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At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. <a href="/nlt/matthew/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. <a href="/esv/matthew/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; <a href="/bsb/matthew/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him. <a href="/blb/matthew/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And immediately, having been baptized, Jesus went up from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and alighting upon Him. <a href="/kjv/matthew/3.htm">King James Bible</a> 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: <a href="/nkjv/matthew/3.htm">New King James Version</a> When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> After He was baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and settling on Him, <a href="/nasb/matthew/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, <a href="/nasb77/matthew/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And after being baptized, Jesus went up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon Him, <a href="/lsb/matthew/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And after being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon Him, <a href="/amp/matthew/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> After Jesus was baptized, He came up immediately out of the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he (John) saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him (Jesus), <a href="/csb/matthew/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> After Jesus was baptized, He went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on Him. <a href="/asv/matthew/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway from the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon him; <a href="/cev/matthew/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> So Jesus was baptized. And as soon as he came out of the water, the sky opened, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down on him like a dove. <a href="/erv/matthew/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway from the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon him; <a href="/gwt/matthew/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> After Jesus was baptized, he immediately came up from the water. Suddenly, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down as a dove to him. <a href="/gnt/matthew/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> As soon as Jesus was baptized, he came up out of the water. Then heaven was opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and lighting on him. <a href="/isv/matthew/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> When Jesus had been baptized, he immediately came up out of the water. Suddenly, the heavens opened up for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him. <a href="/msb/matthew/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him. <a href="/net/matthew/3.htm">NET Bible</a> After Jesus was baptized, just as he was coming up out of the water, the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming on him. <a href="/nheb/matthew/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water; and look, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming on him. <a href="/wbt/matthew/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up immediately out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: <a href="/wey/matthew/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and Jesus was baptized, and immediately went up from the water. At that moment the heavens opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him, <a href="/web/matthew/3.htm">World English Bible</a> Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming on him. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And having been immersed, Jesus immediately went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming on Him, <a href="/blb/matthew/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And immediately, having been baptized, Jesus went up from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and alighting upon Him. <a href="/ylt/matthew/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And having been baptized, Jesus went up immediately from the water, and lo, opened to him were the heavens, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon him, <a href="/slt/matthew/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Jesus, having been immersed, went up straight from the water, and, behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Jesus being baptized, forthwith came out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened to him: and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon him. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And Jesus, having been baptized, ascended from the water immediately, and behold, the heavens were opened to him. And he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him. <a href="/nabre/matthew/3.htm">New American Bible</a> After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened [for him], and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove [and] coming upon him. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> When Jesus was baptized, he immediately came out of the water; and the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and coming upon him; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But when Yeshua was baptized, at once he came up from the water, and Heaven was opened unto him, and he saw The Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And after Jesus was immersed, he came up immediately from the water; and lo, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and coming upon him. <a href="/godbey/matthew/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And Jesus having been baptized, came up straightway from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened and He saw the Spirit of God, descending like a dove, coming on Him. <a href="/haweis/matthew/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And Jesus, after his baptism, came straight from the water: and lo! the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as it were a dove, and coming upon him: <a href="/mace/matthew/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and when Jesus was baptized, he came out of the water: and immediately the heavens seem'd to be parted asunder before him, and he saw the Spirit <a href="/wey/matthew/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and Jesus was baptized, and immediately went up from the water. At that moment the heavens opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him, <a href="/worrell/matthew/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And, having been immersed, Jesus went up straightway from the water; and, behold, the heavens were opened; and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, coming upon Him; <a href="/worsley/matthew/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Then he permitted Him. And Jesus as soon as He was baptized came up from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened unto Him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and coming upon Him: <a href="/parallel/matthew/3-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=590" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/3.htm">The Baptism of Jesus</a> …15“Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Then John permitted Him. 16<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">As soon as</a> <a href="/greek/2112.htm" title="2112: euthys (Adv) -- Immediately, soon, at once. Adverb from euthus; directly, i.e. At once or soon."></a> <a href="/greek/907.htm" title="907: Baptistheis (V-APP-NMS) -- Lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize. ">Jesus was baptized,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsous (N-NMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">He</a> <a href="/greek/305.htm" title="305: anebē (V-AIA-3S) -- To go up, mount, ascend; of things: I rise, spring up, come up. From ana and the base of basis; to go up.">went up</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: apo (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">out of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5204.htm" title="5204: hydatos (N-GNS) -- Water. And genitive case, hudatos, etc. From the base of huetos; water literally or figuratively.">water.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2400.htm" title="2400: idou (V-AMA-2S) -- See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!">Suddenly</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3772.htm" title="3772: ouranoi (N-NMP) -- Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.">heavens</a> <a href="/greek/455.htm" title="455: ēneōchthēsan (V-AIP-3P) -- To open. From ana and oigo; to open up.">were opened,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: eiden (V-AIA-3S) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">He saw</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: Pneuma (N-ANS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">Spirit</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/2597.htm" title="2597: katabainon (V-PPA-ANS) -- To go down, come down, either from the sky or from higher land, descend. From kata and the base of basis; to descend.">descending</a> <a href="/greek/5616.htm" title="5616: hōsei (Adv) -- As if, as it were, like; with numbers: about. From hos and ei; as if.">like</a> <a href="/greek/4058.htm" title="4058: peristeran (N-AFS) -- A dove, pigeon. Of uncertain derivation; a pigeon.">a dove</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: erchomenon (V-PPM/P-ANS) -- To come, go. ">resting</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: ep’ (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">on</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Him.</a> 17And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/mark/1-10.htm">Mark 1:10</a> As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, He saw the heavens breaking open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. <a href="/luke/3-21.htm">Luke 3:21-22</a> When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as He was praying, heaven was opened, / and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” <a href="/john/1-32.htm">John 1:32-34</a> Then John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and resting on Him. / I myself did not know Him, but the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ / I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” <a href="/acts/10-38.htm">Acts 10:38</a> how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him. <a href="/isaiah/11-2.htm">Isaiah 11:2</a> The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD. <a href="/isaiah/42-1.htm">Isaiah 42:1</a> “Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations. <a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a> The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, <a href="/genesis/1-2.htm">Genesis 1:2</a> Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. <a href="/ezekiel/1-1.htm">Ezekiel 1:1</a> In the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was among the exiles by the River Kebar, the heavens opened and I saw visions of God. <a href="/psalms/2-7.htm">Psalm 2:7</a> I will proclaim the decree spoken to Me by the LORD: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father. <a href="/psalms/45-7.htm">Psalm 45:7</a> You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy. <a href="/psalms/104-30.htm">Psalm 104:30</a> When You send Your Spirit, they are created, and You renew the face of the earth. <a href="/john/3-34.htm">John 3:34</a> For the One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. <a href="/romans/8-11.htm">Romans 8:11</a> And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you. <a href="/2_corinthians/1-21.htm">2 Corinthians 1:21-22</a> Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ. He anointed us, / placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, see, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting on him:Jesus.<a href="/mark/1-10.htm">Mark 1:10</a> And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:lo.<a href="/ezekiel/1-1.htm">Ezekiel 1:1</a> Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.<a href="/luke/3-21.htm">Luke 3:21</a> Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,<a href="/acts/7-56.htm">Acts 7:56</a> And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.and he.<a href="/isaiah/11-2.htm">Isaiah 11:2</a> And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;<a href="/isaiah/42-1.htm">Isaiah 42:1</a> Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.<a href="/isaiah/59-21.htm">Isaiah 59:21</a> As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/3-14.htm">Baptized</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-30.htm">Descending</a> <a href="/ezekiel/42-12.htm">Directly</a> <a href="/hosea/11-11.htm">Dove</a> <a href="/matthew/3-2.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/3-2.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/daniel/10-17.htm">Immediately</a> <a href="/matthew/3-15.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-30.htm">Lighting</a> <a href="/matthew/3-11.htm">Moment</a> <a href="/matthew/2-11.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/matthew/2-11.htm">Opening</a> <a href="/matthew/2-8.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/matthew/3-11.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/matthew/3-3.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/daniel/10-17.htm">Straightway</a> <a href="/matthew/3-11.htm">Water</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/20-22.htm">Baptized</a> <a href="/matthew/8-1.htm">Descending</a> <a href="/mark/6-25.htm">Directly</a> <a href="/mark/1-10.htm">Dove</a> <a href="/matthew/3-17.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/3-17.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/matthew/4-20.htm">Immediately</a> <a href="/matthew/4-1.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/luke/11-33.htm">Lighting</a> <a href="/matthew/4-6.htm">Moment</a> <a href="/matthew/5-2.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/matthew/13-35.htm">Opening</a> <a href="/matthew/15-30.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/matthew/4-1.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/matthew/4-20.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/matthew/4-20.htm">Straightway</a> <a href="/matthew/8-24.htm">Water</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 3</div>1. <a href="/matthew/3-1.htm">John preaches: his office, life, and baptism.</a> 7. <a href="/matthew/3-7.htm">He reprimands the Pharisees,</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/3-13.htm">and baptizes Jesus in Jordan.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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Baptism, a ritual of purification and repentance, was performed by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Jesus' baptism signifies His identification with humanity's sinfulness, despite His own sinlessness. It fulfills all righteousness, as Jesus Himself states in <a href="/matthew/3-15.htm">Matthew 3:15</a>, and sets a precedent for Christian baptism as an act of obedience and initiation into the faith.He went up out of the water This indicates the completion of the baptismal act, symbolizing death to the old life and resurrection to a new life. The act of emerging from the water prefigures Jesus' resurrection and the believer's new life in Christ. The Jordan River, where this event took place, is significant in Israel's history as the site where the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land (Joshua 3-4), symbolizing new beginnings and divine promises.Suddenly the heavens were opened The opening of the heavens signifies divine revelation and approval. In biblical literature, open heavens often indicate a moment of significant divine intervention or communication (<a href="/ezekiel/1.htm">Ezekiel 1:1</a>, <a href="/acts/7-56.htm">Acts 7:56</a>). This moment marks the divine endorsement of Jesus' mission and the beginning of His messianic work. It also fulfills the prophecy of <a href="/isaiah/64.htm">Isaiah 64:1</a>, where the prophet longs for God to rend the heavens and come down.and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove The descent of the Spirit in the form of a dove symbolizes peace, purity, and the presence of God. The dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, as seen in <a href="/genesis/1-2.htm">Genesis 1:2</a>, where the Spirit hovers over the waters, and in the story of Noah (<a href="/genesis/8-8.htm">Genesis 8:8-12</a>), where the dove signifies the end of God's judgment and the beginning of a new creation. This event marks Jesus as the anointed one, the Messiah, empowered by the Spirit for His ministry.and resting on Him The Spirit resting on Jesus indicates a permanent endowment of divine power and presence, fulfilling the prophecy of <a href="/isaiah/11-2.htm">Isaiah 11:2</a>, which speaks of the Spirit of the Lord resting upon the Messiah. This anointing sets Jesus apart as the chosen one of God, equipped for His redemptive mission. It also signifies the unity of the Trinity, as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all present and active in this moment.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is being baptized in this passage. 2. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a> The forerunner of Christ, who baptizes Jesus in the Jordan River. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_jordan_river.htm">The Jordan River</a> The location where Jesus is baptized, a significant site in biblical history. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_spirit_of_god.htm">The Spirit of God</a> The Holy Spirit, who descends upon Jesus in the form of a dove. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_heavens.htm">The Heavens</a> The realm of God, which opens to signify divine approval and presence.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_significance_of_baptism.htm">The Significance of Baptism</a> Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation and commitment to God. Jesus' baptism marks the beginning of His public ministry and sets an example for believers. <a href="/topical/t/the_trinity_revealed.htm">The Trinity Revealed</a> This passage is a clear demonstration of the Trinity, with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all present and active. It underscores the unity and distinct roles within the Godhead. <a href="/topical/d/divine_approval_and_empowerment.htm">Divine Approval and Empowerment</a> The opening of the heavens and the descent of the Spirit signify God's approval and empowerment of Jesus for His mission. Believers, too, are empowered by the Holy Spirit for their calling. <a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_the_dove.htm">Symbolism of the Dove</a> The dove symbolizes peace, purity, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. It reminds believers of the gentle and transformative work of the Spirit in their lives. <a href="/topical/o/obedience_and_humility.htm">Obedience and Humility</a> Jesus' willingness to be baptized by John, despite being sinless, demonstrates His obedience to the Father's will and His humility. Believers are called to follow His example in their own lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 3</a> <a href="/q/why_no_records_of_god's_voice_in_matthew.htm">How could an event as dramatic as the heavens opening and an audible voice from God leave no corroborative historical or eyewitness accounts? (Matthew 3:16-17)</a> <a href="/q/is_the_trinity_visible_in_heaven.htm">Is the Trinity visible in heaven?</a> <a href="/q/do_you_fully_trust_the_lord.htm">What does baptism symbolize in Christian faith?</a> <a href="/q/explain_the_voice_at_jesus'_baptism..htm">How can the voice from heaven at Jesus’ baptism (Mark 1:10–11) be explained in a scientific or historical context? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) The heavens were opened.--The narrative implies (1) that our Lord and the Baptist were either alone, or that they alone saw what is recorded. "The heavens were opened to him" as they were to Stephen (<a href="/acts/7-56.htm" title="And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.">Acts 7:56</a>). The Baptist bears record that he too beheld the Spirit descending (<a href="/context/john/1-33.htm" title="And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said to me, On whom you shall see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizes with the Holy Ghost.">John 1:33-34</a>), but there is not the slightest ground for supposing that there was any manifestation to others. So in the vision near Damascus, St. Paul only heard the words and saw the form of Him who spake them (<a href="/acts/9-7.htm" title="And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.">Acts 9:7</a>; <a href="/acts/22-9.htm" title="And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spoke to me.">Acts 22:9</a>). That which they did see served, as did the tongues of fire on the day of Pentecost, as an attestation to the consciousness of each, of the reality of the gift imparted, and of its essential character. That descent of the Spirit, "as it were a dove," as St. Luke adds (<a href="/luke/3-22.htm" title="And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove on him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, You are my beloved Son; in you I am well pleased.">Luke 3:22</a>), "in bodily form," taught the Baptist, as it teaches us, that the gift of supernatural power and wisdom brought with it also the perfection of the tenderness, the purity, the gentleness of which the dove was the acknowledged symbol. To be "harmless as doves" was the command the Lord gave to His disciples (<a href="/matthew/10-16.htm" title="Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the middle of wolves: be you therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.">Matthew 10:16</a>), and when they read this record, they were taught as we are, "of what manner of spirit" they were meant to be. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - And Jesus, when he was baptized. Combining the statements of the synoptists, we may conclude that Jesus went up from the water at once, praying as he went, and that, while he was going up and praying, the heavens opened. Out of; from '(Revised Version); ἀπό; for, as it seems, he had not gone fully out of the water. The heavens were opened unto him. So also the Revised Version, but the Revised Version margin, with Westcott and Herr, rightly omits "unto him." The words were inserted because it was thought that Jesus alone saw the manifestation, as indeed we should have supposed if we had had only the account of St. Mark, who reads, "he saw" before "the heavens being rent asunder" (but cf. <a href="/john/1-32.htm">John 1:32-34</a>). To our Lord and to the Baptist the appearance was as though the sky really opened (cf. <a href="/ezekiel/1-1.htm">Ezekiel 1:1</a>; <a href="/acts/7-56.htm">Acts 7:56</a>). The Spirit of God; recalling <a href="/genesis/1-2.htm">Genesis 1:2</a>. "Messiah now enters on his public office, and for that receives, as true Man, the appropriate gifts. The Spirit by whom men are sub jectively united to God descends upon the Word made Flesh, by whom objectively God is revealed to men" (Bishop Westcott, on <a href="/john/1-32.htm">John 1:32</a>). Like; as (Revised Version). The comparison is hardly to the gentleness of the descent of a dove, but to a visible appearance in bodily form, as a dove (see parallel passage in Luke). Not, of course, that the Holy Spirit was thus at all incarnate, but that either the appearance of a dove was seen by John's eyes only (cf. especially Theodore of Mopsuestia, in Meyer), or, as is not unlikely (even though the suggestion belongs ultimately to Paulus), a dove really flew down and lighted on the Lord (Luke), and that this, to outsiders merely a curious incident (cf. <a href="/john/12-29.htm">John 12:29</a>), was to our Lord and the Baptist a sign of spiritual blessing. A dove (περιστερά); any member of the pigeon tribe; chosen because a symbol of deliverance (<a href="/genesis/8-8.htm">Genesis 8:8</a>), of purity (<a href="/leviticus/5-7.htm">Leviticus 5:7</a>), of harmlessness (<a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a>), and of endearment (<a href="/songs/6-9.htm">Song of Solomon 6:9</a>). There is no evidence (cf. Edersheim, 'Life,' 1:287) that the dove was at this period interpreted by Jews as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The Targum on <a href="/songs/2-12.htm">Song of Solomon 2:12</a> paraphrasing "the voice of the turtle-dove ' by "the voice of the Holy Spirit," dates in its present form from the eighth to the tenth century. The dove mentioned (though probably by interpolation) in the account of Polycarp's death, appears to be a symbol of the soul (cf. Bishop Lightfoot). Wichelhaus (as quoted by Kubel) says suggestively, "lamb and dove - no kingdom in the world has these emblems on its escutcheon." And; omit, with manuscripts. Lighting; coming (Revised Version), because it is needless to translate a common Greek (ἐρχόμενον) by a rare English word. Observe that it refers to the Holy Spirit, not to the dove as such. Upon him (so Luke and <a href="/john/1-32.htm">John 1:32, 33</a>; Mark more vaguely, "unto him"). <a href="/commentaries/matthew/3-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>As soon as δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. [Jesus] was baptized, Βαπτισθεὶς (Baptistheis) Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_907.htm">Strong's 907: </a> Lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize. He Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. went up ἀνέβη (anebē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_305.htm">Strong's 305: </a> To go up, mount, ascend; of things: I rise, spring up, come up. From ana and the base of basis; to go up. out of ἀπὸ (apo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. water. ὕδατος (hydatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5204.htm">Strong's 5204: </a> Water. And genitive case, hudatos, etc. From the base of huetos; water literally or figuratively. Suddenly ἰδοὺ (idou) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2400.htm">Strong's 2400: </a> See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo! the οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. heavens οὐρανοί (ouranoi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. were opened, ἠνεῴχθησαν (ēneōchthēsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_455.htm">Strong's 455: </a> To open. From ana and oigo; to open up. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. He saw εἶδεν (eiden) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. the τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Spirit Πνεῦμα (Pneuma) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> Wind, breath, spirit. of τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. God Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. descending καταβαῖνον (katabainon) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2597.htm">Strong's 2597: </a> To go down, come down, either from the sky or from higher land, descend. From kata and the base of basis; to descend. like ὡσεὶ (hōsei) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5616.htm">Strong's 5616: </a> As if, as it were, like; with numbers: about. From hos and ei; as if. a dove περιστερὰν (peristeran) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4058.htm">Strong's 4058: </a> A dove, pigeon. Of uncertain derivation; a pigeon. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. resting ἐρχόμενον (erchomenon) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. on ἐπ’ (ep’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. Him. αὐτόν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/3-16.htm">Matthew 3:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/3-16.htm">Matthew 3:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/3-16.htm">Matthew 3:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/3-16.htm">Matthew 3:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/3-16.htm">Matthew 3:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/3-16.htm">Matthew 3:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/3-16.htm">Matthew 3:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/3-16.htm">Matthew 3:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/3-16.htm">Matthew 3:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/3-16.htm">Matthew 3:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/3-16.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 3:16 Jesus when he was baptized went up (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/3-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 3:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 3:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/3-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 3:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 3:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>