And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

MATTHEW 3:15KJV
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Matthew 3:15 (KJV)

What does Matthew 3:15 mean?

Matthew 3:15 shows Jesus telling John the Baptist to allow His baptism to happen, explaining that it is necessary to "fulfil all righteousness." Jesus is saying that this act is the right thing to do in order to carry out God's will fully.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to John the Baptist, who has just hesitated to baptize Him because he feels unworthy. Jesus insists, saying that His baptism is important for completing everything that God requires. The verse highlights Jesus' choice to identify with people and obey God's plan, even though He Himself had no sin to repent of.

The Greek behind Matthew 3:15

  • "Suffer" (ἄφες, aphēs): This word means "allow" or "permit." Jesus is gently telling John to let the baptism happen, even if it feels unexpected or uncomfortable.
  • "Fulfil" (πληρῶσαι, plērōsai): This means "to complete" or "to carry out fully." Jesus is emphasizing that His baptism is part of completing everything God wants.
  • "All righteousness" (πᾶσαν δικαιοσύνην, pasan dikaiosynēn): This phrase points to everything that is right in God's eyes. Jesus is saying that His baptism is part of living out God's perfect plan.

Why Matthew 3:15 matters

  • Matthew 3:15 clears up why Jesus, who was without sin, chose to be baptized—it was not for repentance, but to fully obey God's will and set an example.
  • This verse shows Jesus' humility and willingness to identify with humanity, even in situations where He did not personally need what was being done.
  • The verse connects Jesus' actions to a larger theme in Matthew of fulfilling God's plans and promises, showing that every step in Jesus' life had meaning and purpose.

Where else these words appear

“becometh” Greek G4241 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 11:13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
  • 1 Timothy 2:10 But(which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
  • Hebrews 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

“now” Greek G737 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
  • John 13:7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
  • 1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

“righteousness” Greek G1343 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
  • Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
  • Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

“fulfil” Greek G4137 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • John 3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
  • Acts 24:27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.