Matthew 3:14
But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
But {G1161} John {G2491} forbad {G1254} him, saying {G3004}, I {G1473} have {G2192} need {G5532} to be baptized {G907} of {G5259} thee {G4675}, and {G2532} comest {G2064} thou {G4771} to {G4314} me {G3165}?
But Yochanan tried to stop him. "You are coming to me? I ought to be immersed by you!"
But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”
But John would have hindered him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
Cross-References
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John 3:3 (5 votes)
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. -
John 3:7 (5 votes)
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. -
Acts 1:5 (4 votes)
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. -
Acts 1:8 (4 votes)
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. -
John 13:6 (4 votes)
Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? -
John 13:8 (4 votes)
Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. -
John 1:16 (3 votes)
And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
Commentary
Context of Matthew 3:14
Matthew 3:14 captures a pivotal moment during the ministry of John the Baptist, often referred to as the forerunner of Christ. John had established a significant ministry of preaching repentance and baptizing people in the Jordan River as a sign of their confession of sins and commitment to change. His message was direct and powerful, preparing the way for the Messiah. When Jesus Himself came to be baptized, John's immediate reaction, as recorded in this verse, was one of profound humility and surprise. He recognized Jesus as the "mightier one" he had prophesied about, who would baptize with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "John forbad him" comes from the Greek word diekōlyen (διεκώλυεν), which is in the imperfect tense. This tense suggests that John was not merely making a single, brief objection but was perhaps repeatedly or persistently trying to hinder or prevent Jesus from being baptized. It implies an ongoing attempt by John to dissuade Jesus, further emphasizing the depth of his surprise and reverence. His declaration, "I have need to be baptized of thee," uses the Greek chreian echō (χρείαν ἔχω), literally "I have need," which strongly asserts his personal spiritual dependency on Jesus, the one he knew would baptize with the Holy Spirit.
Practical Application
Matthew 3:14 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:
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