The meaning of “βαπτίζω”
Understanding baptízō reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
Baptist, baptize, wash. - to immerse, submerge - to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet) - used only (in the New Testament) of ...
βαπτίζω
Baptist, baptize, wash. - to immerse, submerge - to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet) - used only (in the New Testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 3:16 | “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:” Word: βαπτίζω (baptízō) | |
| Mark 6:14 | “And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.” Word: βαπτίζω (baptízō) | |
| Luke 7:29 | “And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.” Word: βαπτίζω (baptízō) | |
| John 3:22 | “After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.” Word: βαπτίζω (baptízō) | |
| Acts 10:47 | “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?” Word: βαπτίζω (baptízō) |
Theological Word Study: Baptize
New Testament Usage
Meaning: To baptize, immerse
The Greek baptizo (βαπτίζω) means to dip, immerse, or baptize. Christian baptism symbolizes identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4).