King James Version

What Does Matthew 3:16 Mean?

Matthew 3:16 in the King James Version says “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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:

Matthew 3:16 · KJV


Context

14

But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

15

And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

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:

17

And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water' indicates full immersion. The heavens being 'opened unto him' signals divine revelation and approval. The Spirit of God descending 'like a dove' visibly confirms Jesus' anointing for ministry. This is a profound Trinitarian moment—Father, Son, and Spirit all present and active.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The dove symbolizes peace, purity, and the Spirit's gentle power (contrasting with fire). The opened heavens recall Ezekiel 1:1 and suggest restored communication between God and humanity. This public anointing authenticated Jesus' mission.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Trinity's involvement in Jesus' baptism deepen your understanding of God?
  2. What does the Spirit's gentle descent as a dove teach about God's character?

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

βαπτισθεὶς2 of 28

when he was baptized

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

3 of 28
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς4 of 28

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἀνέβη5 of 28

went up

G305

to go up (literally or figuratively)

εὐθὺς6 of 28

straightway

G2117

straight, i.e., (literally) level, or (figuratively) true; adverbially (of time) at once

ἀπὸ7 of 28

out of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τοῦ8 of 28
G3588

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

ὕδατος·9 of 28

the water

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

καὶ10 of 28

And

G2532

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

ἰδού,11 of 28

lo

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἀνεῴχθησαν12 of 28

were opened

G455

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

αὐτόν·13 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

οἱ14 of 28
G3588

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

οὐρανοί,15 of 28

the heavens

G3772

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

καὶ16 of 28

And

G2532

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

εἶδεν17 of 28

he saw

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τὸ18 of 28
G3588

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

πνεῦμα19 of 28

the Spirit

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

τοῦ20 of 28
G3588

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

Θεοῦ21 of 28

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καταβαῖνον22 of 28

descending

G2597

to descend (literally or figuratively)

ὡσεὶ23 of 28

like

G5616

as if

περιστερὰν24 of 28

a dove

G4058

a pigeon

καὶ25 of 28

And

G2532

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

ἐρχόμενον26 of 28

lighting

G2064

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

ἐπ'27 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

αὐτόν·28 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


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 3:16 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 3:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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