### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Iordánēs**, represented by `{{G2446}}`, is of Hebrew origin and identifies the **Jordan**, a river of Palestine. It appears **15 times** across **15 unique verses** in the Bible, establishing it as a key geographical landmark in the Gospel narratives. Its significance is tied directly to the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2446}}` is the central location for John the Baptist's ministry. Great multitudes from Judaea and Jerusalem came to the **Jordan** river to be **baptized** by him, a process that involved "confessing their sins" ([[Matthew 3:6]], [[Mark 1:5]]). John preached a "baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" in the country surrounding the **Jordan** [[Luke 3:3]]. The river is also the site where Jesus's own ministry is inaugurated; he comes from Galilee to the **Jordan** specifically to be **baptized** by John ([[Matthew 3:13]], [[Mark 1:9]]). Following this, Jesus returns from the **Jordan** filled with the Holy Ghost before being led into the wilderness [[Luke 4:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are essential for understanding the events that take place at the **Jordan**:
* `{{G907}}` **baptízō** (to immerse, submerge): This act of ceremonial ablution is the primary activity associated with the **Jordan** in the Gospels, where John **baptized** both the crowds and Jesus himself [[Mark 1:9]].
* `{{G2491}}` **Iōánnēs** (John): The ministry of John the Baptist is inextricably linked to this river, the primary site where he was **baptizing** and bearing witness [[John 1:28]].
* `{{G1843}}` **exomologéō** (to acknowledge or confess): This word describes the action of the people who came to the **Jordan**, as they were baptized while **confessing** their sins [[Mark 1:5]].
* `{{G3341}}` **metánoia** (repentance): John’s message at the **Jordan** was a call to the "baptism of **repentance**," a theme central to his purpose [[Luke 3:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2446}}` is significant as a place of spiritual transition and initiation.
* **A Place of Repentance:** The **Jordan** is established as the setting for a national turning towards God, where people came to confess their **sins** `{{G266}}` and receive a baptism of **repentance** `{{G3341}}` for the remission of those sins [[Luke 3:3]].
* **The Start of Jesus's Ministry:** Jesus's journey from Galilee to the **Jordan** for baptism marks the formal beginning of his public work. Immediately after, he is "full of the Holy Ghost" and departs from the **Jordan** to face temptation in the **wilderness** `{{G2048}}` [[Luke 4:1]].
* **A Geographical and Spiritual Boundary:** The phrase "beyond **Jordan**" is used repeatedly to define a region from which great multitudes gathered to follow Jesus, highlighting the river as a crucial reference point for the scope of His ministry ([[Matthew 4:25]], [[Mark 3:8]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2446}}` is far more than a simple geographical name. It serves as a pivotal stage in the New Testament for profound spiritual events. As the site of John’s call to repentance and the baptism of Jesus, the **Jordan** represents a place of confession, cleansing, and the commissioning of the Messiah’s work. It is a landmark imbued with foundational significance for the Christian faith.
TRV