¶ The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
The like figure {G499} whereunto {G3739} even baptism {G908} doth {G4982} also {G2532} now {G3568} save {G4982} us {G2248}(not {G3756} the putting away {G595} of the filth {G4509} of the flesh {G4561}, but {G235} the answer {G1906} of a good {G18} conscience {G4893} toward {G1519} God {G2316},) by {G1223} the resurrection {G386} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}:
This also prefigures what delivers us now, the water of immersion, which is not the removal of dirt from the body, but one’s pledge to keep a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Yeshua the Messiah.
And this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
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;
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Mark 16:16
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. -
Ezekiel 36:25
¶ Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. -
Ezekiel 36:26
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. -
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. -
Galatians 3:27
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. -
Acts 22:16
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. -
Ephesians 5:26
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
This verse follows the analogy of Noah and the ark, where eight souls were saved through water (1 Peter 3:20). Peter presents baptism as a "like figure" or antitype to this event, explaining its true significance.
Key Themes
Meaning and Significance
Peter clarifies that baptism's saving power is not in the physical washing away of dirt ("not the putting away of the filth of the flesh"). It's not a magical ritual or mere external cleansing. Instead, its power lies in what it symbolizes and represents: "the answer of a good conscience toward God." This phrase can be understood as a pledge, appeal, or commitment made from a conscience that has been cleansed and made right through faith in Christ. The verse emphatically states that this salvation comes "by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." Just as Noah's family passed through the water to a new beginning, baptism symbolizes the believer's death to sin and rising to new life in Christ, powered by His resurrection.
Linguistic Insight
The phrase "the answer of a good conscience" translates the Greek eperōtēma syneidēseōs agathēs. Eperōtēma can mean an inquiry, appeal, or demand, but also a pledge or commitment. This suggests that baptism is connected to an internal spiritual reality where a believer, having a conscience made right by God, makes a sincere commitment or appeal to Him, enabled by Christ's work.
Reflection and Application
This verse provides a crucial understanding of Christian baptism. It is a powerful symbol of an internal transformation and a public declaration of faith and commitment. It underscores that salvation is fundamentally about a renewed relationship with God based on grace through faith in Christ's finished work, particularly His resurrection. The external act of baptism is meaningful because it signifies this internal reality and the believer's identification with Christ's death and resurrection, leading to a life lived with a conscience aimed towards God.