Luke 3:3

KJV

And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he came {G2064} into {G1519} all {G3956} the country about {G4066} Jordan {G2446}, preaching {G2784} the baptism {G908} of repentance {G3341} for {G1519} the remission {G859} of sins {G266};

Complete Jewish Bible

He went all through the Yarden region proclaiming an immersion involving turning to God from sin in order to be forgiven.

Berean Standard Bible

He went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,

American Standard Version

And he came into all the region round about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance unto remission of sins;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 3:3 succinctly captures the essence and scope of John the Baptist's preparatory ministry, portraying him as a prophetic figure operating in the wilderness regions surrounding the Jordan River. His urgent message centered on a call for "the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins," establishing a critical spiritual prerequisite for the coming of the Messiah and the inauguration of God's Kingdom. This verse serves as a foundational statement, highlighting John's divinely appointed role in preparing hearts and minds for Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the precise chronological and political setting of John the Baptist's appearance, detailing the specific Roman and Jewish authorities in power ([Luke 3:1-2](/luke/3-1-2 "Luke 3:1-2 - Historical Setting of John's Ministry")). Luke, known for his meticulous historical detail, establishes the exact time and place of John's ministry, lending credibility to the narrative. Verse 3 then directly introduces the content and geographical reach of John's preaching, setting the stage for his encounter with Jesus and the beginning of Jesus's public ministry ([Luke 3:21-22](/luke/3-21-22 "Luke 3:21-22 - The Baptism of Jesus")). It acts as a bridge, transitioning from the prophetic anticipation of John's birth and early life ([Luke 1](/luke/1 "Luke 1 - The Births of John and Jesus Foretold")) to the active fulfillment of his role as the forerunner.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John the Baptist's ministry took place in first-century Judea, a region under Roman occupation but with significant Jewish self-governance in religious matters. The "country about Jordan" refers to the wilderness areas along the Jordan River, a place often associated with prophetic activity and spiritual renewal, reminiscent of Israel's wilderness wanderings and the ministry of Elijah. In this period, various Jewish sects and movements existed, all grappling with the nature of God's covenant and the expectation of the Messiah. John's call for a "baptism of repentance" was unique. While ritual washings (mikvahs) were common in Jewish practice for purification, John's baptism was a singular, public act of confession and commitment to a changed life, signifying a turning away from sin and a readiness for divine intervention, distinct from proselyte baptism or later Christian baptism.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 3:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Divine Preparation**, as John is the divinely appointed messenger prophesied to "prepare the way of the Lord" ([Luke 3:4](/luke/3-4 "Luke 3:4 - John the Baptist's Prophetic Role"), echoing [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - A Voice Crying in the Wilderness")). The verse also highlights the theme of **Repentance as a Prerequisite for Salvation**, emphasizing that a genuine turning from sin is essential for experiencing God's forgiveness and entering His Kingdom. This theme is central to both John's and Jesus's initial messages ([Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Jesus Begins His Ministry")). Furthermore, it introduces the concept of **Remission of Sins**, pointing towards the ultimate goal of God's redemptive plan, which finds its full realization in the atoning work of Jesus Christ ([Luke 24:47](/luke/24-47 "Luke 24:47 - Repentance and Forgiveness Proclaimed")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **preaching (Greek, _kērýssō'_):** This word signifies to "herald" or "proclaim as a public crier." It implies an authoritative, public declaration of a message, often one of divine origin. John was not merely teaching or discussing; he was announcing a truth with urgency and authority, much like a royal herald announcing the arrival of a king. This highlights the public and authoritative nature of his ministry, preparing the populace for the imminent arrival of the Messiah.
* **repentance (Greek, _metánoia'_):** Derived from _metanoeō_, meaning "to change one's mind," this term denotes a fundamental, comprehensive change of thinking, attitude, and direction. It is not merely sorrow for sin but a decisive turning away from a sinful lifestyle and a turning towards God. This "change of mind" leads to a corresponding change in behavior, signifying a reorientation of one's entire life. John's call for repentance was a call to a radical moral and spiritual transformation.
* **remission (Greek, _áphesis'_):** This word means "freedom," "release," "pardon," or "forgiveness." It conveys the idea of sending away or letting go, specifically in the context of sins. The purpose of John's baptism of repentance was to lead to this state of being freed from the guilt and penalty of sin. While John's baptism was symbolic, it pointed to the ultimate forgiveness that would be offered through the Messiah, emphasizing that divine pardon is the desired outcome of genuine repentance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he came into all the country about Jordan,"**: This clause establishes the geographical scope and public nature of John's ministry. "All the country about Jordan" indicates a widespread movement, drawing people from various regions to the wilderness, a place historically associated with spiritual renewal and prophetic encounters. John did not operate in the synagogues or temples but in the wild, rugged terrain, signifying a fresh, unconventional movement that transcended traditional religious structures. His "coming" implies a deliberate, divinely orchestrated initiation of his public role.
* **"preaching the baptism of repentance"**: This phrase details the core content and method of John's ministry. He was "preaching," publicly proclaiming an urgent message. The message itself was "the baptism of repentance." This was not just a call to individual sorrow for sin, but an invitation to a public, symbolic act of immersion in water that signified an inward commitment to a radical change of heart and life. It was a visible sign of an invisible transformation, a turning away from unrighteousness and towards God's will.
* **"for the remission of sins;"**: This final clause states the ultimate purpose and desired outcome of John's preaching and the baptism of repentance. The Greek preposition _eis_ (G1519), translated "for," indicates purpose or result. The aim of repentance and baptism was to prepare individuals to receive "remission of sins," which is divine forgiveness and liberation from the power and guilt of sin. While John's baptism did not inherently grant forgiveness (which comes through Christ), it prepared people to receive it by cultivating a heart ready to acknowledge sin and embrace God's grace.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 3:3 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The phrase "all the country about Jordan" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extensive reach and impact of John's ministry, suggesting a widespread movement rather than a literal coverage of every inch of land. The "baptism of repentance" functions as **Symbolism**, where the physical act of water immersion symbolizes an internal spiritual transformation—a turning away from sin and a commitment to God. Furthermore, the entire verse serves as a concise **Summary** of John's mission, encapsulating his geographical scope, core message, and ultimate purpose in a single, impactful statement. The directness of the language also contributes to a sense of **Urgency**, reflecting the immediate call to prepare for the Messiah's arrival.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John the Baptist's ministry, as encapsulated in Luke 3:3, serves as a crucial theological bridge between the Old and New Covenants. His call for repentance underscores the unchanging divine requirement for humanity to turn from sin and towards God, a theme consistently woven throughout biblical history. This repentance, symbolized by baptism, was not an end in itself but a preparation for the greater work of Christ, highlighting the necessity of human response to divine initiative. The "remission of sins" points directly to the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan, which finds its full and final accomplishment in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, providing true and complete forgiveness that John's baptism could only foreshadow.

* [Mark 1:4](/mark/1-4 "Mark 1:4 - John's Baptism of Repentance")
* [Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Peter's Call to Repentance and Baptism")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 3:3 presents a timeless call to spiritual readiness that resonates deeply with believers today. John the Baptist's message of repentance is not a one-time event but an ongoing posture of the heart for those who follow Christ. It challenges us to continually examine our lives, identify areas where we have strayed from God's will, and actively turn back to Him. This turning involves a change of mind that leads to a change in behavior, aligning our desires and actions with the righteousness of God. While our salvation and the full remission of sins are secured by Christ's finished work on the cross, a life of ongoing repentance keeps us sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading, fosters deeper communion with God, and enables us to walk in the freedom and power of His forgiveness. It reminds us that spiritual growth is a continuous process of surrender and transformation, marked by a humble acknowledgment of our need for God's grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to practice deeper repentance and turn more fully towards God?**
* **How does understanding John's "baptism of repentance" inform my understanding of Christian baptism and its significance today?**
* **What does it mean for me to live a life that truly reflects the "remission of sins" I have received through Christ?**

### FAQ
**Was John's baptism the same as Christian baptism?**

Answer: No, John's baptism was distinct from Christian baptism, though it served as an important precursor. John's baptism was a "baptism of repentance for the remission of sins," a public act symbolizing an individual's turning away from sin and toward God, preparing them for the coming Messiah ([Luke 3:3](/luke/3-3 "Luke 3:3 - John's Preaching of Repentance")). It was a sign of readiness for the Kingdom of God. Christian baptism, instituted by Jesus after His resurrection, is performed in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), and it signifies a believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, their new life in Him, and their inclusion in the body of Christ ([Romans 6:3-4](/romans/6-3-4 "Romans 6:3-4 - Union with Christ in Baptism")). While both involve water and relate to forgiveness, Christian baptism is rooted in the accomplished work of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which John's baptism anticipated but did not confer ([Acts 19:1-6](/acts/19-1-6 "Acts 19:1-6 - Paul and the Ephesian Disciples")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 3:3, though describing John the Baptist's ministry, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. John's "baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" was a preparatory work, a clarion call to humanity to acknowledge their sinfulness and prepare their hearts for the one who truly brings salvation. John himself declared that he baptized with water, but one was coming who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire ([Luke 3:16](/luke/3-16 "Luke 3:16 - John's Prophecy of the Greater One")). This "one" is Jesus, who not only embodies perfect repentance through His sinless life but also, through His sacrificial death on the cross, fully and finally secures the "remission of sins" for all who believe ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood")). John's ministry pointed to the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and it is through Christ's atoning work that true forgiveness and liberation from sin's bondage are achieved, transforming the symbolic act of repentance into a living reality of new creation in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Thus, John's preaching was the necessary prelude, preparing the stage for the glorious advent of the Savior who would accomplish what John's ministry could only foreshadow.

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 1:77

To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,

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.

Matthew 3:11

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire:

Acts 22:16

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

Acts 19:4

Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

John 1:31

And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.