John 3:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} John {G2491} also {G2532} was {G2258} baptizing {G907} in {G1722} Aenon {G137} near {G1451} to Salim {G4530}, because {G3754} there was {G2258} much {G4183} water {G5204} there {G1563}: and {G2532} they came {G3854}, and {G2532} were baptized {G907}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yochanan too was immersing at Einayim, near Shalem, because there was plenty of water there; and people kept coming to be immersed.

Berean Standard Bible

Now John was also baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because the water was plentiful there, and people kept coming to be baptized.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 3:23 concisely details the ongoing ministry of John the Baptist, specifying his location in Aenon near Salim, a place chosen for its abundant water supply. This verse highlights John's continued faithfulness to his prophetic calling, administering a baptism of repentance to many, even as Jesus's own public ministry was gaining prominence. It underscores the practical requirements for his widespread baptismal work and sets the stage for the subsequent theological dialogue regarding the relationship between John's ministry and that of Jesus.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The immediate literary context of [John 3:23](/john/3-23 "John 3:23 - John the Baptist's Continued Ministry") places it within a pivotal chapter that begins with Nicodemus's night visit to Jesus and their profound discussion on new birth ([John 3:1-21](/john/3-1-21 "John 3:1-21 - Jesus and Nicodemus")). Following this, [John 3:22](/john/3-22 "John 3:22 - Jesus and His Disciples Baptizing") notes that Jesus and His disciples also went into Judea and were baptizing. This verse, [John 3:23](/john/3-23 "John 3:23 - John the Baptist's Continued Ministry"), then shifts focus back to John the Baptist, emphasizing that his ministry was still active and drawing crowds concurrently with Jesus's burgeoning work. This parallel activity sets the stage for the disciples of John to express concern over Jesus's growing popularity in [John 3:26](/john/3-26 "John 3:26 - John's Disciples Report to Him"), leading to John's profound declaration of Jesus's supremacy and his own diminishing role in [John 3:27-30](/john/3-27-30 "John 3:27-30 - John's Testimony to Jesus's Supremacy"). The evangelist's careful placement of this detail underscores the transition of focus from John to Jesus.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John the Baptist's ministry occurred during a period of significant spiritual and political ferment in Judea. The Jewish people, living under Roman occupation, longed for the Messiah who would deliver them. John's call to a baptism of repentance was a radical act, distinct from the ritual washings (mikva'ot) common in Judaism, which typically cleansed from ceremonial impurity. John's baptism was a singular, public act signifying a moral cleansing and a commitment to a new way of life in anticipation of the coming kingdom. The mention of "Aenon near to Salim" points to a specific geographical region, likely in the Jordan Valley or near it, where perennial springs or abundant water sources would allow for the immersion baptism practiced by John. Such locations were crucial for a ministry attracting large crowds, as evidenced by the large numbers who came to him, as described in [Matthew 3:5-6](/matthew/3-5-6 "Matthew 3:5-6 - John's Baptism in the Jordan").

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of John and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Nature of Baptism**, specifically John's practice of immersion, which required "much water." This detail reinforces the symbolic significance of baptism as a complete washing away of sin and a public declaration of repentance, preparing individuals for the Messiah. Secondly, it underscores **John the Baptist's Steadfast Ministry** and his unwavering commitment to his divinely appointed role as the forerunner. Despite the emergence of Jesus's ministry and His increasing popularity, John faithfully continued his work, demonstrating humility and obedience to God's plan. This commitment is further elaborated in [John 3:28-30](/john/3-28-30 "John 3:28-30 - John's Humble Testimony"), where John explicitly states his subservient role to Christ. Finally, the **Geographical Authenticity** of the account, mentioning "Aenon near to Salim," grounds the spiritual events in real historical locations, lending credibility to the Gospel's narrative and emphasizing the practical considerations for conducting such a widespread ministry.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **baptizing (Greek, _baptízō'_):** From a derivative meaning "to dip," "to immerse," or "to submerge." In the New Testament, it is used specifically for ceremonial ablution, particularly the ordinance of Christian baptism. The use of this word, combined with the context of "much water," strongly implies a full immersion, symbolizing a complete washing and identification.
* **Aenon (Greek, _Ainṓn'_):** Of Hebrew origin, meaning "place of springs." This name itself is highly significant, indicating a location naturally abundant in water sources, which would be essential for John's ministry of immersion baptism. Its proximity to Salim further specifies the region.
* **much water (Greek, _polýs hýdōr'_):** `polýs` means "much" or "many" (in respect to quantity), and `hýdōr` means "water." This phrase explicitly states the practical reason for John's choice of location. The abundance of water was necessary for the large-scale immersion baptisms he performed, reinforcing the understanding of baptism as a full submersion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim":** This clause re-establishes John the Baptist's active and ongoing ministry. The inclusion of "also" (G2532 `kaí`) subtly links his activity to Jesus's concurrent baptizing ministry mentioned in the preceding verse ([John 3:22](/john/3-22 "John 3:22 - Jesus and His Disciples Baptizing")). The specific geographical detail of "Aenon near to Salim" provides historical grounding and points to a location chosen for practical reasons.
* **"because there was much water there":** This crucial explanatory clause provides the rationale for John's chosen location. The phrase "much water" (Greek: _hydata polla_) directly indicates that John's baptism involved full immersion, requiring significant water sources. This detail is vital for understanding the nature of John's baptism as a symbolic act of complete cleansing and repentance, distinct from mere sprinkling or pouring.
* **"and they came, and were baptized":** This final clause highlights the widespread response to John's ministry. "They came" signifies the eager multitude seeking spiritual preparation, demonstrating the impact and reach of John's prophetic call. "And were baptized" confirms the successful execution of his mission, emphasizing the public and personal commitment made by those who responded to his message of repentance and anticipation of the Messiah.

#### Literary Devices
The evangelist John employs several **literary devices** in this concise verse. The primary device is **Geographical Specificity**, with the mention of "Aenon near to Salim." This detail serves not only to ground the narrative in historical reality, lending **verisimilitude** to the account, but also functions as a subtle **explanation** for John's choice of location. The phrase "because there was much water there" acts as a direct **causal statement**, providing the practical reason for the site. This also employs **Implication**, as the need for "much water" strongly implies that John's baptism was by full immersion, rather than sprinkling or pouring, without explicitly stating the method. Furthermore, the verse uses **Conciseness** to convey significant information—John's continued ministry, its location, the reason for the location, and the public's response—in a few words, demonstrating the Gospel's efficient narrative style.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 3:23, though seemingly a simple geographical and logistical detail, carries significant theological weight. It affirms the ongoing nature of John the Baptist's divinely appointed ministry, even as Jesus's public work was commencing. This highlights God's orderly progression of salvation history, where John faithfully prepared the way for the Messiah. The emphasis on "much water" implicitly reinforces the symbolic power of baptism as a profound act of repentance and cleansing, signifying a complete break with the past and a commitment to God's new covenant. The fact that people "came" to be baptized underscores the human response to divine invitation, a theme central to the Gospel of John, where belief and action are intertwined. This verse thus serves as a bridge, connecting the preparatory work of John to the redemptive work of Jesus, emphasizing continuity and fulfillment within God's overarching plan.

* [Matthew 3:11](/matthew/3-11 "Matthew 3:11 - John's Prophecy of Baptism with Spirit and Fire")
* [Acts 19:4](/acts/19-4 "Acts 19:4 - Paul Explains John's Baptism")
* [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger Prepares the Way")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 3:23 offers rich ground for personal reflection and practical application for believers today. John the Baptist's steadfast faithfulness in his calling, even as his popularity began to wane in the shadow of Jesus's rising prominence, serves as a powerful model of humility and obedience. It challenges us to consider whether we are willing to serve God faithfully in our assigned roles, even when others receive more recognition or when new seasons of ministry emerge. Our focus should always remain on Christ, allowing Him to increase while we decrease, as John himself would later articulate. Furthermore, the emphasis on "much water" for baptism reminds us of the profound symbolism of this ordinance: a complete immersion into a new life, a public declaration of repentance, and identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. This calls us to reflect on the depth of our own commitment and the transformative power of our faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does John the Baptist's continued ministry, despite Jesus's growing popularity, challenge my own desire for recognition or prominence in service?**
* **In what areas of my life might I need to "decrease" so that Christ can "increase" (John 3:30)?**
* **What does the symbolism of "much water" and immersion baptism teach me about the completeness of repentance and new life in Christ?**
* **How can I, like John, faithfully fulfill my God-given role, even when it seems less glamorous or when new opportunities arise for others?**

### FAQ
**Why did John the Baptist choose Aenon near Salim for his baptizing ministry?**

Answer: John chose Aenon near Salim primarily "because there was much water there." This detail is crucial as it indicates that John's baptism involved full immersion, requiring abundant water sources. Unlike ritual washings in Judaism, John's baptism was a singular act of repentance and public declaration, and the large crowds drawn to his ministry (as seen in [Matthew 3:5-6](/matthew/3-5-6 "Matthew 3:5-6 - John's Baptism in the Jordan")) necessitated a location with a reliable and ample water supply for efficient administration of the ordinance. The name Aenon itself, derived from a Hebrew word meaning "place of springs," further supports this practical consideration.

**What does "much water" imply about the nature of John's baptism?**

Answer: The phrase "much water" (Greek: _hydata polla_) strongly implies that John's baptism was by **immersion**, meaning the entire body was submerged in water. The Greek word `baptízō` (G907), from which "baptizing" is derived, literally means "to dip," "to immerse," or "to submerge." This linguistic meaning, coupled with the practical requirement for a large quantity of water, provides compelling evidence that John's practice involved full submersion, symbolizing a complete washing away of sins and a profound commitment to repentance in preparation for the coming Messiah. This understanding aligns with the symbolic significance of baptism in the early church, as seen in passages like [Romans 6:3-4](/romans/6-3-4 "Romans 6:3-4 - Buried with Christ in Baptism").

**Was John the Baptist still active when Jesus began His ministry?**

Answer: Yes, [John 3:23](/john/3-23 "John 3:23 - John the Baptist's Continued Ministry") explicitly states that John "also was baptizing" concurrently with Jesus's early public ministry, which is mentioned in [John 3:22](/john/3-22 "John 3:22 - Jesus and His Disciples Baptizing"). This verse clarifies that John's ministry did not immediately cease upon Jesus's emergence. In fact, the continued activity of John's disciples and their interaction with Jesus's disciples, as described in [John 3:25-26](/john/3-25-26 "John 3:25-26 - Dispute About Purification and John's Disciples' Concern"), highlights this period of overlap. John faithfully continued his role as the forerunner, preparing people for the Messiah, until he was eventually imprisoned, as recounted in [Matthew 14:3-5](/matthew/14-3-5 "Matthew 14:3-5 - John the Baptist Imprisoned by Herod").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [John 3:23](/john/3-23 "John 3:23 - John the Baptist's Continued Ministry") focuses on John the Baptist's ongoing ministry, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how John's work pointed directly to Jesus. John's baptism, performed in "much water" at places like Aenon, served as a powerful symbolic act of repentance and preparation, but it was always provisional, anticipating the One who would baptize "with the Holy Ghost, and with fire" ([Matthew 3:11](/matthew/3-11 "Matthew 3:11 - John's Prophecy of Baptism with Spirit and Fire")). John himself understood his role as merely preparing the way for the true Light, declaring, "He must increase, but I must decrease" ([John 3:30](/john/3-30 "John 3:30 - John's Humble Declaration About Jesus")). The "much water" of John's baptism foreshadows the abundant grace and cleansing power found in Christ's atoning work, where believers are not merely washed outwardly but are spiritually regenerated and united with Him in His death and resurrection through the **baptism into Christ** ([Romans 6:3-4](/romans/6-3-4 "Romans 6:3-4 - Buried with Christ in Baptism")). Thus, John's faithful ministry in Aenon, with its practical need for ample water, ultimately directs our gaze to Jesus, the source of living water ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus Offers Living Water to the Samaritan Woman")) and the fulfillment of all purification, offering not just a symbolic cleansing but eternal life through His sacrifice ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 3:7

Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

Matthew 3:5

Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,

Matthew 3:6

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

Mark 1:4

John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

Mark 1:5

And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

Jeremiah 51:13

O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, [and] the measure of thy covetousness.

Ezekiel 43:2

And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice [was] like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.