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<!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>John 3:23 Now John was also baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because the water was plentiful there, and people kept coming to be baptized.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/3-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/43_Jhn_03_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 3:23 - John's Testimony about Jesus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now John was also baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because the water was plentiful there, and people kept coming to be baptized." /><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'; 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and people kept coming to him for baptism. <a href="/esv/john/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized <a href="/bsb/john/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now John was also baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because the water was plentiful there, and people kept coming to be baptized. <a href="/blb/john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now John was also baptizing in Aenon, near Salim, because the waters were many there, and they were coming and being baptized. <a href="/kjv/john/3.htm">King James Bible</a> And John also was baptizing in AEnon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. <a href="/nkjv/john/3.htm">New King James Version</a> Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized. <a href="/nasb_/john/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now John also was baptizing in Aenon, near Salim, because there was an abundance of water there; and people were coming and being baptized— <a href="/nasb/john/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there; and people were coming and were being baptized— <a href="/nasb77/john/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there; and they were coming and were being baptized. <a href="/lsb/john/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there; and people were coming and were being baptized— <a href="/amp/john/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now John was also baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was an abundance of water there; and people were coming and were being baptized— <a href="/csb/john/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water there. People were coming and being baptized, <a href="/hcsb/john/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water there. People were coming and being baptized, <a href="/asv/john/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> And John also was baptizing in 锟絥on near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. <a href="/erv/john/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> And John also was baptizing in AEnon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. <a href="/gwt/john/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> John was baptizing in Aenon, near Salim. Water was plentiful there. (People came to John to be baptized, <a href="/gnt/john/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> John also was baptizing in Aenon, not far from Salim, because there was plenty of water in that place. People were going to him, and he was baptizing them. ( <a href="/isv/john/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> John was also baptizing in Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there. People kept coming and were being baptized, <a href="/msb/john/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now John was also baptizing at Aenon near Salem, because the water was plentiful there, and people kept coming to be baptized. <a href="/net/john/3.htm">NET Bible</a> John was also baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming to him and being baptized. <a href="/nheb/john/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. They came, and were baptized. <a href="/wbt/john/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And John also was baptizing in Enon, near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. <a href="/wey/john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And John too was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there were many pools of water there; and people came and received baptism. <a href="/web/john/3.htm">World English Bible</a> John also was baptizing in Enon near Salim, because there was much water there. They came and were baptized; <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and John was also immersing in Aenon, near to Salem, because there were many waters there, and they were coming and were being immersed— <a href="/blb/john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now John was also baptizing in Aenon, near Salim, because the waters were many there, and they were coming and being baptized. <a href="/ylt/john/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and John was also baptizing in Aenon, nigh to Salem, because there were many waters there, and they were coming and were being baptized -- <a href="/slt/john/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And John was also immersing in Aenon near Salim, for many waters were there: and they came near and were immersed.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And John also was baptizing in Ennon near Salim; because there was much water there; and they came and were baptized. <a href="/cpdv/john/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now John was also baptizing, at Aenon near Salim, because there was much water in that place. And they were arriving and being baptized. <a href="/nabre/john/3.htm">New American Bible</a> John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was an abundance of water there, and people came to be baptized, <a href="/nrsvce/john/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim because water was abundant there; and people kept coming and were being baptized<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> John also was baptizing at the spring of Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there; and they came, and were baptized. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But Yohannan was also baptizing in Ainyon next to Shalim, because there was water there, and many were coming and were baptized.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And John also was immersing in Aenon, near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were immersed; <a href="/godbey/john/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And John was also baptizing in Enon near Salim, because there were many waters there: and they came and baptized. <a href="/haweis/john/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Now John also was baptising at Enon, near to Salem, for there were many streams of water there: and they came, and were baptised. <a href="/mace/john/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and baptized, while John was likewise baptizing in Enon, near Salim, it being a place abounding with water: so that people came to be baptized there. <a href="/wey/john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And John too was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there were many pools of water there; and people came and received baptism. <a href="/worrell/john/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And John also was immersing in Enon near Salim, because there was much water there; and they were coming and being immersed. <a href="/worsley/john/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And John also was baptizing in Enon near Salim; because there was much water there: and people came to him and were baptized. <a href="/parallel/john/3-23.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/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=792" 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/john/3.htm">John's Testimony about Jesus</a> 22After this, Jesus and His disciples went into the Judean countryside, where He spent some time with them and baptized. 23<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Now</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/2491.htm" title="2491: Iōannēs (N-NMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.">John</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: Ēn (V-IIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">was</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">also</a> <a href="/greek/907.htm" title="907: baptizōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- Lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize. ">baptizing</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.">at</a> <a href="/greek/137.htm" title="137: Ainōn (N-DFS) -- Of Hebrew origin;?Non, a place in Palestine.">Aenon</a> <a href="/greek/1451.htm" title="1451: engys (Prep) -- Near. From a primary verb agcho; near.">near</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."></a> <a href="/greek/4530.htm" title="4530: Saleim (N-GNS) -- Salim -- a place in Palestine. Probably from the same as saleuo; Salim, a place in Palestine.">Salim,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</a> <a href="/greek/5204.htm" title="5204: hydata (N-NNP) -- Water. And genitive case, hudatos, etc. From the base of huetos; water literally or figuratively.">the water</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēn (V-IIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">was</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: polla (Adj-NNP) -- Much, many; often. ">plentiful</a> <a href="/greek/1563.htm" title="1563: ekei (Adv) -- (a) there, yonder, in that place, (b) thither, there. Of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither.">there,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3854.htm" title="3854: pareginonto (V-IIM-3P) -- From para and ginomai; to become near, i.e. Approach; by implication, to appear publicly.">people kept coming</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/907.htm" title="907: ebaptizonto (V-IIM/P-3P) -- Lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize. ">to be baptized.</a> 24(For John had not yet been thrown into prison.)…<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="/matthew/3-6.htm">Matthew 3:6</a> Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. <a href="/mark/1-4.htm">Mark 1:4-5</a> John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. / People went out to him from all of Jerusalem and the countryside of Judea. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. <a href="/luke/3-3.htm">Luke 3:3</a> He went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, <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/1-28.htm">John 1:28</a> All this happened at Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. <a href="/john/1-31.htm">John 1:31</a> I myself did not know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that He might be revealed to Israel.” <a href="/john/1-33.htm">John 1:33</a> 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.’ <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/1-8.htm">Mark 1:8</a> I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” <a href="/luke/3-16.htm">Luke 3:16</a> John 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. <a href="/acts/1-5.htm">Acts 1:5</a> For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” <a href="/acts/2-38.htm">Acts 2:38</a> Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. <a href="/acts/8-36.htm">Acts 8:36-38</a> As they traveled along the road and came to some water, the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is there to prevent me from being baptized?” / And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may be baptized.” The eunuch replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” / And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. <a href="/romans/6-3.htm">Romans 6:3-4</a> Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? / We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-14.htm">1 Corinthians 1:14-17</a> I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, / so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. / Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that I do not remember if I baptized anyone else. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.near.<a href="/genesis/33-18.htm">Genesis 33:18</a> And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city.Shalem.<a href="/1_samuel/9-4.htm">1 Samuel 9:4</a> And he passed through mount Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalisha, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shalim, and there they were not: and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found them not.Shalim.<a href="/jeremiah/51-13.htm">Jeremiah 51:13</a> O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, and the measure of thy covetousness.<a href="/ezekiel/19-10.htm">Ezekiel 19:10</a> Thy mother is like a vine in thy blood, planted by the waters: she was fruitful and full of branches by reason of many waters.<a href="/ezekiel/43-2.htm">Ezekiel 43:2</a> And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.and they.<a href="/matthew/3-5.htm">Matthew 3:5,6</a> Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, … <a href="/mark/1-4.htm">Mark 1:4,5</a> John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins… <a href="/luke/3-7.htm">Luke 3:7</a> Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/1-31.htm">Baptising</a> <a href="/john/1-33.htm">Baptism</a> <a href="/john/3-22.htm">Baptized</a> <a href="/john/3-22.htm">Baptizing</a> <a href="/luke/18-5.htm">Constantly</a> <a href="/luke/18-39.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-17.htm">Enon</a> <a href="/john/2-23.htm">Great</a> <a href="/john/1-42.htm">John</a> <a href="/john/2-13.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/luke/12-19.htm">Plenty</a> <a href="/mark/9-22.htm">Pools</a> <a href="/john/3-18.htm">Received</a> <a href="/psalms/76-2.htm">Salem</a> <a href="/john/3-5.htm">Water</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Baptising</a> <a href="/john/3-26.htm">Baptism</a> <a href="/john/4-1.htm">Baptized</a> <a href="/john/3-26.htm">Baptizing</a> <a href="/john/6-2.htm">Constantly</a> <a href="/john/4-41.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-17.htm">Enon</a> <a href="/john/3-26.htm">Great</a> <a href="/john/3-24.htm">John</a> <a href="/john/6-4.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/john/6-10.htm">Plenty</a> <a href="/exodus/7-19.htm">Pools</a> <a href="/john/3-33.htm">Received</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-1.htm">Salem</a> <a href="/john/4-7.htm">Water</a><div class="vheading2">John 3</div>1. <a href="/john/3-1.htm">Jesus teaches Nicodemus the necessity of being born again,</a> 14. <a href="/john/3-14.htm">of faith in his death,</a> 16. <a href="/john/3-16.htm">the great love of God toward the world,</a> 18. <a href="/john/3-18.htm">and the condemnation for unbelief.</a> 22. <a href="/john/3-22.htm">Jesus baptizes in Judea.</a> 23. <a href="/john/3-23.htm">The baptism, witness, and doctrine of John concerning Jesus.</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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His role as a forerunner to Christ is emphasized in the Gospels, where he is seen as fulfilling the prophecy of <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3</a>, "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord.'" Baptism, a ritual of purification, symbolized the washing away of sins and a commitment to a new way of life.at Aenon near Salim Aenon, meaning "springs" in Hebrew, suggests a location with abundant water, suitable for baptism. The exact location of Aenon is uncertain, but it is believed to be in the region of Samaria, near the Jordan River. Salim is thought to be a nearby village. This geographical detail highlights the itinerant nature of John's ministry, reaching various communities.because the water was plentiful there The availability of water was crucial for John's baptismal ministry, which required immersion. This detail underscores the practical considerations of his work and the importance of water in the ritual. Water is a significant biblical symbol, representing purification, life, and the Holy Spirit, as seen in passages like <a href="/john/4-14.htm">John 4:14</a> and <a href="/john/7-38.htm">John 7:38-39</a>.and people kept coming to be baptized John's ministry attracted large crowds, indicating a widespread desire for spiritual renewal and anticipation of the Messiah. This movement was significant enough to draw the attention of religious leaders, as seen in <a href="/matthew/3-7.htm">Matthew 3:7-10</a>, where Pharisees and Sadducees come to observe. The continuous flow of people reflects the impact of John's message and the readiness of the people to embrace the coming kingdom of God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a> A key figure in the New Testament, John the Baptist was a prophet who prepared the way for Jesus Christ by calling people to repentance and baptizing them. His ministry emphasized the need for spiritual cleansing and readiness for the coming Messiah. 2. <a href="/topical/a/aenon.htm">Aenon</a> A location mentioned in the New Testament, Aenon is noted for its abundant water supply, making it a suitable place for baptisms. The exact location is uncertain, but it is believed to be in the region of Samaria. 3. <a href="/topical/s/salim.htm">Salim</a> Another geographical reference, Salim is mentioned alongside Aenon. Its precise location is also debated, but it is thought to be near the Jordan River, facilitating John's baptizing activities. 4. <a href="/topical/b/baptism.htm">Baptism</a> A significant event in the New Testament, baptism symbolizes repentance and the washing away of sins. John's baptism was a precursor to Christian baptism, which signifies identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 5. <a href="/topical/p/people_coming_to_be_baptized.htm">People Coming to be Baptized</a> This phrase highlights the widespread impact of John's ministry, as many people were drawn to his message and sought baptism as a sign of their repentance and desire for spiritual renewal.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_repentance.htm">The Importance of Repentance</a> John's ministry centered on the call to repentance. As believers, we are reminded of the ongoing need for repentance in our lives, turning away from sin and turning towards God. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_baptism.htm">The Role of Baptism</a> Baptism is a public declaration of faith and repentance. It serves as a reminder of our commitment to follow Christ and live a life that reflects His teachings. <a href="/topical/t/the_abundance_of_god's_provision.htm">The Abundance of God's Provision</a> Just as Aenon had plentiful water for baptism, God provides abundantly for our spiritual needs. We can trust in His provision and seek Him for spiritual renewal and growth. <a href="/topical/t/the_impact_of_faithful_ministry.htm">The Impact of Faithful Ministry</a> John's ministry drew many people to repentance and baptism. Our faithful witness and service can also have a significant impact on those around us, leading them to Christ. <a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_the_messiah.htm">Preparation for the Messiah</a> John's role was to prepare the way for Jesus. We are called to prepare our hearts and lives for Christ's return, living in a way that honors Him and points others to Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 3</a> <a href="/q/how_is_baptism_correctly_performed.htm">What is the correct method for performing baptism?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_john_baptize_in_the_jordan.htm">Why did John baptize people in the Jordan River?</a> <a href="/q/why_little_evidence_of_john's_baptisms.htm">Luke 3:3 – Why does there seem to be sparse archeological evidence for John’s extensive baptizing activities in the Jordan region? </a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_steps_to_get_baptized.htm">What are the steps to get baptized?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) 'non near to Salim.--The latter place was clearly well known at the time, and regarded as fixing the locality of the former. It has been usual to follow Jerome and Eusebius, who fix the place in the valley of the Jordan, eight miles south from Bethshan, or Scythopolis. (See quotation from the Onomasticon, in Caspari, Chron. and Geogr. Introd., Eng. Trans., p. 122.) The objection to this is, that the text seems to limit us to Judaea (comp. <a href="/context/john/4-3.htm" title="He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.">John 4:3-4</a>), whereas this Salim is more than thirty miles from it. The word 'non means "springs," and probably belonged to more than one place where "there was much water." The mention of this is opposed to the locality of the Jordan valley, where it would not be necessary to choose a place for this reason. Dr. Barclay (City of the Great Xing, 1858, pp. 558-570) found both names in a place answering the description, and certainly answering the narrative better than other identifications, at Wady Farah, about five miles from Jerusalem.They came--i.e., the people.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 23. - And John also was baptizing in AEnon, near to Salim, because there were many waters there; and they came, and were baptized. There is much difficulty in determining the site of AEnon, near Saleim. Eusebius and Jerome (in 'Onomasticon') place it in the northern part of Samaria, about eight miles south of Scythopolis (Jerome, 'Ad Evagrium,' Ep. 126; Epiph., 'Haer.,' 55:2; Winer, 'Real Wort.,' 1:33; Lucke, in loc.; Thomson, 'The Land and the Book,' 2:176). This does not well accord with the statement that Jesus was "in Judaea," and proposed to "pass through Samaria" (cf. ver. 22; <a href="/john/4-1.htm">John 4:1-4</a>). It may be observed, however, that our narrative does not limit the scene of our Lord's Judaean ministry to any one place, nor does it assert that the Baptist and Jesus were in near proximity, but rather the reverse. There is a Shilhim mentioned in <a href="/joshua/15-32.htm">Joshua 15:32</a>, with which is associated an ain (or fountain) - a word closely resembling "AEnon." This would seem to have been in the south of Judaea. Godet thinks that, since Ain and Rimmon are associated with each other in <a href="/joshua/19-7.htm">Joshua 19:7</a> and <a href="/1_chronicles/4-32.htm">1 Chronicles 4:32</a>, and an En-Remmon is spoken of in <a href="/nehemiah/11-29.htm">Nehemiah 11:29</a>, that we have in this blending the origin of the word "AEnon." He thinks that the presence of waters is more likely to be specified in a dry region like that of the border of Edom than in a fertile district like Samaria; and he goes on to argue that Jesus may therefore have travelled south between Hebron and Beersheba, even as, in the synoptics, we find him in Caesarea Philippi, the northernmost portion of the Holy Land. Certainly he may have tarried there during the eight months, but we have no right to establish it from this passage. It is not said that Jesus was at AEnon. Dr. Barclay (1858) reports the discovery of AEnon at Wady Far'ah, a secluded valley five miles northeast of Jerusalem (Grove, Smith's ' Dict. Bible'). The recent discoveries of the Palestine Exploration Society find this Enun (Aynun) and Saleim not far from the Askar, or Sychar, where Jesus rested when John's ministry had been suddenly arrested. (Edersheim thinks that this Enon and Salim in Wady Far'ah leading from Samaria to the Jordan, are too far apart; but see 'Pal. Exp. Fund Report,' 1874, p. 141; 'Pict. Palestine,' 2:237; 'Tent-Work in Palestine,' 1:91-93.) Allegory reaches the point of absurdity when we are told by Theme that neither place nor time are historic. The Salem is (says he), according to <a href="/psalms/76-2.htm">Psalm 76:2</a>, the tabernacle or place of God, and therefore, according to Philo, indicates the Logos, who thenceforth becomes the Illuminator and Ruler. "The multitude of waters" would be suitable, necessary, to any great gatherings such as those which had followed the Baptist to the banks of the Jordan, as well as for baptismal processes. Such a site for AEnon is far more probable, on historical grounds, than is the southern extremity of Judaea; for Herod would have had no jurisdiction there, and would not have been tempted to arrest John's ministrations, nor would he or Herodias have suffered from the Baptist's rebuke of their adultery, if such reproaches had been spoken so far away from the centre of his tetrarchy. If, however, John had made no secret of his disapproval in regions so near to Galilee and Peraea, over which he presided, the consequent irritation of the voluptuous prince may have been more easily aroused, and his vengeance more legitimately taken. But how came John to be still administering baptism with a group of disciples of his own, and doing this long after the amazing announcements he had made in the spring of the year with reference to the rank and functions of the Lord Jesus? This narrative is the true key to the otherwise inexplicable contrariety between the Johannine testimonies to Christ and the message from the prison as described by the synoptists. It is the solution of the mystery that one who hailed Jesus as the Son of God and the Lamb of God and Baptizer with the Holy Spirit, and who was declared by Christ himself to be the greatest of woman born, was, notwithstanding, "less than the least in the kingdom of heaven." John is here shown by the fourth evangelist to have been still taking an independent position. He pointed others to Jesus, but he did not enroll himself among his followers. John was at last "offended" more than he knew at the humility of Jesus. He still waited for the coming of the Conqueror and the Wielder of the axe; he was looking for the manifested King, for the hour which had not yet come. He is a remarkable specimen of the energy with which a great purpose is embraced by those who are pledged to make it accomplish its end. The preparatory work of John could not, any more than the Hebraism of which it was the highest type, come to an abrupt end voluntarily; hence he continued it even to the peril of sacrificing all its value. They came, and were baptized; as "they" had done at Bethabara. There was some splitting up of the Messianic movement (Keim), and we see the effect of it upon his disciples and him self. Even in the midst of the labours of Paul (<a href="/acts/19-1.htm">Acts 19:1-4</a>), we find that Johannine baptism was still practised, and traces of the custom may still be observed in Oriental sects even to the present day. <a href="/commentaries/john/3-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Now δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. John Ἰωάννης (Iōannēs) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2491.htm">Strong's 2491: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites. was Ἦν (Ēn) Verb - Imperfect Indicative 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. also καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. baptizing βαπτίζων (baptizōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_907.htm">Strong's 907: </a> Lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize. at 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. Aenon Αἰνὼν (Ainōn) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_137.htm">Strong's 137: </a> Of Hebrew origin; ?Non, a place in Palestine. near ἐγγὺς (engys) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1451.htm">Strong's 1451: </a> Near. From a primary verb agcho; near. Salim, Σαλείμ (Saleim) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4530.htm">Strong's 4530: </a> Salim -- a place in Palestine. Probably from the same as saleuo; Salim, a place in Palestine. because ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. [the] water ὕδατα (hydata) Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural <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. was ἦν (ēn) Verb - Imperfect Indicative 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. plentiful πολλὰ (polla) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. there, ἐκεῖ (ekei) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_1563.htm">Strong's 1563: </a> (a) there, yonder, in that place, (b) thither, there. Of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. [people] kept coming παρεγίνοντο (pareginonto) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3854.htm">Strong's 3854: </a> From para and ginomai; to become near, i.e. Approach; by implication, to appear publicly. to be baptized. ἐβαπτίζοντο (ebaptizonto) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_907.htm">Strong's 907: </a> Lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/3-23.htm">John 3:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/3-23.htm">John 3:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/3-23.htm">John 3:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/3-23.htm">John 3:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/3-23.htm">John 3:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/3-23.htm">John 3:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/3-23.htm">John 3:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/3-23.htm">John 3:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/3-23.htm">John 3:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/3-23.htm">John 3:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/3-23.htm">NT Gospels: John 3:23 John also was baptizing in Enon near (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/3-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 3:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 3:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/3-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 3:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 3:24" /></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>