And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

JOHN 3:23KJV
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John 3:23 (KJV)

What does John 3:23 mean?

John 3:23 describes how John the Baptist was baptizing people at a place called Aenon near Salim, specifically because there was plenty of water available there, and people were coming to him to be baptized. This verse shows that John’s ministry of baptism was still active and drawing crowds, even as Jesus’ ministry was beginning to grow.

The verse is part of a narrative where the Gospel writer explains the setting and activities of John the Baptist. John is not speaking here; instead, the writer is giving background information to the reader. The mention of “much water” highlights the practical need for abundant water for baptizing, which involved full immersion. This detail also sets up the following discussion about the relationship between John’s ministry and Jesus’ ministry, showing that both were happening at the same time in nearby locations.

Where else these words appear

“near” Greek G1451 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
  • John 6:4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.
  • Acts 9:38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

“came” Greek G3854 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • John 8:2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
  • Acts 17:10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

“baptizing” Greek G907 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 3:6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
  • Luke 7:29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
  • Acts 8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

“water” Greek G5204 · used in 70 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
  • James 3:12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.