Prophet · Families of Jesu · New Testament
The Story of John the Baptist
The Baptist, son of Zechariah. Not John the apostle.
Also: John the Baptizer, Yohana Mbatizaji (Kiswahili), Yohane (Kiswahili)
Prophet who prepared the way for Jesus, preached repentance, baptized in the Jordan and was beheaded by Herod Antipas.
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Introduction
John was born to Zechariah and Elizabeth in their old age; the angel said he would go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah. Luke 1:13–17Luke 1:57–63
In the wilderness he preached a baptism of repentance, baptized Jesus, and pointed to him as the Lamb of God. Mark 1:4–8Matthew 3:13–15John 1:29
He rebuked Herod Antipas for taking his brother's wife, was imprisoned, and was beheaded. Jesus said that among those born of women none was greater than John. Mark 6:17–29Matthew 11:11
Life at a glance
- Parents
- Zechariah and Elizabeth Luke 1:13Luke 1:57–60
- Way of life
- Clothed in camel's hair; ate locusts and wild honey Mark 1:6
- Death
- Beheaded in prison on Herod's order Mark 6:27
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of John the Baptist
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Birth and naming
John's birth is announced to Zechariah, and when he is born his father names him John and prophesies over him.
Preaching in the wilderness
John preaches repentance in the wilderness of Judea, baptizes in the Jordan, and says one more powerful is coming.
More about this event
Parallel account: Matthew 3:1–12 · Luke 3:1–20 · John 1:19–28
Places named: the wilderness of Judea, the Jordan
Baptizes Jesus
John hesitates but baptizes Jesus, and sees the Spirit descend on him.
More about this event
Parallel account: Mark 1:9–11 · Luke 3:21–22
Supporting passage: John 1:29–34
People: Jesus
Behold, the Lamb of God
John points his disciples to Jesus, and two of them follow Jesus. Later he says, He must increase, but I must decrease.
A question from prison
From prison John sends to ask whether Jesus is the one who is to come; Jesus answers with what is happening, and praises John.
Death under Herod
Herod, who had imprisoned John for rebuking him about Herodias, has him beheaded at a banquet; John's disciples bury him.
More about this event
Parallel account: Matthew 14:1–12 · Luke 9:7–9
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret John the Baptist. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Later recollection
- Acts 13:24–25
- Acts 19:3–4 — Disciples who knew only John's baptism.
Teaching or quotation mentioning them
- Matthew 17:10–13 — The disciples understand Jesus to be speaking of John as Elijah.
Interpretive or typological connection (an interpretation, not a statement of the text)
- Malachi 3:1 — I will send my messenger; applied to John in Mark 1:2 and Matthew 11:10.
- Isaiah 40:3 — A voice crying in the wilderness; applied to John in all four Gospels.
Family and relationships
Books associated with John the Baptist
- Matthew Their story appears here
- Mark Their story appears here
- Luke Their story appears here
- John Their story appears here
John's Gospel is not named after him; it is traditionally attributed to John the apostle. John 1:6
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
RepentanceHumility
- What does John say about Jesus in John 1:29 and 3:30?
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