Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,

LUKE 3:21KJV
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Luke 3:21 (KJV)

What does Luke 3:21 mean?

Luke 3:21 describes how, after many people had been baptized, Jesus Himself was also baptized and was praying when heaven opened. This verse sets the stage for a significant moment, showing Jesus participating in baptism alongside the people and highlighting the opening of heaven as He prays.

The Gospel of Luke is telling the story of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist, with the focus on Jesus joining the crowds in this act. The mention of Jesus praying is unique to Luke, drawing attention to Jesus’ relationship with God. The opening of heaven signals that something important and divine is about to happen, preparing for what follows in the next verses.

The Greek behind Luke 3:21

  • "βαπτιζομένου" (baptizomenou, G907): This word means "being baptized." The form here shows that Jesus was in the process of being baptized, just as the people were, emphasizing His identification with them.
  • "προσευχομένου" (proseuchomenou, G4336): This word means "praying." Luke is the only Gospel writer to mention that Jesus was praying at His baptism, which highlights Jesus’ habit of prayer and His connection to God.
  • "ἀνεῳχθῆναι" (aneōchthēnai, G455): This word means "was opened." The phrase describes heaven being opened, suggesting a moment of revelation or divine action, marking the importance of what is happening.

Why Luke 3:21 matters

  • Luke 3:21 shows Jesus willingly joining the people in baptism, underlining His humility and identification with humanity.
  • The detail that Jesus was praying adds a personal and spiritual dimension, showing His dependence on God and setting a pattern seen throughout Luke’s Gospel.
  • The opening of heaven signals that God is about to speak or act, preparing the reader for the revelation that follows in the next verse.

Where else these words appear

“all” Greek G537 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
  • Luke 8:37 Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.
  • Acts 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

“baptized” Greek G907 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 3:6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
  • Luke 7:30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
  • 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.

“opened” Greek G455 · used in 75 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
  • Revelation 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

“praying” Greek G4336 · used in 82 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 6:12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
  • Acts 20:36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.