Matthew 3

John the Baptist Preaching in the Wilderness

(1) In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

(2) and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

(3) For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'"

(4) This same John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his hips, and his food was locusts and wild honey.

(5) They went out to him from Jerusalem, all Judaea, and all the region around Jordan,

(6) and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

John Rebukes the Pharisees and Sadducees

(7) But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "O generation of vipers, who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

(8) Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance.

(9) Do not think to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I say to you, that God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.

(10) And now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree which does not produce good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire.

(11) I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry. He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.

(12) His winnowing shovel is in his hand, and he will throughly cleanse his threashing floor, and gather his wheat into the barn. He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

Jesus is Baptized by John

(13) Then Jesus came from Galilee to the river Jordan to be baptized by John.

(14) But John forbid him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?"

(15) And Jesus answered him, "Allow it to be so now. For thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness." Then he allowed him.

(16) When Jesus was baptized he went up immediately out of the water, and, behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting on him.

(17) And behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

God’s Word can NOT be copyrighted by man.

King James Version, Updated™ (KJVu™) is Public Domain. This work may be copied and used by anyone. "King James Version, Updated" and "KJVu" are trademarks. Exact copies of this work may use the trademarked terms. Any derivative work (changes made) may NOT use the trademarked terms. For additional information please see the Legal page.