Luke 3:16 Meaning and Explanation
“John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →John answers them all: he baptizes with water, but One mightier is coming, whose sandal strap he is unworthy to loose, who will baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire.
What Does Luke 3:16 Mean?
John answers the unspoken question with a comparison built to humble him. Untying a master's sandal strap was the task of the lowest household servant, and John says he is unworthy even of that, so far does the Coming One outrank him.
The two baptisms measure the difference. John can apply water to the body; the Mightier One will baptize with the Holy Ghost, God's own presence and power poured out on his people, and with fire, the searching flame no ritual can kindle. John can lead people to the river; only Christ can bring God to the people. Every true messenger since has shared John's glory and his limit: to point past himself to the Giver of the Spirit.
Luke 3:16 in the Original Language
hikanos (ἱκανός), 'worthy' -- sufficient or fit; John counts himself unfit even for a servant's task before Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 3:16
What does Luke 3:16 mean?
John answers them all: he baptizes with water, but One mightier is coming, whose sandal strap he is unworthy to loose, who will baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire.