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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>Luke 3:3 He went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/3-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/42_Luk_03_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 3:3 - The Mission of John the Baptist" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins," /><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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<a href="/nkjv/luke/3.htm">New King James Version</a> And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, <a href="/nasb_/luke/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And he came into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins; <a href="/nasb/luke/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> And he came into all the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins; <a href="/nasb77/luke/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And he came into all the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins; <a href="/lsb/luke/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And he came into all the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins; <a href="/amp/luke/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And he went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin; <a href="/csb/luke/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> He went into all the vicinity of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, <a href="/hcsb/luke/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> He went into all the vicinity of the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, <a href="/asv/luke/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> And he came into all the region round about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance unto remission of sins; <a href="/cev/luke/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> So John went along the Jordan Valley, telling the people, "Turn back to God and be baptized! Then your sins will be forgiven." <a href="/erv/luke/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> And he came into all the region round about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance unto remission of sins; <a href="/gwt/luke/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> John traveled throughout the region around the Jordan River. He told people about a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. <a href="/gnt/luke/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> So John went throughout the whole territory of the Jordan River, preaching, "Turn away from your sins and be baptized, and God will forgive your sins." <a href="/isv/luke/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> John went throughout the entire Jordan region, proclaiming a baptism about repentance for the forgiveness of sins, <a href="/msb/luke/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> He went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, <a href="/net/luke/3.htm">NET Bible</a> He went into all the region around the Jordan River, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. <a href="/nheb/luke/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He came into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins. <a href="/wbt/luke/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance, for the remission of sins; <a href="/wey/luke/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> John went into all the district about the Jordan proclaiming a baptism of the penitent for the forgiveness of sins; <a href="/web/luke/3.htm">World English Bible</a> He came into all the region around the Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for remission of sins. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and he came to all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming an immersion of conversion for forgiveness of sins, <a href="/blb/luke/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And he went into all the region surrounding the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins, <a href="/ylt/luke/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and he came to all the region round the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of reformation -- to remission of sins, <a href="/slt/luke/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he came into all the country round about Jordan, proclaiming the immersion of repentance for remission of sins;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he came into all the country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins; <a href="/cpdv/luke/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he went into the entire region of the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, <a href="/nabre/luke/3.htm">New American Bible</a> He went throughout [the] whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, <a href="/nrsvce/luke/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he came throughout the country around Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And he came into the whole region which is around the Jordan while he was preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And he came into all the country about the Jordan, preaching the immersion of repentance in order to the remission of sins; <a href="/godbey/luke/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And he came into all the region round about the Jordan preaching the baptism of repentance unto the remissions of sins, <a href="/haweis/luke/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> and he came into all the country on the confines of Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; <a href="/mace/luke/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> in pursuance of which, he went into all the country about Jordan, exhorting all to repent and be baptized, in order to obtain the remission of their sins. <a href="/wey/luke/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> John went into all the district about the Jordan proclaiming a baptism of the penitent for the forgiveness of sins; <a href="/worrell/luke/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> and he came into all the region of the Jordan, preaching the immersion of repentance unto remission of sins; <a href="/worsley/luke/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> and he went into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance in order to the remission of sins; <a href="/parallel/luke/3-3.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=1034" 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> …2during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: ēlthen (V-AIA-3S) -- To come, go. ">He went</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">into</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pasan (Adj-AFS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">all</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- 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/4066.htm" title="4066: perichōron (Adj-AFS) -- From peri and chora; around the region, i.e. Circumjacent.">region around</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/2446.htm" title="2446: Iordanou (N-GMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; the Jordanes, a river of Palestine.">Jordan,</a> <a href="/greek/2784.htm" title="2784: kēryssōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To proclaim, herald, preach. Of uncertain affinity; to herald, especially divine truth.">preaching</a> <a href="/greek/908.htm" title="908: baptisma (N-ANS) -- The rite or ceremony of baptism. From baptizo; baptism.">a baptism</a> <a href="/greek/3341.htm" title="3341: metanoias (N-GFS) -- From metanoeo; compunction; by implication, reversal (another's) decision).">of repentance</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">for</a> <a href="/greek/859.htm" title="859: aphesin (N-AFS) -- A sending away, a letting go, a release, pardon, complete forgiveness. From aphiemi; freedom; pardon.">the forgiveness</a> <a href="/greek/266.htm" title="266: hamartiōn (N-GFP) -- From hamartano; a sin.">of sins,</a> 4as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.…<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/3-1.htm">Matthew 3:1-6</a> In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea / and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” / This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’” ... <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="/john/1-23.htm">John 1:23</a> John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet: “I am a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’” <a href="/acts/13-24.htm">Acts 13:24</a> Before the arrival of Jesus, John preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3</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. <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="/matthew/11-10.htm">Matthew 11:10</a> This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.’ <a href="/john/3-23.htm">John 3:23</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="/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="/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="/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.” <a href="/isaiah/57-14.htm">Isaiah 57:14</a> And it will be said, “Build it up, build it up, prepare the way, take every obstacle out of the way of My people.” <a href="/isaiah/62-10.htm">Isaiah 62:10</a> Go out, go out through the gates; prepare the way for the people! Build it up, build up the highway; clear away the stones; raise a banner for the nations! <a href="/matthew/21-32.htm">Matthew 21:32</a> For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;the country.<a href="/matthew/3-5.htm">Matthew 3:5</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="/john/1-28.htm">John 1:28</a> These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.preaching.<a href="/matthew/3-6.htm">Matthew 3:6,11</a> And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins… <a href="/mark/1-4.htm">Mark 1:4</a> John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.<a href="/john/1-31.htm">John 1:31-33</a> And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water… for.<a href="/luke/1-77.htm">Luke 1:77</a> To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/3-2.htm">Annas</a> <a href="/mark/16-16.htm">Baptism</a> <a href="/luke/3-2.htm">Caiaphas</a> <a href="/mark/9-2.htm">Changed</a> <a href="/luke/2-17.htm">Country</a> <a href="/luke/3-2.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/mark/10-1.htm">District</a> <a href="/luke/1-77.htm">Forgiveness</a> <a href="/luke/2-36.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/luke/3-2.htm">High-Priesthood</a> <a href="/luke/3-2.htm">John</a> <a href="/mark/10-1.htm">Jordan</a> <a href="/luke/1-2.htm">Message</a> <a href="/mark/16-20.htm">Preaching</a> <a href="/mark/7-36.htm">Proclaiming</a> <a href="/mark/2-17.htm">Reformation</a> <a href="/luke/3-1.htm">Region</a> <a href="/luke/1-77.htm">Remission</a> <a href="/mark/2-17.htm">Repentance</a> <a href="/luke/2-9.htm">Round</a> <a href="/luke/2-34.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/mark/9-47.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/luke/1-77.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/luke/3-2.htm">Zechariah</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/18-13.htm">Annas</a> <a href="/luke/3-4.htm">Baptism</a> <a href="/john/11-49.htm">Caiaphas</a> <a href="/luke/9-29.htm">Changed</a> <a href="/luke/4-14.htm">Country</a> <a href="/luke/3-4.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/luke/3-4.htm">District</a> <a href="/luke/3-4.htm">Forgiveness</a> <a href="/luke/3-15.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/mark/2-26.htm">High-Priesthood</a> <a href="/luke/3-4.htm">John</a> <a href="/luke/3-4.htm">Jordan</a> <a href="/luke/4-32.htm">Message</a> <a href="/luke/4-44.htm">Preaching</a> <a href="/luke/3-4.htm">Proclaiming</a> <a href="/luke/5-32.htm">Reformation</a> <a href="/luke/4-14.htm">Region</a> <a href="/luke/24-47.htm">Remission</a> <a href="/luke/3-8.htm">Repentance</a> <a href="/luke/4-14.htm">Round</a> <a href="/luke/11-9.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/luke/15-18.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/luke/5-20.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/luke/11-51.htm">Zechariah</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'; 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The Jordan River is significant in biblical history, serving as a boundary and a place of transition for the Israelites entering the Promised Land (<a href="/joshua/3-14.htm">Joshua 3:14-17</a>). The region around the Jordan was a wilderness area, symbolizing a place of spiritual preparation and renewal. John's ministry here fulfills 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, make straight paths for him.'" This setting emphasizes the theme of repentance and preparation for the coming Messiah.preaching a baptism of repentance John's message centered on repentance, a turning away from sin and a turning towards God. Baptism, in this context, was an outward sign of an inward change, symbolizing purification and the washing away of sins. This practice was distinct from Jewish ritual washings, as it was a one-time act signifying a new beginning. John's baptism prepared the people for the coming of Jesus, who would baptize with the Holy Spirit (<a href="/mark/1-8.htm">Mark 1:8</a>). The call to repentance echoes the prophetic tradition, urging Israel to return to God (<a href="/joel/2-12.htm">Joel 2:12-13</a>).for the forgiveness of sins The ultimate goal of John's baptism was the forgiveness of sins, a concept deeply rooted in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament (<a href="/leviticus/4-20.htm">Leviticus 4:20</a>). However, John's baptism pointed forward to the greater forgiveness that would be accomplished through Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice (<a href="/hebrews/9-22.htm">Hebrews 9:22</a>). This phrase highlights the need for personal repentance and the promise of divine forgiveness, setting the stage for the new covenant established by Jesus. The connection to forgiveness underscores the transformative power of repentance and the grace available through faith.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a> The central figure in this verse, John is a prophet and the forerunner of Jesus Christ. He is known for his call to repentance and his role in baptizing Jesus. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_jordan_river.htm">The Jordan River</a> A significant geographical location in biblical history, the Jordan River is where John conducted his baptisms. It symbolizes a place of transition and new beginnings. 3. <a href="/topical/b/baptism_of_repentance.htm">Baptism of Repentance</a> This event refers to the act of being baptized as a public declaration of repentance and the desire for forgiveness of sins. It is a preparatory act for the coming of the Messiah.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_repentance.htm">The Call to Repentance</a> Repentance is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith. It involves a sincere turning away from sin and turning towards God. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_baptism.htm">The Role of Baptism</a> Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change. It signifies a commitment to a new life in Christ and the washing away of past sins. <a href="/topical/f/forgiveness_of_sins.htm">Forgiveness of Sins</a> True repentance leads to forgiveness. This forgiveness is a gift from God, made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. <a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_christ.htm">Preparation for Christ</a> Just as John prepared the way for Jesus, believers are called to prepare their hearts for Christ's work in their lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a> John's ministry emphasizes the importance of obeying God's call, even when it requires stepping out in faith and challenging the status quo.<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/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/how_are_god's_thoughts_superior.htm">Why did Jesus undergo baptism by John?</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/is_a_second_baptism_needed_in_acts_19_2-6.htm">In Acts 19:2–6, how credible is the claim that believers who were already baptized needed a second baptism for the Holy Spirit, and why wouldn’t the first baptism suffice?</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>(3-9) And he came into all the country . . .--The words paint the mission-work of John somewhat more vividly than those of St. Matthew and St. Mark, who represent the people flocking to Him from Jerusalem and Judaea. The two facts together complete the picture.The baptism of repentance.--See Notes on <a href="/context/matthew/3-1.htm" title="In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,">Matthew 3:1-11</a>, and <a href="/context/mark/1-4.htm" title="John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.">Mark 1:4-6</a>. In his description of the Baptism, St. Luke agrees verbally with the latter.(3) Going upward from Zerubbabel and Salathiel, which are common to both genealogies, we come again across a different succession--St. Luke leading us to Nathan as the son of David, and St. Matthew to Solomon. Here again we have in St. Luke twenty-two generations from Salathiel to David, inclusive, while in St. Matthew we have but sixteen.(3) There is, in the appearance in St. Matthew's list of Jeconias (as in <a href="/1_chronicles/3-17.htm" title="And the sons of Jeconiah; Assir, Salathiel his son,">1Chronicles 3:17</a>), and in St. Luke's of Neri, as the father of Salathiel, a problem to be solved; but an adequate, though necessarily conjectural, solution is not far to seek. To assume that the Salathiel of the one list is not identical with that in the other, is to cut the knot instead of disentangling it. But it may be noticed that in the earlier registers connected with the name of the historical Salathiel, father of the Zerubbabel who was the leader of the Jews on their return from Babylon, there is an obvious complication. In <a href="/1_chronicles/3-19.htm" title="And the sons of Pedaiah were, Zerubbabel, and Shimei: and the sons of Zerubbabel; Meshullam, and Hananiah, and Shelomith their sister:">1Chronicles 3:19</a>, Zerubbabel is the son of Pedaiah, the brother of Salathiel. The language in <a href="/jeremiah/22-30.htm" title="Thus said the LORD, Write you this man childless, a man that shall not prosper in his days: for no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting on the throne of David, and ruling any more in Judah.">Jeremiah 22:30</a> at least suggests the thought that Jeconiah died without an heir. What seems probable accordingly is that the royal line descended from Solomon, expired in Jeconiah, and that Salathiel, the son of Neri, the representative of the line of Nathan, took his place in the line of inheritance. It is not without significance that in the contemporary prophecy of Zechariah, the house of Nathan appears, for the first time in the history of Judah, as invested with a special pre-eminence (<a href="/zechariah/12-12.htm" title="And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart;">Zechariah 12:12</a>). The difference in the number of the names admits of the same explanation as before. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - And he came into all the country about Jordan. The reputation of John probably preceded the Divine summons. His family - the son of a well-known priestly family - the marvellous circumstances attendant on his birth, his ascetic manner of life from the beginning, - all this had contributed to make him a marked personage; so, when he left his solitude, we read in the other evangelists how multitudes came forth to hear the strange burning words, the Divine eloquence of one long looked upon by the people as set apart for a great work. He seems to have principally preached and taught in the Jordan valley - no doubt for the convenience of his candidates for baptism. But he evidently did not confine his preaching to one spot or even to one neighborhood. The district here alluded to was about a hundred and fifty miles in length. The expectation of Messiah for centuries had been the root of all true life in Israel; gradually, as the clouds of evil fortune gathered thick over the people, the figure of the coming Messiah assumed a different aspect. At first a holier Monarch than their loved David, a grander Sovereign and a mightier than the Solomon of whom they were so proud, a King whose dominions should be broader far than even the wide realm ruled over by the son of Jesse and his greater son, was the ideal dreamed of by the Hebrew. In the long period of misfortune which succeeded the golden days of the monarchy, the people at first longed for a deliverer, and then - as never a ray of sunlight pierced the clouds which surrounded them - an avenger took the place of a deliverer. The Messiah of the future must be One who should restore his people certainly, but in the restoration must exact a sharp and severe reckoning from those who had so long oppressed his Israel. They had no conception of their true state, - their hypocrisy, their formalism, their total ignorance of all true spiritual religion. Their higher and cultured classes were selfish, grasping, impure, untrue. The mass of the people were ignorant and degraded, cruel fanatics, excited and untutored, zealots. From this mistaken notion of Messiah and his work it was necessary that a prophet, eminent and gifted like those mighty men who had wrought great things in times past among the people, should arise among them, and with strong, powerful, inspired words convince them of their fatal error - one who, in the language of the greatest of the order, should prepare the way of the Lord. How imperatively necessary, for the work of the Redeemer, this work of the pioneer was, is seen from the extreme difficulty which Jesus Christ himself found in persuading even his own little faithful band to realize anything of the nature of his work; in good truth they never, not even the noblest spirits among them, really grasped the secret of their Master's mission till the cross and the Passion belonged to history, and the Crucified had become the Risen, and the Risen the ascended God. The baptism of repentance. What, first, did John mean by repentance? The word translates the Greek μετάοεῖτε, which signifies "change of mind." In the Gospel of St. Matthew, where John's work is told in slightly different language, he is represented as saying, "Repent ye" (μετανοεῖτε). There his words might be paraphrased, "Turn ye from your old thoughts, from your state of self-content, self-satisfaction; mend your ways; reform." Here, then, the baptism (what that signified we shall discuss presently) which he preached and summoned men to, must be accompanied with a change of mind; the baptized must be no longer content with their present state or conduct; they must change their ways and reform their lives. Let them, those who were convinced that he was indeed a man of God, that his words were right and true - let them come to him, determined to change their conduct in life, and receive from his hands a baptism, a washing - the symbol of the means of purification; for John's baptism was nothing more. Now, baptism, it is clear, was not at this time practiced among the Jews. It was not, as far as we can trace, even used in the case of pagan proselytes to Judaism. This apparently only became a national custom after the fall of Jerusalem, A.D. 70, forty years later. His very title, "the Baptist," in some way shows us that he practiced an unusual, if not a novel, rite in the course of his preaching and teaching. John's baptism (to use Dr. Morrison's vivid expressions, Commentary on <a href="/matthew/3-6.htm">Matthew 3:6</a>) was just the embodiment, in significant optical symbolism, of the significant audible symbolism of the Old Testament prophets, when they cried aloud and said, "Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes" (<a href="/isaiah/1-16.htm">Isaiah 1:16</a>); "In float day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness" (<a href="/zechariah/13.htm">Zechariah 13</a>:l); "Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you. and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you" (<a href="/ezekiel/36-25.htm">Ezekiel 36:25, 26</a>). This view of John's baptism, viz. that it was a symbol, and nothing more, was suggested by Josephus writing for the Jews. "John," he says, "enjoined upon the Jews first to cultivate virtue and to put in practice righteousness toward one another, and piety toward God, and then to come to his baptism, for thus only would the baptism be acceptable to God" ('Ant.,' 18:05, 2). <a href="/commentaries/luke/3-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>He went ἦλθεν (ēlthen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. into εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. all πᾶσαν (pasan) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <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. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine 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. region around περίχωρον (perichōron) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4066.htm">Strong's 4066: </a> From peri and chora; around the region, i.e. Circumjacent. 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. Jordan, Ἰορδάνου (Iordanou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2446.htm">Strong's 2446: </a> Of Hebrew origin; the Jordanes, a river of Palestine. proclaiming κηρύσσων (kēryssōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2784.htm">Strong's 2784: </a> To proclaim, herald, preach. Of uncertain affinity; to herald, especially divine truth. a baptism βάπτισμα (baptisma) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_908.htm">Strong's 908: </a> The rite or ceremony of baptism. From baptizo; baptism. of repentance μετανοίας (metanoias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3341.htm">Strong's 3341: </a> From metanoeo; compunction; by implication, reversal (another's) decision). for εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. [the] forgiveness ἄφεσιν (aphesin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> A sending away, a letting go, a release, pardon, complete forgiveness. From aphiemi; freedom; pardon. of sins, ἁμαρτιῶν (hamartiōn) Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_266.htm">Strong's 266: </a> From hamartano; a sin. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/3-3.htm">Luke 3:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/3-3.htm">Luke 3:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/3-3.htm">Luke 3:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/3-3.htm">Luke 3:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/3-3.htm">Luke 3:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/3-3.htm">Luke 3:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/3-3.htm">Luke 3:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/3-3.htm">Luke 3:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/3-3.htm">Luke 3:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/3-3.htm">Luke 3:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/3-3.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 3:3 He came into all the region around (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/3-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 3:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 3:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/3-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 3:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 3:4" /></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>