◄ Luke 3:21 ►
Verse  (Click for Chapter)
New International Version
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened

New Living Translation
One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens opened,

English Standard Version
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened,

Berean Standard Bible
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as He was praying, heaven was opened,

Berean Literal Bible
Now it came to pass, in all the people having been baptized, Jesus also having been baptized and having prayed, the heaven was opened,

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

New King James Version
When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened.

New American Standard Bible
Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened,

NASB 1995
Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened,

NASB 1977
Now it came about when all the people were baptized, that Jesus also was baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened,

Legacy Standard Bible
Now it happened that when all the people were being baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened,

Amplified Bible
Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, the [visible] heaven was opened,

Christian Standard Bible
When all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized. As he was praying, heaven opened,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized. As He was praying, heaven opened,

American Standard Version
Now it came to pass, when all the people were baptized, that, Jesus also having been baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,

Contemporary English Version
While everyone else was being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. Then as he prayed, the sky opened up,

English Revised Version
Now it came to pass, when all the people were baptized, that, Jesus also having been baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When all the people were baptized, Jesus, too, was baptized. While he was praying, heaven opened,

Good News Translation
After all the people had been baptized, Jesus also was baptized. While he was praying, heaven was opened,

International Standard Version
When all the people had been baptized, Jesus, too, was baptized. While he was praying, heaven opened,

Majority Standard Bible
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as He was praying, heaven was opened,

NET Bible
Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized. And while he was praying, the heavens opened,

New Heart English Bible
Now it happened, when all the people were baptized, Jesus also had been baptized, and was praying. The sky was opened,

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

Weymouth New Testament
Now when all the people had been baptized, and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the sky opened,

World English Bible
Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus also had been baptized and was praying. The sky was opened,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And it came to pass, in all the people being immersed, Jesus also being immersed, and praying, Heaven was opened,

Berean Literal Bible
Now it came to pass, in all the people having been baptized, Jesus also having been baptized and having prayed, the heaven was opened,

Young's Literal Translation
And it came to pass, in all the people being baptised, Jesus also being baptised, and praying, the heaven was opened,

Smith's Literal Translation
And it was in all the people having been immersed, and Jesus having been immersed, and praying, heaven was opened,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now it came to pass, when all the people were baptized, that Jesus also being baptized and praying, heaven was opened;

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now it happened that, when all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized; and as he was praying, heaven was opened.

New American Bible
After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened

New Revised Standard Version
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
It came to pass when all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized, and while he prayed the heaven was opened,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
It happened that when he had baptized all the people, he baptized Yeshua also, and as he prayed, the heavens were opened.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And it came to pass, while all the people were being immersed, that Jesus also was immersed; and as he was praying, the heaven was opened,

Godbey New Testament
And it came to pass while all the people were being baptized, and Jesus having been baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,

Haweis New Testament
Now it came to pass, at the time when John was baptising all the people, that Jesus also was baptised, and as he prayed, the heaven was opened,

Mace New Testament
When all the people were baptizing, Jesus was likewise baptized, and whilst he was praying, the clouds opened,

Weymouth New Testament
Now when all the people had been baptized, and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the sky opened,

Worrell New Testament
Now it came to pass, when all the people were immersed, that as Jesus also was immersed, and was praying, Heaven was opened,

Worsley New Testament
Now, when all the people were baptized, and Jesus was baptized and praying,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Baptism of Jesus
20Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison. 21When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as He was praying, heaven was opened, 22and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”…
Berean Standard Bible · Download


Cross References
Matthew 3:13-17
At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. / But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” / “Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Then John permitted Him. ...

Mark 1:9-11
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. / As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, He saw the heavens breaking open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. / And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”

John 1:29-34
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! / This is He of whom I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’ / I myself did not know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that He might be revealed to Israel.” ...

Acts 10:37-38
You yourselves know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee with the baptism that John proclaimed: / how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.

Isaiah 42:1
“Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations.

Psalm 2:7
I will proclaim the decree spoken to Me by the LORD: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.

John 3:34
For the One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.

Acts 2:22
Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a man certified by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know.

Romans 6:3-4
Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? / We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22
Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ. He anointed us, / placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come.

Ephesians 4:5
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;

Colossians 2:12
And having been buried with Him in baptism, you were raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead.

Hebrews 1:5
For to which of the angels did God ever say: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father”? Or again: “I will be His Father, and He will be My Son”?

1 Peter 3:21
And this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

1 John 5:6-8
This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ—not by water alone, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies to this, because the Spirit is the truth. / For there are three that testify: / the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in agreement.


Treasury of Scripture

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

that.

Matthew 3:13-15
Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him…

Mark 1:9
And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.

John 1:32
And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

and praying.

Luke 9:28,29
And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray…

John 12:27,28
Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour…

the heaven.

Matthew 3:16,17
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: …

Mark 1:10
And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

John 1:32-34
And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him…

Jump to Previous
Added Baptism Baptized Crown Heaven Jesus John Open Opened Prayer Praying Prison Rest Sky Threw
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Added Baptism Baptized Crown Heaven Jesus John Open Opened Prayer Praying Prison Rest Sky Threw
Luke 3
1. The preaching and baptism of John;
15. his testimony of Jesus;
19. Herod imprisons John;
21. Jesus, baptized, receives testimony from heaven.
23. The age and genealogy of Jesus from Joseph upwards.














Berean Study Bible
When all the people were being baptized
This phrase sets the scene for a significant moment in the ministry of John the Baptist. The Greek word for "baptized" is "βαπτίζω" (baptizō), which means to immerse or submerge. Baptism here symbolizes repentance and preparation for the coming Messiah. Historically, this was a time of great expectation among the Jewish people, who were eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah. The act of baptism by John was a public declaration of repentance and a desire to be cleansed from sin, aligning with the Jewish tradition of ritual purification.

Jesus was baptized too
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus, as He identifies with humanity's need for repentance, despite being sinless Himself. The Greek word "Ἰησοῦς" (Iēsous) is the Hellenized form of the Hebrew name Yeshua, meaning "Yahweh is salvation." Jesus' baptism signifies His willingness to fully embrace His mission as the Savior. It also serves as a model for believers, demonstrating the importance of obedience and humility. Theologically, this act foreshadows His death, burial, and resurrection, which are central to the Christian faith.

And as He was praying
Prayer is a recurring theme in the Gospel of Luke, highlighting Jesus' intimate relationship with the Father. The Greek word for "praying" is "προσεύχομαι" (proseuchomai), indicating a deep, earnest communication with God. This moment of prayer underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance and strength, especially at significant junctures in life. It also reflects Jesus' dependence on the Father, setting an example for believers to follow in their spiritual journey.

heaven was opened
The opening of heaven signifies divine revelation and approval. In the Jewish context, an open heaven represents God's presence and favor. This moment marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, with heaven's affirmation of His identity and mission. The imagery of an open heaven also evokes the prophetic visions of the Old Testament, where God's glory and purposes are revealed to His people. It serves as a reminder of the accessibility of God's grace and the promise of His kingdom breaking into the world.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
(21-22) Now when all the people were baptized.--See Notes on Matthew 3:13-17. St. Luke's account is the shortest of the three first Gospels, but it adds here, as afterwards in his report of the Transfiguration, the fact that our Lord was "praying" at the time of the divine attestation to His Sonship. (See Introduction.)

Pulpit Commentary
Verses 21, 22. - The baptism of Jesus. Verses 21, 22. - Now when all the people were baptized. This is the shortest account of the first three Gospels of this event. Two circumstances related are, however, peculiar to St. Luke - the fact that he ascended "praying" from the water, and the opening words of this verse, which probably signify that on this day Jesus waited till the crowds who were in the habit of coming to John had been baptized. Jesus also being baptized. There is a curious addition to the Gospel narratives of the baptism of the Lord preserved by Jerome. He tells us he extracted it from the Hebrew Gospel used by the Nazarenes, a copy of which in his day was preserved at Caesarea. "Lo, the mother of the Lord and his brethren said to him, John the Baptist is baptizing for the remission of sins; let us go and be baptized by him. But he answered and said unto them, In what have I sinned, that I should go and be baptized by him? unless, indeed, it be in ignorance that I have said what I have just said." It is, no doubt, a very ancient traditional saying, and is perhaps founded on some well-authenticated oral tradition. If St. Luke knew of it, he did not consider it of sufficient importance to incorporate it in his narrative. In St. Matthew's account of the "baptism," John at first resists when asked to perform the rite on his kinsman Jesus. His knowledge of Jesus at this time was evidently considerable. He was acquainted, of course, with all that had already happened in his "cousin's" life, and probably it had been revealed to him, or told him by his mother (Luke 1:43), that in the Nazareth Carpenter, the Son of Mary, he was to look for the promised Messiah, with whose life-story his was so closely bound up. The answers to the question, What was the reason of Jesus' baptism? have been many. In this, as in many things connected with the earthly life of our Lord, there is much that is mysterious, and we can never hope here to solve these difficulties with any completeness. The mystic comments of the Fathers, though not perfectly satisfactory, are, however, after all the best of the many notes that have been made on this difficult question. Bishop Wordsworth sums them up well in his words: "He came to baptize water, by being baptized in it." Ignatius ('Ad. Eph.,' 18, beginning of the second century) writes, "He was baptized that, by his submission to the rite, he might purify the water." Jerome, in the same strain, says, "He did not so much get cleansing from baptism, as impart cleansing to it." It would seem that Jesus, in submitting to the rite himself, did it with the intention of sanctifying the blessed sacrament in the future. And praying. Peculiar to St. Luke. This evangelist on eight other occasions mentions the praying of Jesus. The heaven was opened, and the Holy Ghost descended... upon him. While he was praying and gazing up into heaven, the deep blue vault was rent asunder, and the Sinless One gazed far into the realms of eternal light; and as he gazed he saw descend a ray of glory, which, dove-like, brooded above his head, and then lighted upon him. This strange bright vision was seen, not only by him, but by the Baptist (John 1:32, 33). That the form of a dove absolutely descended and lighted upon Jesus seems unlikely; a radiant glorious Something both Jesus and the Baptist saw descending. John compares it to a dove - this cloud of glory sailing through the clear heaven, then, bird-like, sinking, hovering, or brooding, over the head of the Sinless One, then lighting, as it were, upon him. In likening the radiant vision to a dove, probably John had heard of the rabbinical comment (it is in the Talmud) on Genesis 1:2, that the Spirit of God moved on the face of the waters like a dove. Milton has reproduced the thought -

"And with mighty wings outspread
Dove-like sat'st brooding on the vast abyss."

(Paradise Lost,' 1:20.) John, for want of a better simile, reproduced the image which he had doubtless heard from his teacher in the Law, when he desired to represent in earthly language the Divine Thing which in some bodily form he had seen. In the early Church there was a legend very commonly current - we find it in Justin Martyr ('Dialogue with Trypho,' 88), and also in the Apocryphal Gospels - that at the baptism of Jesus a fire was kindled in Jordan. This was doubtless another, though a more confused memory of the glory-appearance which John saw falling on the Messiah. And a voice came from heaven; better rendered, out of heaven. We read in the Talmud that "on the death of the last prophets - Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi - the Holy Spirit departed from Israel; but they (i.e. Israeli were availing themselves of the daughter (echo) of a voice, Bath-Kol, for the reception of Divine communications" ('Treatise Yoma,' fol. 9, col. 2). In the Gospels there is a mention of the heavenly voice being again heard at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:5), and during the last week of the earthly ministry (John 12:28-30). In the story of Israel the Persons of the everblessed Trinity were pleased to manifest themselves on various occasions to mortal eye and mortal ear. Very frequently to the eye, in the visible glory of the pillar of cloud and fire in the desert journeys; in the glorious light which shone in the holy of holies, first in the tabernacle of the wanderings, then in the temple; in the flame as in the burning bush, and in the visions of Isaiah and Ezekiel; in appearances as in the meeting with Abraham and with Joshua. To the ear the word of the Lord spoke, amongst others, to Abraham, Moses, Samuel, and the later prophets. So in this, the transition period of Messiah, the visible glory of God and the audible voice of God were again seen and heard by mortal man. Jerome calls attention here to the distinctness of each of the Persons of the blessed Trinity, as shown in this baptism of the Messiah. "The mystery of the Trinity is shown in the baptism of Christ The Lord is baptized, the Spirit descends in the likeness of a dove, the voice of the Father is heard bearing witness to his Son, and the dove settles on the head of Jesus, lest any one should imagine that the voice was for John and not for Christ." We may with all reverence conclude that, after the hearing of the voice from heaven, "the Messianic self- consciousness would undoubtedly expand with rapidity, both intensively and extensively, into complete maturity. That self- consciousness, it must be borne in mind, would necessarily, so far as this human side of his Being was concerned, be subject, in its development, to the condition of time" (Dr. Morrison, on Matthew 3:17).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
When
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

all
ἅπαντα (hapanta)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 537: All, the whole, altogether. Absolutely all or every one.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

people
λαὸν (laon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2992: Apparently a primary word; a people.

were being baptized,
βαπτισθῆναι (baptisthēnai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive
Strong's 907: Lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

was baptized
βαπτισθέντος (baptisthentos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 907: Lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize.

too.
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

as He was praying,
προσευχομένου (proseuchomenou)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4336: To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship.

heaven
οὐρανὸν (ouranon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3772: Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.

was opened,
ἀνεῳχθῆναι (aneōchthēnai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive
Strong's 455: To open. From ana and oigo; to open up.


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NT Gospels: Luke 3:21 Now it happened when all the people (Luke Lu Lk)
Luke 3:20
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