King James Version

What Does Matthew 3:11 Mean?

Matthew 3:11 in the King James Version says “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not wo... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Matthew 3:11 · KJV


Context

9

And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

10

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

11

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

12

Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

13

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
John's baptism 'with water unto repentance' was preparatory and symbolic, pointing forward to the Messiah who 'shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.' The Holy Spirit baptism represents regeneration and empowerment (Acts 2), while fire suggests both purification and judgment. John's confession 'whose shoes I am not worthy to bear' demonstrates humble recognition of Christ's infinite superiority.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish ceremonial washings were common, but John's baptism was unique—a one-time act symbolizing repentance and commitment. The phrase about shoes refers to a slave's lowliest task. John declares himself unworthy of even menial service to Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. Have you experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit John prophesied?
  2. How does John's humility before Christ challenge your own pride?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
Ἐγὼ1 of 31

I

G1473

i, me

μὲν2 of 31

indeed

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

βαπτίσει3 of 31

baptize

G907

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

ὑμᾶς4 of 31

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐν5 of 31

with

G1722

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

ὕδατι6 of 31

water

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

εἰς7 of 31

unto

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

μετάνοιαν8 of 31

repentance

G3341

(subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal (of (another's) decision)

9 of 31
G3588

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

δὲ10 of 31

but

G1161

but, and, etc

ὀπίσω11 of 31

after

G3694

to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)

μου12 of 31

I

G3450

of me

ἐρχόμενος13 of 31

he that cometh

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἰσχυρότερός14 of 31

mightier than

G2478

forcible (literally or figuratively)

μου15 of 31

I

G3450

of me

ἐστίν,16 of 31

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

οὗ17 of 31

whose

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

οὐκ18 of 31

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

εἰμὶ19 of 31

I am

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

ἱκανὸς20 of 31

worthy

G2425

competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)

τὰ21 of 31
G3588

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

ὑποδήματα22 of 31

shoes

G5266

something bound under the feet, i.e., a shoe or sandal

βαστάσαι·23 of 31

to bear

G941

to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.)

αὐτὸς24 of 31
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

ὑμᾶς25 of 31

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

βαπτίσει26 of 31

baptize

G907

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

ἐν27 of 31

with

G1722

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

πνεύματι28 of 31

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

ἁγίῳ29 of 31

the Holy

G40

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

καὶ30 of 31

and

G2532

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

πυρί·31 of 31

with fire

G4442

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 3:11 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 Matthew 3:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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