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Matthew 3:6

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Matthew 3:6 details a central aspect of John the Baptist's ministry in the Jordan River: people were coming to him to be baptized, openly acknowledging their sins.

Context

This verse is part of the Gospel of Matthew's introduction to John the Baptist, who emerged in the wilderness of Judea proclaiming a message of repentance (Matthew 3:2). Large crowds from Jerusalem, all Judea, and the entire region around the Jordan River came out to hear his preaching and receive his baptism. John's prophetic ministry was crucial for preparing the way for the imminent arrival of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

Key Themes

  • Repentance and Confession: The phrase "confessing their sins" is central to understanding John's baptism. It signifies that the baptism was not a mere ritual but an outward demonstration of an inward change of heart—a turning away from past wrongdoing and a commitment to a new path. This public admission of guilt was a vital step towards spiritual cleansing and a fresh start.
  • John's Baptism of Repentance: This was a specific "baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" (Mark 1:4), distinct from the Christian baptism that Jesus would later institute for believers after His resurrection (Matthew 28:19). It symbolized purification and a pledge to live righteously in anticipation of the coming Kingdom of God.
  • The Jordan River: This geographical location held profound historical and spiritual significance for the Israelites. It was often associated with new beginnings and transitions, such as the crossing of the Jordan into the Promised Land under Joshua, symbolizing a new covenant or era.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "were baptized" comes from the Greek word baptizo (βαπτίζω), which fundamentally means to immerse, dip, or submerge. This strongly suggests that John's baptisms involved full immersion in the water, symbolizing a thorough cleansing and identification with a new life. The act of "confessing" is from the Greek exomologeo (ἐξομολογέω), meaning to acknowledge, declare, or openly agree. This implies a public and sincere admission of one's misdeeds, indicating a genuine desire for change.

Practical Application

Matthew 3:6 highlights the enduring importance of repentance and confession for spiritual transformation. While John's baptism was unique to his preparatory ministry, the underlying principle remains timeless: true spiritual renewal begins with humbly acknowledging our sins before God and turning from them. This verse reminds us that any outward act of faith, such as baptism, should be a sincere reflection of an internal commitment to align our lives with God's will. It serves as a foundational teaching that humility and honesty before the Divine are essential for receiving grace and experiencing a new creation in Christ.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 19:18 (5 votes)

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

  • Matthew 3:13 (4 votes)

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

  • Matthew 3:16 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Hebrews 9:10 (3 votes)

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

  • Acts 2:38 (3 votes)

    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.