Matthew 3:14 Meaning and Explanation
“But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →John resists, protesting that he should be baptized by Jesus rather than the reverse.
What Does Matthew 3:14 Mean?
John recognizes the One before him and recoils from the request. He tries to prevent it, confessing that the roles seem reversed: it is he who needs what Jesus can give, not the other way around. The forerunner sees clearly that the Coming One has arrived.
John's hesitation is born of true reverence. He has spent his ministry pointing beyond himself, and now the greater One asks to receive from his hands. His protest honors Jesus even as it reveals his own humility. Yet reverence must still learn to yield to the will of the Lord, as the next verse will show.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 3:14
What does Matthew 3:14 mean?
John resists, protesting that he should be baptized by Jesus rather than the reverse.