Matthew 3:1-10 ▼

1 In those days came John the Immerser, preaching in the wilderness of Judea,

2 and saying: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

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

4 But the same John had his clothing of camel's hair, and a girdle of leather around his loins, and his food was locusts and wild honey.

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

6 and were immersed by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.

7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his immersion, he said to them: Generation of vipers, who has warned you to flee from the coining wrath?

8 Bring forth, therefore, fruit worthy of repentance:

9 and think not to say within yourselves, "We have Abraham for our father; for I say to you that God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.

10 Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees: therefore, every tree that does not bring forth good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.