Baptism — Meaning in the Bible
Washing or immersing in water as a sign. John baptized people who repented; Jesus was baptized by John; Jesus told his followers to baptize disciples.
What it means
John came preaching a baptism of repentance in the Jordan. Jesus was baptized by John, and the Spirit descended on him. Mark 1:4–5Mark 1:9–11
Jesus sent his disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. In Acts new believers are baptized; Paul links baptism with sharing Christ's death and new life. Matthew 28:19Acts 2:38–41Acts 8:36–38Romans 6:3–4
Key passages
- Mark 1:4–11 — John's baptism and Jesus' baptism.
- Matthew 28:18–20 — Baptizing disciples.
- Acts 2:37–41 — Three thousand baptized.
- Acts 8:26–39 — The Ethiopian official.
- Romans 6:1–4 — Buried and raised with Christ.
Original language
βάπτισμα baptisma
Greek · Strong’s G908 · gloss: “baptism”
The Greek noun baptisma. Mark 1:4Romans 6:4
A Strong’s number is a reference identifier, not a complete definition: what a word means in a passage depends on its context. Lexical data: STEPBible.org, based on work at Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0).
For children
Baptism means being washed in water as a sign of following God. John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. Mark 1:9–11
Study further
- Mark 1:1–11 In the Jordan.
- Acts 8:26–40 On the road.
- Romans 6:1–11 What it means.