King James Version

What Does Luke 3:22 Mean?

Luke 3:22 in the King James Version says “And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art ... — study this verse from Luke chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

Luke 3:22 · KJV


Context

20

Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.

21

Now when all the people were baptized , it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,

22

And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

23

And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,

24

Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
At Jesus' baptism, 'the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.' This Trinitarian manifestation—Father speaking, Spirit descending, Son being baptized—reveals the Trinity at the inauguration of Jesus' ministry. The dove symbolizes purity, peace, and the Spirit's gentle power. The Father's declaration combines Psalm 2:7 (messianic enthronement: 'Thou art my Son') and Isaiah 42:1 (suffering servant: 'in whom my soul delighteth'), defining Jesus' mission as both royal Messiah and suffering servant.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Father's voice from heaven (bat qol in Jewish tradition, 'daughter of voice') was rare in the intertestamental period when prophetic revelation had largely ceased. Its occurrence marked special divine communication. The Spirit's visible descent as a dove confirmed Jesus as Spirit-anointed Messiah (Isaiah 11:2, 61:1). The declaration 'my beloved Son' publicly identified Jesus' unique relationship with the Father—not adopted sonship but eternal divine Sonship. This baptism anointed Jesus for His messianic mission, fulfilling the anointing of prophets, priests, and kings in Israel's history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Trinity's manifestation at Jesus' baptism reveal the cooperative work of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in redemption?
  2. What does the combination of Psalm 2:7 (royal Messiah) and Isaiah 42:1 (suffering servant) in the Father's declaration teach about Jesus' mission?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
καὶ1 of 28

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

καταβῆναι2 of 28

descended

G2597

to descend (literally or figuratively)

τὸ3 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πνεῦμα4 of 28

Ghost

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

τὸ5 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἅγιον6 of 28

the Holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

σωματικῷ7 of 28

in a bodily

G4984

corporeal or physical

εἴδει8 of 28

shape

G1491

a view, i.e., form (literally or figuratively)

ὡσεὶ9 of 28

like

G5616

as if

περιστερὰν10 of 28

a dove

G4058

a pigeon

ἐπ'11 of 28

upon

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

αὐτόν12 of 28

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ13 of 28

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

φωνὴν14 of 28

a voice

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

ἐξ15 of 28

from

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

οὐρανοῦ16 of 28

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

γενέσθαι17 of 28

came

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

λέγουσαν,18 of 28

which said

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Σὺ19 of 28

Thou

G4771

thou

εἶ20 of 28

art

G1488

thou art

21 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

υἱός22 of 28

Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

μου23 of 28

my

G3450

of me

24 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀγαπητός25 of 28

beloved

G27

beloved

ἐν26 of 28

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

σοὶ27 of 28

thee

G4671

to thee

ἠυδόκησα28 of 28

I am well pleased

G2106

to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 3:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 3:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study