Matthew 3:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} were baptized {G907} of {G5259} him {G846} in {G1722} Jordan {G2446}, confessing {G1843} their {G846} sins {G266}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Confessing their sins, they were immersed by him in the Yarden River.

Berean Standard Bible

Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

American Standard Version

and they were baptized of him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 3:6 vividly portrays a pivotal scene in John the Baptist's ministry, illustrating the widespread response to his call for repentance. It describes the multitudes who journeyed to the Jordan River to be baptized by John, an act that was inextricably linked with their public acknowledgment and confession of their sins, signifying a profound turning away from their past transgressions and a readiness for spiritual renewal in anticipation of the coming Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the opening chapters of Matthew's Gospel, specifically detailing the ministry of John the Baptist. Following the genealogy and birth narrative of Jesus, Matthew introduces John as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, a "voice of one crying in the wilderness" ([Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - Prepare the Way of the Lord")). Verses [Matthew 3:1-2](/matthew/3-1-2 "Matthew 3:1-2 - John the Baptist's Preaching") establish John's emergence and his central message: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Verse [Matthew 3:5](/matthew/3-5 "Matthew 3:5 - Crowds flock to John") describes the vast crowds from Jerusalem, all Judea, and the surrounding Jordan region flocking to him. Thus, [Matthew 3:6](/matthew/3-6 "Matthew 3:6 - Baptism and Confession") describes the immediate outcome and nature of this mass pilgrimage—their baptism and confession—setting the stage for John's direct confrontation with the Pharisees and Sadducees in [Matthew 3:7-10](/matthew/3-7-10 "Matthew 3:7-10 - John's Confrontation with the Religious Leaders") and the subsequent baptism of Jesus Himself in [Matthew 3:13-17](/matthew/3-13-17 "Matthew 3:13-17 - The Baptism of Jesus").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John the Baptist's ministry occurred during a period of intense messianic expectation within Judea, under Roman occupation. While ritual washings (mikvahs) were common in Jewish tradition for purification, John's baptism was unique. It was a one-time, public act of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, administered by a prophet outside the Temple system, signifying a radical break from past life and a preparation for God's imminent intervention. The Jordan River itself held deep historical and spiritual significance, often associated with new beginnings and transitions in Israel's history, such as the crossing into the Promised Land under Joshua ([Joshua 3](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - Crossing the Jordan River")) or the miracles of Elijah and Elisha ([2 Kings 2:6-8](/2_kings/2-6-8 "2 Kings 2:6-8 - Elijah and Elisha at the Jordan")). This symbolic location amplified the message of a new spiritual era.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes interwoven throughout John's ministry, and particularly highlighted in [Matthew 3:6](/matthew/3-6 "Matthew 3:6 - Baptism and Confession"), are **Repentance** and **Confession**. John's call to "repent" ([Matthew 3:2](/matthew/3-2 "Matthew 3:2 - John's Call to Repentance")) was not merely a suggestion but an urgent command, demanding a radical change of mind and direction. The act of "confessing their sins" was the outward manifestation of this inward repentance, a public acknowledgment of guilt and a sincere desire for a new life. This baptism was a **Baptism of Repentance**, a preparatory cleansing that distinguished it from later Christian baptism, yet underscored the universal human need for spiritual purification. It also powerfully introduces the theme of **Preparation for the Messiah**, as John's entire ministry was designed to ready the hearts of the people for the arrival of Jesus, the one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire ([Matthew 3:11](/matthew/3-11 "Matthew 3:11 - John's Prophecy of Jesus' Baptism")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **baptized (Greek, _baptízō'_):** From G907, meaning "to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet)." In the New Testament, it is specifically used for ceremonial ablution, particularly the ordinance of Christian baptism. This indicates that John's practice involved full immersion in the Jordan River, symbolizing a thorough cleansing and identification with the message of repentance.
* **confessing (Greek, _exomologéō'_):** From G1843, meaning "to acknowledge or (by implication, of assent) agree fully; confess, profess, promise." This word conveys a public, open, and full admission. It implies not just a private thought but an outward declaration of one's sins, signifying a genuine and public commitment to turning away from them.
* **sins (Greek, _hamartía'_):** From G266, meaning "a sin (properly abstract); offence, sin(-ful)." This term refers to acts of missing the mark, falling short of God's standard, or transgressing His law. The plural "sins" indicates a multitude of individual transgressions, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the confession and the universal human condition of sinfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And were baptized of him in Jordan":** This clause describes the central action of the verse. "And" (G2532, _kaí'_) connects this action to the previous verse, indicating the crowds' response to John's preaching. The passive voice "were baptized" (G907, _baptízō'_) emphasizes that John was the administrator of the baptism ("of him," G5259 _hypó'_ and G846 _autós'_), and the location "in Jordan" (G1722 _en'_ and G2446 _Iordánēs'_) underscores the public and significant setting of this ritual immersion. It highlights the physical act of purification performed by John.
* **"confessing their sins":** This second clause reveals the spiritual and moral prerequisite for John's baptism. The present participle "confessing" (G1843, _exomologéō'_) indicates an ongoing or simultaneous action with the baptism, implying that the confession was an integral part of the process. "Their sins" (G846 _autós'_ and G266 _hamartía'_) specifies the content of their confession—their personal transgressions and moral failings. This phrase underscores that John's baptism was not merely a ritual, but a public demonstration of repentance and a sincere acknowledgment of one's unworthiness before God, essential for receiving the forgiveness John proclaimed.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 3:6 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Symbolism** is prominent, particularly with the **Jordan River** itself, which historically marked a transition point for Israel into the Promised Land, here symbolizing a new spiritual beginning or entry into the Kingdom of God. The act of **baptism** is also deeply symbolic, representing purification, cleansing from sin, and a public identification with John's message of repentance. The phrase "confessing their sins" utilizes **Direct Statement** to clearly articulate the spiritual condition and action required of those seeking John's baptism, emphasizing the personal responsibility involved. Furthermore, the overall narrative of John's ministry, culminating in this scene, functions as **Foreshadowing**, preparing the audience for the greater ministry of Jesus, who will bring a more profound spiritual baptism.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 3:6 is a foundational text for understanding the nature of repentance and the preparatory work of God in human history. It establishes that true spiritual transformation begins with a humble and open acknowledgment of sin, a turning away from past transgressions, and a desire for cleansing. John's baptism, while distinct from Christian baptism, served as a powerful visual and experiential symbol of this internal change, aligning individuals with God's redemptive purposes. It underscores the divine principle that confession is a prerequisite for forgiveness and spiritual renewal, paving the way for a deeper relationship with God and reception of His grace.

* [Leviticus 5:5](/leviticus/5-5 "Leviticus 5:5 - Confession of Sin in the Old Testament")
* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Proverbs 28:13 - The Blessing of Confession")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - God's Faithfulness to Forgive")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 3:6 serves as a timeless reminder that genuine spiritual transformation is rooted in humility and honesty before God. The crowds coming to John, publicly confessing their sins, model a crucial step in our spiritual journey: acknowledging our shortcomings and turning from them. This verse challenges us to consider the depth of our own repentance—is it merely an intellectual assent, or does it involve a heartfelt, public, and decisive turning away from sin? It reminds us that outward acts of faith, like baptism, are meaningful only when they are expressions of an internal reality of confession and commitment to God's will. In a world often prone to self-justification, this passage calls us back to the foundational truth that grace flows from a place of humble admission of our need for God's forgiveness and cleansing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "confessing their sins" truly entail for us today, beyond a mere verbal acknowledgment?**
* **How does the public nature of John's baptism and confession challenge our often private approach to faith?**
* **In what ways can we practically demonstrate a "turning away from" our sins in our daily lives?**
* **How does understanding John's preparatory ministry inform our anticipation and reception of Christ's ongoing work in our lives?**

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

Answer: No, John's baptism was distinct from Christian baptism. John's baptism, as seen in [Matthew 3:6](/matthew/3-6 "Matthew 3:6 - Baptism and Confession"), was a "baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" ([Mark 1:4](/mark/1-4 "Mark 1:4 - John's Baptism of Repentance")). It was a preparatory act, symbolizing a turning away from sin and a readiness for the coming Messiah. Christian baptism, instituted by Jesus after His resurrection as part of the Great Commission ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), is performed "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." It symbolizes identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection ([Romans 6:3-4](/romans/6-3-4 "Romans 6:3-4 - Identification with Christ in Baptism")), the washing away of sins through His blood, and the reception of the Holy Spirit. While both involve water and repentance, their theological significance and the power behind them differ, with Christian baptism being a sign of new life in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 3:6, with its focus on repentance and confession in preparation for the Messiah, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While John's baptism offered a symbolic cleansing and prepared hearts, it could not truly remove sin. It was a pointer to the one who would indeed "take away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Jesus, through His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection, provided the definitive means for the forgiveness of sins and true spiritual cleansing. The "sins" confessed at the Jordan were ultimately atoned for by the "Lamb of God" who shed His blood for the "remission of sins" ([Matthew 26:28](/matthew/26-28 "Matthew 26:28 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood")). Furthermore, while John baptized with water, Jesus promised a baptism with the Holy Spirit ([Matthew 3:11](/matthew/3-11 "Matthew 3:11 - John's Prophecy of Jesus' Baptism")), which was poured out at Pentecost ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost")), empowering believers for new life. Thus, the confession of sins initiated at the Jordan finds its complete and efficacious answer in the person and work of Christ, who offers not just a symbolic washing, but a radical transformation and new creation for all who believe ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")).

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

Acts 19:18

And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

Matthew 3:13

¶ Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

Matthew 3:16

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

John 1:25

And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?

John 1:28

These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Hebrews 9:10

[Which stood] only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed [on them] until the time of reformation.

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.