John the Baptist Prepares the Way

1In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

2And saying, Repent you^p: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.   near

3For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare you^p the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.   ISA 40:3

4And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.   clothing; food

5Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,

6And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said to them, O generation of vipers, who has warned you^p to flee from the wrath to come?

8Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:   actions; fitting

9And think not to say within yourselves^p, We have Abraham to our father: for I say to you^p, that God is able of these stones to raise up children to Abraham.

10And now also the ax is laid to the root of the trees: therefore every tree which brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

11I indeed baptize you^p with water to repentance: but He that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you^p with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:   Spirit

12Whose fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor, and gather His wheat into the garner; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.   cleanse; threshing floor; barn