Matthew 3:14
New International Version
But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

New Living Translation
But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?”

English Standard Version
John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

Berean Standard Bible
But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”

Berean Literal Bible
But John was hindering Him, saying, "I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?"

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

New King James Version
And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”

New American Standard Bible
But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have the need to be baptized by You, and yet You are coming to me?”

NASB 1995
But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”

NASB 1977
But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”

Legacy Standard Bible
But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”

Amplified Bible
But John tried to prevent Him [vigorously protesting], saying, “It is I who need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”

Christian Standard Bible
But John tried to stop him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But John tried to stop Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and yet You come to me?”

American Standard Version
But John would have hindered him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

Contemporary English Version
But John kept objecting and said, "I ought to be baptized by you. Why have you come to me?"

English Revised Version
But John would have hindered him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But John tried to stop him and said, "I need to be baptized by you. Why are you coming to me?"

Good News Translation
But John tried to make him change his mind. "I ought to be baptized by you," John said, "and yet you have come to me!"

International Standard Version
But John tried to stop him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and are you coming to me?"

Majority Standard Bible
But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”

NET Bible
But John tried to prevent him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?"

New Heart English Bible
But John would have hindered him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?"

Webster's Bible Translation
But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized by thee, and comest thou to me?

Weymouth New Testament
John protested. "It is I," he said, "who have need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"

World English Bible
But John would have hindered him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
but John was forbidding Him, saying, “I have need to be immersed by You—and You come to me?”

Berean Literal Bible
But John was hindering Him, saying, "I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?"

Young's Literal Translation
but John was forbidding him, saying, 'I have need by thee to be baptized -- and thou dost come unto me!'

Smith's Literal Translation
And John hindered him, saying, I have need to be immersed by thee, and dost thou come to me?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But John stayed him, saying: I ought to be baptized by thee, and comest thou to me?

Catholic Public Domain Version
But John refused him, saying, “I ought to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?”

New American Bible
John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?”

New Revised Standard Version
John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But John tried to stop him, and said, I need to be baptized by you, and yet have you come to me?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But Yohannan had refused and said to him, “I need to be baptized by you, and you have come to me?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But John forbade him, saying: I have need to be immersed by thee, and comest thou to me?

Godbey New Testament
And John continued to forbid Him saying, I have need to be baptized by thee, and comest thou unto me?

Haweis New Testament
But John earnestly withheld him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

Mace New Testament
but John opposed him, I have need, said he, to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?

Weymouth New Testament
John protested. "It is I," he said, "who have need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"

Worrell New Testament
but he was hindering Him, saying, "I have need to be immersed by Thee; and dost Thou come to me?"

Worsley New Testament
I have need to be baptized by thee, and comest thou to me?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Baptism of Jesus
13At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” 15“Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Then John permitted Him.…

Cross References
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.” ...

John 3:30
He must increase; I must decrease.

Mark 1:7-8
And he proclaimed: “After me will come One more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. / I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Luke 3:16
John answered all of them: “I baptize you with water, but One more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Acts 13:24-25
Before the arrival of Jesus, John preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. / As John was completing his course, he said, ‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not that One. But there is One coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’

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.

John 1:15
John testified concerning Him. He cried out, saying, “This is He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’”

John 1:26-27
“I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands One you do not know. / He is the One who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”

John 1:36
When he saw Jesus walking by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

Luke 1:76
And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him,

John 3:28
You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.’

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.’

John 5:33-35
You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. / Even though I do not accept human testimony, I say these things so that you may be saved. / John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light.

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.’


Treasury of Scripture

But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of you, and come you to me?

John.

Luke 1:43
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

John 13:6-8
Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? …

I have.

John 1:16
And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

John 3:3-7
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God…

Acts 1:5-8
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence…

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Baptised Baptism Baptized Forbad Forbidding Hindered John Kept Need Prevent Prevented Protested Tried Urgently
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Baptised Baptism Baptized Forbad Forbidding Hindered John Kept Need Prevent Prevented Protested Tried Urgently
Matthew 3
1. John preaches: his office, life, and baptism.
7. He reprimands the Pharisees,
13. and baptizes Jesus in Jordan.














But John tried to prevent Him
The phrase begins with "But," indicating a contrast or exception to what might be expected. John the Baptist, known for his role in preparing the way for the Messiah, is here depicted as attempting to "prevent" Jesus. The Greek word for "prevent" is "διεκώλυεν" (diekōlyen), which implies a strong resistance or hindrance. This highlights John's humility and recognition of Jesus' superiority. Historically, John was a revered prophet, and his reluctance underscores the profound respect and awe he held for Jesus, acknowledging His divine authority and purity.

saying, 'I need to be baptized by You
John's statement, "I need to be baptized by You," reveals his awareness of his own sinfulness and the need for spiritual cleansing. The Greek word for "need" is "χρείαν" (chreian), which conveys a sense of necessity or obligation. Baptism, in this context, symbolizes repentance and purification. John's acknowledgment of his need for Jesus' baptism reflects the broader Christian understanding that all humanity requires the redemptive work of Christ. This humility is a model for believers, emphasizing the necessity of recognizing one's own need for Jesus' grace and forgiveness.

and do You come to me?
The phrase "and do You come to me?" is a rhetorical question that underscores John's astonishment and unworthiness. The Greek word "ἔρχῃ" (erchē) for "come" suggests an intentional approach or arrival. John's question highlights the paradox of the sinless Savior seeking baptism from a sinful man. This moment is pivotal in the Gospel narrative, as it marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and His identification with humanity's plight. Theologically, it foreshadows the ultimate act of humility and service that Jesus would demonstrate on the cross. John's reaction invites believers to reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation—God coming to humanity in the person of Jesus Christ, to fulfill all righteousness and offer salvation.

(14) John forbad him.--Better, sought to hinder Him. Here again we have a question which we cannot fully answer. Did John thus forbid Him, as knowing Him to be the Christ? If so, how did that knowledge come? Had they known each other before, in youth or manhood? Or did a special inspiration reveal the character of Him who now drew near? The narrative of St. Matthew seems to imply such knowledge. On the other hand, the words of the Baptist in John 1:33 not only imply, but assert that he did not know Him till after the wonders of the Baptism. Probably, therefore, the sequence of facts was this: The Lord Jesus came to be baptised, as others did, though not, it would seem, with others. He confessed no sins. Look and tone, and words and silence alike spoke of a sinless and stainless life, such as even in approximate instances impresses us with something like awe in presence of the majesty of holiness. Recognising that holiness the Baptist spake as he did, "I have need to be baptised of Thee, to sit at Thy feet, learning lessons of purity and change of heart from Thee."

Verse 14. - Vers. 14 and 15 are peculiar to St. Matthew. But John. In John 1:31, 33 the Baptist says that he knew him not till the descent of the Holy Spirit; i.e. knew him not in his full Messianic character. Here, either by an involuntary and miraculous impression, psychologically due to the previous revelation he had received (cf. Meyer); or, as is on the whole more probable, from his previous knowledge, direct or indirect, of Jesus, he recognizes his superior sanctity. John's inmost thoughts must therefore have been somewhat as follows. "I have come to announce the advent of Messiah; here is One who is much holier than I; it may be that he is Messiah, but I have no certainty till the sign promised has been vouchsafed." Forbade; would have hindered (Revised Version), for διεκώλυεν, does not in itself imply speech. (For a similar imperfect of that which was not fully carried out, cf. Luke 1:59.) It is noticeable, though doubtless merely as a coincidence, that the strong compound word διακωλύω and βαπτίζομαι also occur together in Judith 12:7. I have need to be baptized of thee. Many see here a reference to the baptism of the Spirit and fire, mentioned in ver. 11. But the following clause, "and dost thou come to me?" implies that the baptisms are identical, viz. baptism by water. The sentence is equivalent to "I John, who myself administer the baptism of repentance, need to profess repentance myself, and ought rather, therefore, to receive such a baptism at thy hands, who art so far holier than I" (cf. further Weiss, 'Life,' 1:320).

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

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

tried to prevent
διεκώλυεν (diekōlyen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1254: To obstinately prevent, hinder. From dia and koluo; to hinder altogether, i.e. Utterly prohibit.

Him,
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

saying,
λέγων (legōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

“I
Ἐγὼ (Egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

need
χρείαν (chreian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5532: From the base of chraomai or chre; employment, i.e. An affair; also occasion, demand, requirement or destitution.

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

by
ὑπὸ (hypo)
Preposition
Strong's 5259: A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).

You,
σοῦ (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

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

{do} You
σὺ (sy)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

come
ἔρχῃ (erchē)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

to
πρός (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

me?”
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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