Mark 1:4
New International Version
And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

New Living Translation
This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven.

English Standard Version
John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Berean Standard Bible
John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Berean Literal Bible
John came baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins.

King James Bible
John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

New King James Version
John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

New American Standard Bible
John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

NASB 1995
John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

NASB 1977
John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Legacy Standard Bible
John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Amplified Bible
John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins [that is, requiring a change of one’s old way of thinking, turning away from sin and seeking God and His righteousness].

Christian Standard Bible
John came baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

American Standard Version
John came, who baptized in the wilderness and preached the baptism of repentance unto remission of sins.

Contemporary English Version
So John the Baptist showed up in the desert and told everyone, "Turn back to God and be baptized! Then your sins will be forgiven."

English Revised Version
John came, who baptized in the wilderness and preached the baptism of repentance unto remission of sins.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
John the Baptizer was in the desert telling people about a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Good News Translation
So John appeared in the desert, baptizing and preaching. "Turn away from your sins and be baptized," he told the people, "and God will forgive your sins."

International Standard Version
John was baptizing in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism about repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Majority Standard Bible
John came baptizing in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

NET Bible
In the wilderness John the baptizer began preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

New Heart English Bible
John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins.

Webster's Bible Translation
John was baptizing in the wilderness, and preaching the baptism of repentance, for the remission of sins.

Weymouth New Testament
So John the Baptizer came, and was in the Desert proclaiming a baptism of the penitent for forgiveness of sins.

World English Bible
John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching the baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
John came immersing in the wilderness, and proclaiming an immersion of conversion for forgiveness of sins,

Berean Literal Bible
John came baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins.

Young's Literal Translation
John came baptizing in the wilderness, and proclaiming a baptism of reformation -- to remission of sins,

Smith's Literal Translation
John was immersing in the desert, and proclaiming the immersion of repentance for the remission of sins.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
John was in the desert baptizing, and preaching the baptism of penance, unto remission of sins.

Catholic Public Domain Version
John was in the desert, baptizing and preaching a baptism of repentance, as a remission of sins.

New American Bible
John [the] Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

New Revised Standard Version
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
John was in the wilderness, baptizing and preaching the baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Yohannan was in the wilderness, baptizing and preaching the baptism of repentance for the release of sins.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
John was immersing in the wilderness, and preaching the immersion of repentance in order to the remission of sins.

Godbey New Testament
John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness the baptism of repentance unto the remission of sins.

Haweis New Testament
John was baptising in the wilderness, and preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

Mace New Testament
accordingly, John baptized in the desart, and preach'd the baptism of repentance, for the remission of sins.

Weymouth New Testament
So John the Baptizer came, and was in the Desert proclaiming a baptism of the penitent for forgiveness of sins.

Worrell New Testament
John came, who was immersing in the wilderness, and preaching the immersion of repentance unto remission of sins.

Worsley New Testament
and preaching the baptism of repentance in order to the remission of sins;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Mission of John the Baptist
3“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’ ” 4John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5People went out to him from all of Jerusalem and the countryside of Judea. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.…

Cross References
Matthew 3:1-6
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea / and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” / This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’” ...

Luke 3:2-6
during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. / He went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, / as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him. ...

John 1:19-28
And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” / He did not refuse to confess, but openly declared, “I am not the Christ.” / “Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” ...

Acts 19:4
Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”

Acts 13:24
Before the arrival of Jesus, John preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

Isaiah 40:3
A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert.

Malachi 3:1
“Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts.

Matthew 11:10
This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.’

Luke 7:27
This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.’

John 3:23
Now John was also baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because the water was plentiful there, and people kept coming to be baptized.

Acts 1:22
beginning from John’s baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

Acts 10:37
You yourselves know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee with the baptism that John proclaimed:

Matthew 21:25
What was the source of John’s baptism? Was it from heaven or from men?” They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’

Luke 20:4
John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or from men?”

John 10:41
Many came to Him and said, “Although John never performed a sign, everything he said about this man was true.”


Treasury of Scripture

John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

did.

Matthew 3:1,2,6,11
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, …

Luke 3:2,3
Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness…

John 3:23
And John also was baptizing in AEnon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

for.

Acts 22:16
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Jump to Previous
Appeared Baptism Baptist Baptize Baptized Baptizer Baptizing Desert Forgiveness Hearts John Penitent Preach Preached Preaching Proclaiming Reformation Region Remission Repentance Sign Sin Sins Waste Wilderness
Jump to Next
Appeared Baptism Baptist Baptize Baptized Baptizer Baptizing Desert Forgiveness Hearts John Penitent Preach Preached Preaching Proclaiming Reformation Region Remission Repentance Sign Sin Sins Waste Wilderness
Mark 1
1. The office of John the Baptist.
9. Jesus is baptized;
12. tempted;
14. he preaches;
16. calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John;
23. heals one that had a demon;
29. Peter's mother in law;
32. many diseased persons;
40. and cleanses the leper.














John the Baptist
John, known as "the Baptist," is a pivotal figure in the New Testament, serving as the forerunner to Jesus Christ. His title, "the Baptist," signifies his primary role in baptizing those who came to him. The Greek word for Baptist, "Baptistēs," indicates one who administers the rite of baptism. Historically, John is seen as the last of the Old Testament prophets, bridging the gap between the Old and New Covenants. His life and ministry fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah 40:3, preparing the way for the Lord.

appeared
The Greek word "egeneto" is used here, which can be translated as "came" or "appeared." This word suggests a sudden or significant arrival, emphasizing the divine timing and purpose of John's emergence. His appearance marks the beginning of a new era in God's redemptive plan, highlighting the transition from prophecy to fulfillment.

in the wilderness
The wilderness, or "erēmos" in Greek, is a significant location in biblical narratives. It is often a place of testing, preparation, and revelation. For John, the wilderness symbolizes a return to simplicity and purity, away from the corruption of the cities. It is in this desolate place that God often speaks and prepares His people for new beginnings, as seen with Israel's journey through the desert.

preaching
The Greek word "kērussō" means to proclaim or herald. John's preaching is not merely teaching; it is a bold proclamation of God's message. As a herald, John announces the coming of the Messiah and calls people to prepare their hearts. His preaching is authoritative and urgent, demanding a response from his listeners.

a baptism of repentance
"Baptisma" refers to the act of immersion, symbolizing purification and renewal. John's baptism is one of repentance, or "metanoia," which means a change of mind or turning away from sin. This baptism signifies a public declaration of one's commitment to turn from sin and seek God's forgiveness. It is a preparatory act, pointing to the greater baptism that Jesus would bring through the Holy Spirit.

for the forgiveness of sins
The phrase "for the forgiveness of sins" highlights the purpose of John's baptism. The Greek word "aphesis" means release or pardon. John's call to repentance is directly linked to the forgiveness that God offers. This forgiveness is not earned through the act of baptism itself but is a gracious gift from God to those who truly repent. It foreshadows the ultimate forgiveness that would be made possible through Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection.

(4) John did baptize.--No other Gospel passes so abruptly, so in medias res, into the actual work of the Forerunner. There is no account of the birth or infancy of our Lord, as in St. Matthew and St. Luke; none of the pre-existence of the Son of Man, as in St. John. St. Mark is here, as elsewhere, emphatically the Evangelist of action. (On the rest of the verse, see Notes on Matthew 3:1.) The special phrase "baptism of repentance"--i.e., the sign of repentance, that which was connected with it, and pre-supposed it--meets us in Luke 3:3 and Acts 19:4. In the former passage we find also "forgiveness of sins" as the result of the baptism; and we cannot doubt, therefore, that then, as evermore, repentance was followed by forgiveness, even though the blood which availed for that forgiveness (Matthew 26:28) had not as yet been shed.

Verse 4. - John came, and preached the baptism of repentance. John came, that is, that he might rouse the people to repentance, and prepare them, by the outward cleansing of their bodies, to receive the cleansing of their souls through Christ's baptism, which was to follow his. So that the baptism of John was the profession of their penitence. Hence they who were baptized with his baptism confessed their sins, and thus made the first step towards the forgiving mercy which was to be found in Christ; and the seal of his forgiveness they were to look for in his baptism, which is a baptism for the remission of sins to all true penitents and faithful believers. Christ's baptism was, therefore, the perfection and consummation of the baptism of John.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
John
Ἰωάννης (Iōannēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2491: Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative 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.

Baptist
βαπτίζων (baptizōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 907: Lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize.

appeared
Ἐγένετο (Egeneto)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

wilderness,
ἐρήμῳ (erēmō)
Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2048: Lonesome, i.e. waste.

preaching
κηρύσσων (kēryssōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2784: To proclaim, herald, preach. Of uncertain affinity; to herald, especially divine truth.

[a] baptism
βάπτισμα (baptisma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 908: The rite or ceremony of baptism. From baptizo; baptism.

of repentance
μετανοίας (metanoias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3341: From metanoeo; compunction; by implication, reversal (another's) decision).

for
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

[the] forgiveness
ἄφεσιν (aphesin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 859: A sending away, a letting go, a release, pardon, complete forgiveness. From aphiemi; freedom; pardon.

of sins.
ἁμαρτιῶν (hamartiōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 266: From hamartano; a sin.


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NT Gospels: Mark 1:4 John came baptizing in the wilderness (Mar Mk Mr)
Mark 1:3
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