CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 3:15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John could be the Christ.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/3-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/42_Luk_03_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 3:15 - The Mission of John the Baptist" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John could be the Christ." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/luke/3-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/luke/3-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/luke/">Luke</a> > <a href="/luke/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/3-14.htm" title="Luke 3:14">◄</a> Luke 3:15 <a href="/luke/3-16.htm" title="Luke 3:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/luke/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/luke/3.htm">New International Version</a> The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. <a href="/nlt/luke/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. <a href="/esv/luke/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, <a href="/bsb/luke/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John could be the Christ. <a href="/blb/luke/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And the people are expecting and all wondering in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ. <a href="/kjv/luke/3.htm">King James Bible</a> And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; <a href="/nkjv/luke/3.htm">New King James Version</a> Now as the people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not, <a href="/nasb_/luke/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now while the people were in a state of expectation and they all were thinking carefully in their hearts about John, whether he himself perhaps was the Christ, <a href="/nasb/luke/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now while the people were in a state of expectation and all were wondering in their hearts about John, as to whether he was the Christ, <a href="/nasb77/luke/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now while the people were in a state of expectation and all were wondering in their hearts about John, as to whether he might be the Christ, <a href="/lsb/luke/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now while the people were in a state of expectation and all were reasoning in their hearts about John, as to whether he was the Christ, <a href="/amp/luke/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now the people were in a state of expectation, and all were wondering in their hearts about John, as to whether he was the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed). <a href="/csb/luke/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Now the people were waiting expectantly, and all of them were questioning in their hearts whether John might be the Messiah. <a href="/hcsb/luke/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now the people were waiting expectantly, and all of them were debating in their minds whether John might be the Messiah. <a href="/asv/luke/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> And as the people were in expectation, and all men reasoned in their hearts concerning John, whether haply he were the Christ; <a href="/cev/luke/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Everyone became excited and wondered, "Could John be the Messiah?" <a href="/erv/luke/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> And as the people were in expectation, and all men reasoned in their hearts concerning John, whether haply he were the Christ; <a href="/gwt/luke/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> People's hopes were rising as they all wondered whether John was the Messiah. <a href="/gnt/luke/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> People's hopes began to rise, and they began to wonder whether John perhaps might be the Messiah. <a href="/isv/luke/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now the people were filled with expectation, and all of them were wondering if John was perhaps the Messiah. <a href="/msb/luke/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John could be the Christ. <a href="/net/luke/3.htm">NET Bible</a> While the people were filled with anticipation and they all wondered whether perhaps John could be the Christ, <a href="/nheb/luke/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> As the people were in expectation, and all were wondering in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he was the Christ, <a href="/wbt/luke/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts concerning John, whether he was the Christ, or not; <a href="/wey/luke/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And while the people were in suspense and all were debating in their minds whether John might possibly be the Anointed One, <a href="/web/luke/3.htm">World English Bible</a> As the people were in expectation, and all men reasoned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he was the Christ, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the people are looking forward, and all are reasoning in their hearts concerning John, whether or not he may be the Christ; <a href="/blb/luke/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And the people are expecting and all wondering in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ. <a href="/ylt/luke/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the people are looking forward, and all are reasoning in their hearts concerning John, whether or not he may be the Christ; <a href="/slt/luke/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the people awaiting, and all reasoning in their hearts concerning John, whether he may not be the Christ;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And as the people were of opinion, and all were thinking in their hearts of John, that perhaps he might be the Christ; <a href="/cpdv/luke/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now all were thinking about John in their hearts, and the people were supposing that perhaps he might be the Christ. <a href="/nabre/luke/3.htm">New American Bible</a> Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Messiah. <a href="/nrsvce/luke/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> While the people were placing their hope on John, and all of them were thinking in their hearts, that perhaps he is the Christ; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But as the people had been thinking about Yohannan and they were all pondering in their hearts whether he were The Messiah,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> While the people were in suspense, and all were reasoning in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not, <a href="/godbey/luke/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And the people waiting and all reasoning in their hearts concerning John, lest he might be the Christ. <a href="/haweis/luke/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Now when the people were in expectation, and many reasoned in their hearts respecting John, whether he were the Messiah, <a href="/mace/luke/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> As the people were in suspence, every man imagining in his own mind that John might be the Messiah; <a href="/wey/luke/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And while the people were in suspense and all were debating in their minds whether John might possibly be the Anointed One, <a href="/worrell/luke/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And, as the people were in expectation, and all were reasoning in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he himself were the Christ, <a href="/worsley/luke/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Now as the people were in suspense, and were all thinking in their hearts concerning John, whether he were the Christ or not, <a href="/parallel/luke/3-15.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/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=1140" 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/luke/3.htm">The Mission of John the Baptist</a> …14Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” “Do not take money by force or false accusation,” he said. “Be content with your wages.” 15<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></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.">The</a> <a href="/greek/2992.htm" title="2992: laou (N-GMS) -- Apparently a primary word; a people.">people</a> <a href="/greek/4328.htm" title="4328: Prosdokōntos (V-PPA-GMS) -- To expect, wait for, await, think, anticipate. From pros and dokeuo; to anticipate; by implication, to await.">were waiting expectantly</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pantōn (Adj-GMP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">were all</a> <a href="/greek/1260.htm" title="1260: dialogizomenōn (V-PPM/P-GMP) -- To reason (with), debate (with), consider. From dia and logizomai; to reckon thoroughly, i.e. to deliberate.">wondering</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">their</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tais (Art-DFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardiais (N-DFP) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">hearts</a> <a href="/greek/4012.htm" title="4012: peri (Prep) -- From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time."></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."></a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">if</a> <a href="/greek/4219.htm" title="4219: pote (Conj) -- When, at what time. From the base of pou and te; interrogative adverb, at what time."></a> <a href="/greek/2491.htm" title="2491: Iōannou (N-GMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.">John</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autos (PPro-NM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eiē (V-POA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">could be</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.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christos (N-NMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ.</a> 16John answered all of them: “I baptize you with water, but One more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.…<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="/john/1-19.htm">John 1:19-28</a> And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” / He did not refuse to confess, but openly declared, “I am not the Christ.” / “Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” ... <a href="/matthew/3-11.htm">Matthew 3:11</a> I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. <a href="/mark/1-7.htm">Mark 1:7-8</a> And he proclaimed: “After me will come One more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. / I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” <a href="/acts/13-25.htm">Acts 13:25</a> As John was completing his course, he said, ‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not that One. But there is One coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’ <a href="/john/1-6.htm">John 1:6-8</a> There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John. / He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe. / He himself was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. <a href="/malachi/3-1.htm">Malachi 3:1</a> “Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts. <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3-5</a> A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert. / Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low; the uneven ground will become smooth, and the rugged land a plain. / And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all humanity together will see it.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. <a href="/john/1-15.htm">John 1:15</a> John testified concerning Him. He cried out, saying, “This is He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’” <a href="/john/3-28.htm">John 3:28</a> You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.’ <a href="/matthew/11-3.htm">Matthew 11:3</a> to ask Him, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?” <a href="/deuteronomy/18-15.htm">Deuteronomy 18:15</a> The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to him. <a href="/john/7-31.htm">John 7:31</a> Many in the crowd, however, believed in Him and said, “When the Christ comes, will He perform more signs than this man?” <a href="/john/10-24.htm">John 10:24</a> So the Jews gathered around Him and demanded, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” <a href="/acts/19-4.htm">Acts 19:4</a> Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” <a href="/john/1-26.htm">John 1:26-27</a> “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands One you do not know. / He is the One who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;expectation.<a href="/john/10-24.htm">John 10:24</a> Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.mused.<a href="/john/1-19.htm">John 1:19</a> And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?<a href="/john/3-28.htm">John 3:28,29</a> Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/mark/15-4.htm">Charges</a> <a href="/luke/2-26.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/luke/3-14.htm">Content</a> <a href="/micah/7-7.htm">Expectantly</a> <a href="/mark/15-43.htm">Expectation</a> <a href="/luke/2-38.htm">Forward</a> <a href="/mark/14-2.htm">Haply</a> <a href="/luke/3-3.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/mark/15-44.htm">Inquired</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-13.htm">Intimidate</a> <a href="/luke/3-11.htm">John</a> <a href="/mark/16-18.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/psalms/77-6.htm">Mused</a> <a href="/luke/1-64.htm">Once</a> <a href="/mark/14-2.htm">Perhaps</a> <a href="/mark/9-23.htm">Possibly</a> <a href="/luke/3-14.htm">Questioning</a> <a href="/luke/1-29.htm">Reasoned</a> <a href="/luke/1-29.htm">Reasoning</a> <a href="/luke/3-14.htm">Soldiers</a> <a href="/luke/2-26.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/mark/15-44.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/16-1.htm">Charges</a> <a href="/luke/4-41.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/romans/12-16.htm">Content</a> <a href="/job/29-21.htm">Expectantly</a> <a href="/luke/21-26.htm">Expectation</a> <a href="/luke/5-10.htm">Forward</a> <a href="/luke/4-11.htm">Haply</a> <a href="/luke/5-22.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/luke/15-26.htm">Inquired</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-13.htm">Intimidate</a> <a href="/luke/3-16.htm">John</a> <a href="/luke/5-18.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/psalms/39-3.htm">Mused</a> <a href="/luke/4-39.htm">Once</a> <a href="/luke/4-11.htm">Perhaps</a> <a href="/luke/3-16.htm">Possibly</a> <a href="/luke/9-45.htm">Questioning</a> <a href="/luke/12-17.htm">Reasoned</a> <a href="/luke/5-22.htm">Reasoning</a> <a href="/luke/7-8.htm">Soldiers</a> <a href="/luke/7-19.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/luke/3-16.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 3</div>1. <a href="/luke/3-1.htm">The preaching and baptism of John;</a> 15. <a href="/luke/3-15.htm">his testimony of Jesus;</a> 19. <a href="/luke/3-19.htm">Herod imprisons John;</a> 21. <a href="/luke/3-21.htm">Jesus, baptized, receives testimony from heaven.</a> 23. <a href="/luke/3-23.htm">The age and genealogy of Jesus from Joseph upwards.</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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The people were waiting expectantly The Jewish people were under Roman occupation and longed for deliverance, which heightened their anticipation for the Messiah. This expectation was rooted in Old Testament prophecies, such as those found in Isaiah and Daniel, which spoke of a coming deliverer. The socio-political climate of the time, marked by oppression and unrest, fueled their hope for a savior who would restore Israel.and were all wondering in their hearts This phrase indicates an internal, personal reflection among the people. The heart, in biblical terms, often represents the center of thought and emotion. The people's wonderment suggests a deep, collective yearning and a search for truth. This internal questioning reflects the spiritual hunger and anticipation for divine intervention.if John could be the Christ. John the Baptist's powerful preaching and baptizing ministry led many to speculate about his identity. The term "Christ" is the Greek equivalent of "Messiah," meaning "Anointed One." John’s ascetic lifestyle and prophetic voice resonated with the messianic expectations of the time. However, John himself clarified his role as the forerunner to the Messiah, pointing to Jesus as the one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, fulfilling prophecies such as those in Malachi and Isaiah.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_people.htm">The People</a> The crowd gathered around John the Baptist, eager and expectant, reflecting the Jewish anticipation of the Messiah. 2. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a> A prophetic figure, known for his call to repentance and baptism, who played a pivotal role in preparing the way for Jesus. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_christ.htm">The Christ (Messiah)</a> The anointed one whom the Jewish people were expecting to deliver them, a central figure in Jewish eschatology.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/e/expectation_and_readiness.htm">Expectation and Readiness</a> The people's expectation highlights the importance of being spiritually ready and discerning for God's work in our lives. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_true_identity.htm">Understanding True Identity</a> Just as John clarified his role, Christians should understand and embrace their identity in Christ, avoiding misconceptions. <a href="/topical/r/role_of_prophecy.htm">Role of Prophecy</a> Recognize the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the New Testament, strengthening faith in God's sovereign plan. <a href="/topical/h/humility_in_ministry.htm">Humility in Ministry</a> John’s humility in pointing to Christ serves as a model for Christian service, emphasizing the importance of directing glory to God. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_leadership.htm">Discernment in Leadership</a> The people's questioning of John's identity underscores the need for discernment in recognizing true spiritual leadership.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 3</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_being_content.htm">Is salvation derived from the Jewish people?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_plot_of_priests_of_nob.htm">Is God angry with me?</a> <a href="/q/how_is_ezekiel_37_25-28_fulfilled_today.htm">How can Ezekiel 37:25-28's everlasting covenant and sanctuary be understood when there seems to be no clear historical or present-day fulfillment matching this depiction?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_angels_seek_gospel_insight.htm">Why would angels 'long to look' into the gospel (1 Peter 1:12) if angels are traditionally viewed as having heavenly knowledge?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) All men mused in their hearts . . .--The surmise which St. Luke thus records is not given by St. Matthew or St. Mark, but it agrees with what we find in St. John (<a href="/john/1-19.htm" title="And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who are you?">John 1:19</a>), and explains the reference to the "mightier" one which in the other Gospels comes in somewhat abruptly. On the answer itself, see Notes on <a href="/context/matthew/3-11.htm" title="I indeed baptize you with water to repentance. but he that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear. he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.">Matthew 3:11-12</a>. St. Luke's report includes the chief features of those of St. Matthew and St. Mark, but it omits the characteristically vivid "stooping down" to unloose which we find in the latter.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - All men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not. There was general expectation at that time among the Jews that Messiah's coming was at hand. This strange feeling that something momentous was about to happen to mankind was not confined to the Jews of Palestine, it strongly influenced the Jews who were dispersed in foreign countries - Egypt, Greece, Italy, etc., and through them it had even reached many of the Gentiles who were brought into contact with the chosen people. This idea among the Jews, that John was probably the looked-for deliverer, is only mentioned by St. Luke-another proof that the source of his information was quite distinct from that used by Matthew and Mark. <a href="/commentaries/luke/3-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>The 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. people λαοῦ (laou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2992.htm">Strong's 2992: </a> Apparently a primary word; a people. were waiting expectantly Προσδοκῶντος (Prosdokōntos) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4328.htm">Strong's 4328: </a> To expect, wait for, await, think, anticipate. From pros and dokeuo; to anticipate; by implication, to await. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. {were} all πάντων (pantōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. wondering διαλογιζομένων (dialogizomenōn) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1260.htm">Strong's 1260: </a> To reason (with), debate (with), consider. From dia and logizomai; to reckon thoroughly, i.e. to deliberate. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. their αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural <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. hearts καρδίαις (kardiais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. if μή‿ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. John Ἰωάννου (Iōannou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2491.htm">Strong's 2491: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites. could be εἴη (eiē) Verb - Present Optative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative 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. Christ. Χριστός (Christos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/3-15.htm">Luke 3:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/3-15.htm">Luke 3:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/3-15.htm">Luke 3:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/3-15.htm">Luke 3:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/3-15.htm">Luke 3:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/3-15.htm">Luke 3:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/3-15.htm">Luke 3:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/3-15.htm">Luke 3:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/3-15.htm">Luke 3:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/3-15.htm">Luke 3:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/3-15.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 3:15 As the people were in expectation (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/3-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 3:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 3:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/3-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 3:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 3:16" /></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>