Matthew 3 Matthew 3
Birth and preparation of the King
The Mission of John the Baptist (Isaiah 40:1–5; Mark 1:1–8; Luke 3:1–20; John 1:19–28)
1 DBY Now in those days comes John the baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, BSB BSB: In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea
2 DBY and saying, Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn nigh. BSB BSB: and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
3 DBY For this is he who has been spoken of through Esaias the prophet, saying, Voice of him that crieth in the wilderness: prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. BSB BSB: 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.’”
4 DBY And John himself had his garment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins, and his nourishment was locusts and wild honey. BSB BSB: John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.
5 DBY Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the country round the Jordan, BSB BSB: People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region around the Jordan.
6 DBY and were baptised by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. BSB BSB: Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
7 DBY But seeing many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, Offspring of vipers, who has forewarned you to flee from the coming wrath? BSB BSB: But when John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his place of baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
8 DBY Produce therefore fruit worthy of repentance. BSB BSB: Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance.
9 DBY And do not think to say within yourselves, We have Abraham for our father; for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children to Abraham. BSB BSB: And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
10 DBY And already the axe is applied to the root of the trees; every tree therefore not producing good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire. BSB BSB: The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
11 DBY I indeed baptise you with water to repentance, but he that comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not fit to bear; he shall baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire; BSB BSB: I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
12 DBY whose winnowing fan is in his hand, and he shall thoroughly purge his threshing-floor, and shall gather his wheat into the garner, but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. BSB BSB: His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
The Baptism of Jesus (Mark 1:9–11; Luke 3:21–22; John 1:29–34)
13 DBY Then comes Jesus from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptised of him; BSB BSB: At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.
14 DBY but John urgently forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptised of thee; and comest thou to me? BSB BSB: But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”
15 DBY But Jesus answering said to him, Suffer it now; for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffers him. BSB BSB: “Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Then John permitted Him.
17 DBY and behold, a voice out of the heavens saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I have found my delight. BSB BSB: And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!”