Matthew 3:1-12 ▼

1 Now in those days John the Baptist comes, preaching in the wilderness of Judea

2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.”

3 For this is the one having been spoken of through Isaiah the prophet, saying, “A voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight His paths.’”

4 And John himself had his clothing of camel’s hair and a belt of leather around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.

5 At that time they were going out to him—Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region around the Jordan.

6 And they were being baptized in the Jordan River by him, confessing their sins.

7 But having seen many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Offspring of vipers, who warned you⁺ to flee from the coming wrath?

8 Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance.

9 And do not think to say in yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as father.’ For I say to you⁺ that out of these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham.

10 And already the ax is laid to the root of the trees; therefore every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and is thrown into fire.

11 I indeed baptize you⁺ in water unto repentance, but the One coming after me is mightier than I, of whom I am not sufficient to carry the sandals. He will baptize you⁺ in the Holy Spirit and fire,

12 whose winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly cleanse His threshing floor and will gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”