But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

LUKE 12:50KJV
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Luke 12:50 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:50 mean?

Luke 12:50 describes Jesus speaking about a difficult experience he must face, calling it a "baptism" he is destined to undergo, and expressing how deeply he feels the pressure or distress until it is completed. Jesus is sharing his anticipation of a coming ordeal, showing both his awareness of it and his emotional burden as he waits for it to happen.

In this verse, Jesus is talking to his disciples as he travels toward Jerusalem. The "baptism" he mentions is often understood as a metaphor for his upcoming suffering and death. The word "straitened" in the King James Version means he feels pressed or constrained, highlighting the weight of what lies ahead for him and his longing for it to be finished.

The Greek behind Luke 12:50

  • βάπτισμα (baptisma): This word, transliterated as "baptisma," usually means an immersion in water, but here it is used figuratively to describe a deep, overwhelming experience—specifically, Jesus’ suffering and death.
  • συνέχομαι (straitened, synéchomai): The Greek word here means to be pressed, constrained, or under pressure. It shows that Jesus feels a strong, almost suffocating sense of anticipation or distress as he looks ahead to what he must endure.
  • τελέω (accomplished, teleō): This word means to bring to completion or fulfill. Jesus is focused on the completion of his mission, indicating that his suffering is not random but has a definite purpose and end.

Why Luke 12:50 matters

  • This verse helps clear up that when Jesus speaks of "baptism" here, he is not talking about water baptism but about a unique, personal trial—his suffering and death.
  • The verse reveals Jesus’ deep emotional state, showing his humanity and the real weight he feels as he approaches his crucifixion.
  • Luke 12:50 connects to the wider passage by showing the seriousness and urgency of Jesus’ mission, helping readers understand the cost and purpose behind his journey to Jerusalem.

Where else these words appear

“straitened” Greek G4912 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Luke 8:45 And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
  • Acts 18:5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

“baptism” Greek G908 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Mark 11:30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.
  • Acts 18:25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

“accomplished” Greek G5055 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
  • Luke 22:37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
  • James 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

“with” 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.