King James Version
What Does Mark 1:8 Mean?
“I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.”
Context
6
And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;
7
And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.
8
I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
9
And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.
10
And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: opened: or, cloven, or, rent
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(8) **I indeed have baptized you with water.**—See Note on Matthew 3:11. St. Mark omits the “fire” which St. Matthew joins with the Holy Ghost, possibly as less intelligible to his Gentile readers.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Mark 1:8 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 Mark 1:8
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge