordanes (i.e. Jarden), a river of Palestine ἐξομολογέω (exomologéō, G1843) — to acknowledge or (by implication, of assent) agree fully ἁμαρτία (hamartía, G266) — a sin (properly abstract)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… Φαρισαῖος (Pharisaîos, G5330) — a separatist, i.e. exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… Σαδδουκαῖος (Saddoukaîos, G4523) — a Sadducæan (i.e. Tsadokian), or follower of a certain heretical Israelite ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… βάπτισμα (báptisma, G908) — baptism (technically or figuratively) ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) γέννημα (génnēma, G1081) — offspring; by analogy, produce (literally or figuratively) ἔχιδνα (échidna, G2191) — an adder or other poisonous snake (literally or figuratively) τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
Open source ↗ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly καρπός (karpós, G2590) — fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively ἄξιος (áxios, G514) — deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise) μετάνοια (metánoia, G3341) — (subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… δοκέω (dokéō, G1380) — compare the base of G1166 (δεικνύω)) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to… μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… Ἀβραάμ (Abraám, G11) — Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch πατήρ (patḗr, G3962) — a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote) γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very δύναμαι (dýnamai, G1410) — to be able or possible
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἤδη (ḗdē, G2235) — even now καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀξίνη (axínē, G513) — compare G4486 (ῥήγνυμι)); an axe κεῖμαι (keîmai, G2749) — to lie outstretched (literally or figuratively) πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… ῥίζα (rhíza, G4491) — a "root" (literally or figuratively) δένδρον (déndron, G1186) — a tree οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… καλός (kalós, G2570) καρπός (karpós, G2590) — fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively
Open source ↗ἐγώ (egṓ, G1473) μέν (mén, G3303) — properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a… βαπτίζω (baptízō, G907) — to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the New Testament)… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὕδωρ (hýdōr, G5204) — water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… μετάνοια (metánoia, G3341) — (subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal… δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) ὀπίσω (opísō, G3694) — to the back, i.e. aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun) μοῦ (moû, G3450) — of me ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are ἰσχυρός (ischyrós, G2478) — forcible (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that πτύον (ptýon, G4425) — a winnowing-fork (as scattering like spittle) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… χείρ (cheír, G5495) — the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by Hebraism) a means or… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… διακαθαρίζω (diakatharízō, G1245) — to cleanse perfectly, i.e. (specially) winnow ἅλων (hálōn, G257) — a threshing-floor (as rolled hard), i.e. (figuratively) the grain (and chaff, as just… συνάγω (synágō, G4863) — to lead together, i.e. collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably) σῖτος (sîtos, G4621) — grain, especially wheat εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἀποθήκη (apothḗkē, G596) — a repository, i.e. granary δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. κατακαίω (katakaíō, G2618) — to burn down (to the ground), i.e. consume wholly
Open source ↗τότε (tóte, G5119) — the when, i.e. at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution) παραγίνομαι (paragínomai, G3854) — to become near, i.e. approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… Γαλιλαία (Galilaía, G1056) — Galilæa (i.e. the heathen circle), a region of Palestine ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… Ἰορδάνης (Iordánēs, G2446) — the Jordanes (i.e. Jarden), a river of Palestine πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… Ἰωάννης (Iōánnēs, G2491) — Joannes (i.e. Jochanan), the name of four Israelites βαπτίζω (baptízō, G907) — to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the New Testament)… ὑπό (hypó, G5259) — under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. Ἰωάννης (Iōánnēs, G2491) — Joannes (i.e. Jochanan), the name of four Israelites διακωλύω (diakōlýō, G1254) — to hinder altogether, i.e. utterly prohibit λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ἐγώ (egṓ, G1473) ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… χρεία (chreía, G5532) — employment, i.e. an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or… βαπτίζω (baptízō, G907) — to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the New Testament)… ὑπό (hypó, G5259) — under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or… σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) σύ (sý, G4771) — thou πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,…
Open source ↗Cross-references
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And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him,
Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
“The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!”
As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind?
beginning from John’s baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”
After John’s messengers had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind?
Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance.
Now the descendants of Moses’ father-in-law, the Kenite, went up with the men of Judah from the City of Palms to the Wilderness of Judah in the Negev near Arad. They went to live among the people.
For John came to you in a righteous way and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.