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Luke 3:16

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 3:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but there cometh he that is mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and [in] fire:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but there cometh he that is mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and [in] fire:
Luke 3:16 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13And he said unto them, Extort no more than that which is appointed you.
14And soldiers also asked him, saying, And we, what must we do? And he said unto them, Extort from no man by violence, neither accuse [any one] wrongfully; and be content with your wages.
15And as the people were in expectation, and all men reasoned in their hearts concerning John, whether haply he were the Christ;
16John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but there cometh he that is mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and [in] fire:
17whose fan is in his hand, thoroughly to cleanse his threshing-floor, and to gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire.
18With many other exhortations therefore preached he good tidings unto the people;
19but Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother`s wife, and for all the evil things which Herod had done,
← Luke 3:15Luke 3:17 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“John answered, saying unto them all, etc.] For some of them might not only so think in their hearts, but express with their mouths the apprehension they had of him; and might put the question to him, as the priests and Levites from Jerusalem afterwards did; or he might know the secret thoughts of their hearts by divine revelation; or be apprized by his disciples of the private sentiments of the people concerning him: and therefore, to put them out of doubt, and that he might not have an honour conferred on him, which did not belong to him, he addressed himself, in a very public manner, to the whole multitude, in the hearing of them all: though the word “all” is left out in the Syriac and…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“John answered--either to the deputation from Jerusalem (see Joh 1:19, &c.), or on some other occasion, simply to remove impressions derogatory to his blessed Master which he knew to be taking hold of the popular mind. (Also see on Mat 3:10.) saying unto them all--in solemn protestation. So far from entertaining such a thought as laying claim to the honors of Messiahship, the meanest services I can render to that "Mightier than I that is coming after me," are too high an honor for me. Beautiful spirit, distinguishing this servant of Christ throughout! one mightier than I--"the Mighter than I."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See the notes at Matthew 3:11-12. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“3:16 I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals: The untying of sandals was done only by slaves (to make this connection clear, the NLT adds be his slave and). John thus greatly honored the Messiah. • baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire: The Old Testament prophets predicted that in the last days, God would pour out his Spirit on his people (Isa 32:15, Ezek 36:28-29; Joel 2:28). This prophecy was at least partially fulfilled on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). Fire is an image of judgment (see Luke 3:9); it also has the power to cleanse and refine God’s people (see 1 Cor 3:10-15; cp. Isa 4:4; Mal 3:2).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“I indeed: Mat 3:11; Mar 1:7, Mar 1:8; Joh 1:26, Joh 1:33; Act 1:5, Act 11:16, Act 13:24, Act 13:25, Act 19:4, Act 19:5 he shall: Pro 1:23; Isa 32:15, Isa 44:3, Isa 44:4; Eze 36:25; Joe 2:28, Joe 2:29; Joh 7:38; Act 2:33, Act 10:44, Act 11:15; Co1 12:13 and with: Isa 4:4; Zac 13:9; Mal 3:2, Mal 3:3; Act 2:3, Act 2:4, Act 2:17, Act 2:18 Luke 3:17”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification